In a world of infinite digital content, it’s hardly surprising that the number of children who read for pleasure is “in steep decline,” (Rebecca McNally, The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference) with the National Literacy Trust stating that only 2 in 5 children choose to read in their free time. With overstimulating TV shows and video games with bright colours and catchy theme tunes effortlessly stealing the attention of today’s children, books have taken the backseat in children’s entertainment. The question remains: how is it possible for children’s books to be interactive and engaging enough to compete with the effortless amusement of children’s digital media?

A key discussion point at this year’s Bookseller’s Children’s Book Conference was the children’s reading crisis, thrusting children’s reading habits into the limelight and raising questions about the role of online overconsumption, decreased funding and the contributions of caregivers and teachers.

National Literacy Trust, Children and young people’s reading in 2023

Morning presentations by Bloomsbury’s Rebecca McNally and the Publishers Association’s Caroline Cummins highlighted common concerns about the reading crisis, with inspiring words urging publishers and caregivers alike to help encourage children to read. A prevalent issue discussed by McNally described how the lack of sufficient funding for libraries and schools is having an extensive impact on communities of young readers across the UK, stating that 800 libraries have closed since 2010. Whilst this damages the accessibility that children have to books, it also strips them of a designated space to read and be inspired by a variety of books. 

Both McNally and Cummins spoke of the importance of consistent encouragement both at home and at school, reminding me of my own treasured memories of the biannual mobile school book fair, World Book Day and summer reading challenges. The unforgettable books that I discovered by spending hours in my school library is an experience that is unavailable for many of today’s children, who are instead mesmerised by the constant presence of bright screens – a fact that I, among others at the Children’s Conference, am saddened by and determined to change. 

Digital media has harnessed many readers through audiobooks, eBooks and book reviews, but how can digital literary content be attractive to children? From fandom platforms like The Wizarding World to interactive storytelling software such as Vooks, there is a growing number of online resources which support and encourage children to read and offer creative ways to stay involved with their favourite stories. These online services are vital to turning the reading crisis around, as they are allowing books to have a role in the daily lives of children – a notion that would otherwise be impossible in a digitised world. Jasmine Richards, founder of award-winning fiction studio Storymix, added that publishers need to take risks in exploring new options for accessibility and representation, to “achieve balance and turbulence” in the world of children’s books, and to approach the reading crisis with lasting solutions.

As we confront the reading crisis, it’s clear that fostering a love for books in today’s children requires a collective effort—one that combines the magic of storytelling with the innovative tools of our digital age.

References

Cummins, C. 2024. The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference. Publishers and the reading for enjoyment challenge [Conference Keynote] 30th September 2024

GrumpyBeere. 25th March 2024. Child reading books. Illustration.[Online], available at: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/child-reading-books-study-8653902/ accessed: 18/10/2024

McNally, R. 2024. The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference. Winning Kids Back [Conference Keynote] 30th September 2024

National Literacy Trust. 2023. Children and young people’s reading in 2023. [Online], available at: https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-2023/ date accessed: 16/10/2024

Richards, J. 2024. The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference. Changing the mix [Conference Keynote] 30th September 2024

Vooks. 2024. [Online], available at: https://www.vooks.com/mbyj/ accessed: 16/10/2024

Wizarding World. 2024. [Online], available at: https://www.harrypotter.com accessed: 16/10/2024