Books and play are sometimes treated as separate activities. But for babies and young children, books can be part of play too. It's #NationalPlayDay and we're sharing just some of the ways books can help encourage play - and all of the child development benefits it brings! https://bit.ly/4vIx2Yb

How can we encourage children to build a reading habit? By giving them choice! Empowering children to pick the books they read increases their motivation to read, especially when they feel their preferences are respected. 📺 Watch our recent webinar about book choice: https://bit.ly/4bmJJjk

From heartfelt picture books to compelling novels, our new Waterstones #ChildrensLaureate has something to move every reader. @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social's powerful work often centres on the diverse experiences of young people today. Do you have a favourite Patrice Lawrence book?

Very honoured to see my book on this lovely list @booktrust.org.uk @bloomsburyed.bsky.social www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recomme... #BookSky #KidLitUK

8 poetry books to get children performing

Author Rhiannon Oliver shares some favourite poetry collections that inspire children to perform.

booktrust.org.uk

Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival, our #WriterInResidence, helps children understand that other people have worries too. If you love Tom’s brilliant Big Bright Feelings series of picture books, see our recommendations for what to read next 📚 https://bit.ly/45CPo1a

Every month, our team reviews dozens of exciting new children's books ✨ Whether they're a teeny toddler or a very particular teen, you can find their ideal summer book in this list! https://bit.ly/487zIVT

We're so in love with this year's #Bookbuzz Primary titles! 📚 Which ones do you think will be popular with your pupils? Find out all about the books and order Bookbuzz Primary for your school here 👇 https://bit.ly/4fYtcVd

It's #InternationalDayOfFriendship! Here are some of the very best picture books all about friendship – perfect for all young children 💙 https://bit.ly/4bVNe0f

Our new research shows that reading for enjoyment dips when children start school, but together we can change that. Find out how to strike a balance between children learning to read and learning to love reading, in our evidence-informed guide. https://bit.ly/4fEaMYG

Our Writer in Residence, Tom Percival, argues that stories are safe spaces for children to explore decision-making. https://bit.ly/4c2gMcy

It's #SouthAsianHeritageMonth, so we're sharing these fantastic books that celebrate South Asian families and culture – and everyone can enjoy reading them together ✨ https://bit.ly/4oBkM8n

When we announced @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social as our new Waterstones #ChildrensLaureate this month, she was joined on stage by Michelle, Jessica and Ahmad from Brook Mead Academy 💙 They shared some of their favourite books and the impact they've had - and also filmed and edited their experience!

It is so important that adults enjoy the stories they are sharing with children. Our research shows that children with parents and carers who like reading are more likely to develop a long-lasting love of reading themselves. Writer Colette Hiller explores how this works 👇 https://bit.ly/3RKabg4

We've loved working with Better Start on #BookTrustStorytime, as Blackpool Libraries staff like Molly have received training & mentoring. It's to help them feel more confident leading storytelling sessions & encouraging children's early communication skills. Find out more 👇 https://bit.ly/3T9wGvi

"Sometimes a book is so good, you don't want to give it back" #Bookbuzz Secondary gives Year 7 and Year 8 students the chance to choose and keep a book they love. Join over 1,200 secondary schools using to develop reading for pleasure, right from transition. https://bit.ly/44GOYGN

In our recent webinar, we heard from @mattcourtney.bsky.social at Wandle English Hub, with practical strategies to support reading as children start school. Find out why starting school is such a critical moment for reading enjoyment in our new evidence-informed guide. https://bit.ly/4aXulK0

Fancy helping us choose the books for our programmes? We're currently recruiting for our selection panels for: ⭐ #Bookstart Additional Needs ⭐ #Bookbuzz Primary ⭐ #Bookbuzz Secondary Find out if you're eligible to take part and apply here 👇 https://bit.ly/4wEeoR6

Our brilliant Writer in Residence Tom Percival is showing us how to draw different emotions! 🖌️ It's all because of his fabulous competition, giving children the chance to win books and art supplies by drawing a character displaying an emotion. Find out more 👇 https://bit.ly/3SfeiRg

The Education Committee's reading for pleasure report is out! After contributing to the inquiry alongside #ReadingRights ambassador @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social we welcome the early years focus & the National Reading Guarantee idea to make reading a right for every child. @helenhayes.bsky.social

Every year, over 1,200 schools use #Bookbuzz Secondary to inspire their students to read for pleasure! And 91% of schools taking part in our survey told us the programme helps them meet the DfE Reading Framework’s objectives on reading for pleasure. Get involved here: https://bit.ly/4pj1u8I

Debbie and her niece Dora helped us to shape our short film #StoriesThatConnectUs - highlighting the difference shared reading can make to foster, kinship, and adoptive families. Read their full story: https://bit.ly/4vy9Afn

How can #schools boost reading for pleasure skills, #numeracy, wellbeing & confidence for vulnerable pupils? We explore the impact of the @booktrust.org.uk Letterbox Club programme – from #literacy gains to stronger relationships & smoother transitions buff.ly/oMJQb3l

Our recent survey showed that teachers are looking for support with reading for pleasure. 📚 #Bookbuzzz Primary is here to help! An expertly curated book selection. Grab and go resources. And the chance for each registered pupil to choose a book to take home and keep 👇 https://bit.ly/4h29F7k

Last week we announced the incredible @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social as our new Waterstones #ChildrensLaureate ✨ With some amazing former Laureates in the room, we asked four of them what top tips they have. Find out about Patrice's exciting plans for her Laureateship! https://bit.ly/4vqVSdY

"I feel hopeful every time I walk into a school and meet the young people. How thoughtful, empathetic, considerate and knowledgeable they are. That's what gives me hope" The wonderful @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social, our new Waterstones #ChildrensLaureate, on what keeps her optimistic.

We unveiled our brand new Waterstones #ChildrensLaureate this week - the brilliant @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social! Your July book mission is to read one of Patrice's amazing books - which one will you choose? 📚 See our reviews: https://bit.ly/3QujoCB 📅 Get the full calendar: https://bit.ly/3QujoCB

#Bookstart Toddler & Pre-schooler reached 417,400 children last year with books & support to help families make shared reading part of their lives. And 76% of parents said the packs prompted them to share stories more with their child. Read more in our Impact Report: https://bit.ly/4w2kJ9o

Win an author visit with Brogen Murphy, author of Wildlands - one of this year's #Bookbuzz Secondary books! ✨ Every school that has registered for Bookbuzz by midnight on 24 July will automatically be entered into the prize draw. Register now: https://bit.ly/4blVXZl

We love this! Always wonderful to see our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, celebrating the joy of treasured stories 🐻🍯 Joined by some of our favourite authors and illustrators, including Dame Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Jane Riordan.

Royal Literary Fund@royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 4w ago

Today we celebrated 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh and AA Milne's legacy with the RLF's Royal Patron, HM The Queen. Joined by Sita Brahmachari, Dame Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Jane Riordan, a game of Poohsticks crowned Axel Scheffler as this year's champion! Photography: Fernando Manoso Ltd

How can #schools boost reading for pleasure skills, #numeracy, wellbeing & confidence for vulnerable pupils? We explore the impact of the @booktrust.org.uk Letterbox Club programme – from #literacy gains to stronger relationships & smoother transitions buff.ly/oMJQb3l