The Bookseller Children’s Conference 2022 highlighted the importance of accessibility, under the shared purpose of encouraging children to read – and getting books to children who don’t have them. One vital session discussed the impact – and aspirations – of World Book Day. Within this, Cassie Chadderton (the CEO of World Book Day) acknowledged the unique place held by the organisation in encouraging children to read for pleasure. It is the esteem within which the organisation is held in the public consciousness that allows it to maintain its vital work.

Offering an opportunity to dress up with friends and discover new books, World Book Day is a highlight of the academic year for many children. The opportunity to dress-up as their favourite character can attract children intimidated by books and make reading seem more accessible. This is done through emphasising the power of familiarity where ‘reluctant’ readers can be encouraged through content they are already used to. Whether that be through gaming and popular characters where a friend comes dressed as Spiderman, or through television and film characters which originated in books like the Cat in the Hat or the Gruffalo. Whilst this aspect may get the most vocal response from the average person – and therefore operates as a successful marketing strategy bringing awareness to the organisation’s wider ambitions – it is the Book Token scheme which embodies the goal of providing books to children who do not have them.

Emphasising the importance of removing barriers to reading, the Book Token scheme is explained as such: “the £1 tokens and £1 books give all children the chance to experience choosing and owning a book – for free”. The clear focus of ‘all children’ is so important, especially when one considers that for 1 in 5 children this will be the first book they own of their own. This statistic illustrates why the Book Token scheme is so crucial: whilst it presents the opportunity for all children to experience independent choice, for some it goes beyond books to be representative of ownership and inclusion.

When asked about the future of World Book Day, Cassie Chadderton stressed the importance of illustrating ideas which can be adapted to create individual reading identities.  In working towards these goals, the Book Token scheme goes beyond financial accessibility to provide inclusivity in content and readability. This encompasses ideas of representation within stories, but also providing books to suit all reading and interest levels. The list built by the organisation is so impressive in its variety, as well as its commitment to something for everyone, because of the understanding that age doesn’t always match reading ability. Put simply, the commitment to emphasising choice allows the books to speak to the organisation’s purpose.

My key inspiration from this session, and the conference in general, was this focus on the individual within the community. Specifically, the emphasis on developing methods of support to assist those who are struggling, to embrace one another’s stories, and to experience the art of reading for pleasure.

Image Credit: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash