'This is a real worry for our children and we need to fix it'

Waterstones Children's Laureate 2024-2026 Frank Cottrell-Boyce
-Credit:David Bebber


Frank Cottrell-Boyce has said Liverpool could be a “beacon” in solving a national issue facing children. The renowned children's author, who is originally from Rainhill, is the Waterstones Children's Laureate until and will remain in the role till next year.

As part of his work as Children's Laureate, the writer aims to address ‘invisible privilege and inequality’ in access to books and reading. He hopes that every child, from their earliest years, will have access to the transformative ways in which reading can improve long-term life chances.

The 65-year-old told the ECHO he believes Liverpool could be fundamental in solving the crisis. He said: “The children being read to before they even reach school have a huge advantage - not just educationally, but emotionally. It’s such a good marker of bonding and stability, but unfortunately, a rapidly increasing amount of kids are not having that experience. We have to fix it.

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"It’s a massive privilege to have that experience, and it’s also a massive disadvantage if you haven’t. If your first encounter with a book is at school, then you are really going to struggle, but if it's being cuddled up in bed with your mum and dad, then you are already well on your way.

“It’s a national worry throughout the whole of the UK. It’s a big deal. The country is at the bottom of a worldwide table for the enjoyment of reading, and for me, that is the bottom of the table for knowing how to be happy. It’s a big deal, and there is great work being done but it is patchy.

“Liverpool could be a beacon for when this issue turns around. This is a place where everyone talks. We love talking, and this is all about using your voice and talking. It’s a city with deprivation and its own issues, but it is also a city when things get difficult; Liverpool just [comes together].”

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It comes as the Children's Laureate hosted the first The Reading Rights Summit at St George’s Hall on Wednesday, January 22. This was organised in partnership with the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, BookTrust, which manages the Laureateship.

The day-long event brought together high-profile, expert voices in the political, education, literacy, early years, arts, and health sectors to recommend an urgent course of action to policymakers.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce speaking to children at a Southport school
Frank Cottrell-Boyce speaking to children at a Southport school

New research from BookTrust showed a need for support, with six in 10 parents and carers of 0–7-year-olds wishing they had known earlier just how important it is to read and share stories regularly with their children, and wish they had started doing so sooner.

Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said: "Sadly, too many children from low-income families don't get the start in life they deserve. However, we know that early years experiences that include shared reading can change this and are critical to giving children the best start in life.

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"Reading regularly with a child from the earliest moments in childhood has a measurable impact on their development and wellbeing and helps children overcome disadvantages caused by inequalities.

"There is much more to be done. There must now be an urgent investment in a quality provision that places child development at the heart of the early years system. The benefits of early reading and the magic of sharing stories should be experienced by every family and community.

“There has never been a more urgent time for us to inspire a new generation of children on their reading journeys."