National Literacy Trust

10/10/2026

Today is Bookshop Day ✨.

Every year, booksellers help us review hundreds of titles, share insights from the children and families they work with, and identify opportunities to make our Libraries for Primaries collection as inclusive, accessible and engaging as possible.

Co-creation sits at the heart of Libraries for Primaries and we work in consultation with pupils, teachers, librarians, publishers and booksellers to ensure that children can see their lives, interests and experiences validated in what they read.

We work together to update the collection of 500 titles by identifying the books children love, the stories and voices missing from the shelves, and the titles that help make reading feel joyful for every child.

Because every child deserves to find a book that feels like it was chosen with them in mind. ❤️📚

10/10/2026

Will you take 10 minutes to read today for World Mental Health Day?

Our new research in partnership with Suffolk Mind highlights a consistent relationship between reading and wellbeing.

The report shows that more children and young people who enjoy reading, read daily and feel confident in their reading report higher levels of wellbeing than their peers who are less engaged with reading.

We know that too many children and young people struggle to find a connection to reading. But when reading relates to the things we care about, is supported by the people around us, and fits into our everyday lives, we’re more likely to enjoy and stick with it.

So in the we are calling on children, young people and adults to , whatever you are into.

02/10/2026

Buying a Gruffalo book from WHSmith this autumn can help bring the joy of a bedtime story to a child who needs it most.

50p from every copy sold (up to 20,000 copies) until 18 November goes to the National Literacy Trust as part of our partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, helping us support families facing significant barriers to literacy through our Early Words Matter programme, encouraging them to share stories at home, boosting parents’ confidence, and helping young children discover the joy of reading.

So next time you’re at a train station or airport, pick up a Gruffalo book and help change a child’s life story.

One book. One small act. A lasting difference.

Find out more about Early Words Matter: https://loom.ly/Hhnf3SI

23/09/2026

Will you take 10 minutes to read and help to set a new world record?

On Thursday 8 October, in partnership with British Council, we’ll attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours. It’s part of our campaign in the .

Join online sessions with authors and influencers throughout the day and be part of a global shared reading moment. Schools, businesses, community groups, families and individuals can all get involved.

Sign up and take 10 minutes to read into what you love: https://loom.ly/ycVOruU

22/09/2026

Reading together can begin with the things that your child is already interested in.

You do not need lots of time or special skills, and you don't have to read every word or finish every book to make a difference. Follow your child's lead, talk about the pictures, and enjoy special time together whilst developing crucial early literacy skills.
Their story starts with you.

Find tips, activities, and free resources to enjoy with your baby or toddler via this link: https://loom.ly/SOq-HlQ

18/09/2026

What if 10 minutes of reading could help set a new world record?

Let's find out! Join us: https://literacytrust.org.uk/events/take-10-record-attempt/

The National Literacy Trust, the British Council and the National Year of Reading are teaming up to set a new Guinness World Records title for “the most people reading together online over 12 hours” on 8th October.

Read more 👇

13/09/2026

Happy Roald Dahl Day!

Roald Dahl's incredible imagination, unforgettable characters and unique sense of humour have helped generations of children discover a love of reading. But what happens when young readers reach the end of the Roald Dahl shelf or want to explore something new?

There's a whole world of imaginative, creative and hilarious books waiting to be discovered. From mischievous adventures to laugh-out-loud mischief, these series capture some of the humour and fun that Roald Dahl fans love while introducing children to more authors and characters.

What books would you recommend to a Roald Dahl fan? Let us know in the comments below!

08/09/2026

From a royal story time to a surprise visit from the Gruffalo himself, last week’s special event in Liverpool was all about showing how magical sharing stories can be for little ones.

Families joined our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, alongside author and illustrator of The Gruffalo stories, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, for a joyful storytelling session, celebrating the simple moments that help children build confidence, communication skills and a lifelong love of reading.

Because whether it’s making up stories on the bus or snuggling up with a favourite picture book before bed, every story shared can make a difference.

Gruffalo Granny publishes this Thursday 10 September! 👀

07/09/2026

Last week we took a trip into the deep dark wood… to celebrate the joy of sharing stories together!

Our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, joined local families in Liverpool for a special storytelling session inspired by The Gruffalo, with a little help from Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, and a surprise visit from the Gruffalo himself!

But you don’t need a deep dark wood to make story time special.

Find out how you can make stories come alive at home with our top tips and activities: www.literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/their-story-starts-with-you

04/09/2026

Our latest research, supported by .uk, shows that more parents are reading, chatting and playing with their young children every day – the first rise we’ve recorded across all activities since 2019.

However, many parents are finding these activities hard to keep up, due to pressures on their time, feeling stressed, the cost of activities and the availability of local support.

Working with local partners in communities across the UK, our Early Words Matter campaign is empowering more families with the tools they say they need to help support their child’s early literacy at home. And it’s making a difference.

Discover simple, everyday things you can do to build your child's communication skills from the very start during the – and beyond!

https://loom.ly/SOq-HlQ