New research by the National Literacy Trust has revealed that the place kids in Manchester and the North West most love to read is in bed (64%) – with other top contenders including on the sofa (45%), in the library (38%) and on a plane (33%).
Kids also revealed the strangest places they enjoy escaping with a book, such as on the toilet, up a tree and on a trampoline
In the spirit of the findings, new Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, has joined top children’s authors to reveal their favourite reading spots in a series of fantastic photos to inspire kids to find new and exciting places to read this summer.
Children have also joined in the fun, with photos of four-year-old Ruby hanging upside down to read Eric Carle’s The Hungry Caterpillar, eight-year-old James climbing up a tree to read Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith, and four-year-old Leah taking a break fromjumping on her trampoline to read The Upside-Down Browns by Julia Donaldson.
The launch is being supported by Read Manchester – a campaign from Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust to promote reading and boost literacy throughout the city. Read Manchester is supporting calls for children and families to share a photo on social media of the place they most love to #GetLost in a story.
Jason Vit, Head of Literacy Hubs and Regional Campaigns (including Read Manchester) at the National Literacy Trust, said: “While school might be the last thing on kids’ minds during the summer holidays, helping them find or visit interesting places in which to read is one way to help prevent learning loss over the break. As families travel to the library, the park or the beach this summer, fuelling children’s adventures with new books and stories on the journey can elevate their imaginations from train ride to dragon ride! You might see that they want to continue their literary journey, even after they’ve alighted.”
Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, said: “Books can take children on incredible adventures – opening up new worlds, feeding their imaginations and giving them big ideas! The summer holidays are a great time for families to explore stories together and to do so in places they might not usually get the chance to. I spent most of my childhood devouring books on a remote Scottish Island – and it turned me into the writer I am today. Children and young people have revealed that they love to read in some truly inspired places, so let’s follow their lead!”
The National Literacy Trust has published a new book list to help kids of all ages to find the best book to read in a whole variety of fun places this summer. The charity has also created a step-by-step guide to help familiesbuild their very own reading dens with things found around the house. Both can be found at:wordsforlife.org.uk
