November 13, 2023

Can reading really improve your life?

30 minutes

Most educational research now suggests that reading for pleasure is strongly linked to a child’s future outcome, educational success, and even wellbeing. But the latest studies also show that reading for pleasure is at its lowest level for twenty years.

Why has this happened in a country that's produced more successful children's books than any other? From Paddington, to Harry Potter, the Chronicles of Narnia to Alice in Wonderland, and of course, the Gruffalo, the list is vast. Is a lack of access to school and local libraries the problem, too few books at home or the rise of phones, tablets and game consoles?

What can schools, government, the media and parents do to help foster a love of reading that could help children throughout their lives? Author and former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson investigates.

Presenter: Julia Donaldson

Producer: Ravi Naik

Editor: Clare Fordham

Contributors:

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, author and screenwriter

Joseph Coelho, 2022-24 Children’s Laureate, author and poet

Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy), the Open University

Joanna Prior CEO Pan Macmillan Publishing, and Chair of Trustees at the National Literacy Trust

Laura Patel, head of literacy, Sandhill View Academy school, Sunderland

Leia Sands, librarian and committee member, the Great School Libraries campaign

Ben Lawrence, arts and culture editor, The Daily Telegraph

Sonia Thompson, headteacher, St Matthews C of E primary school, Birmingham