Authors including Sir Michael Morpurgo and Malorie Blackman have written an open letter urging the government to invest in early years reading.

Wednesday 17th January 2024

JH

Authors including Sir Michael Morpurgo and Malorie Blackman have written an open letter urging the government to invest in early years reading.
A BookTrust survey suggests that only half of children aged between one and two from low-income families are read to daily.

The letter notes that some families struggle to access books and support.

"It is not right that children from poorer backgrounds are deprived of a life that is rich in reading," it says.

Signatories include current laureate Joseph Coelho plus Julia Donaldson, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Sir Quentin Blake and Michael Rosen.

"It is vital to recognise that children who read regularly are more likely to overcome disadvantage," the letter continues.