Tom Percival is BookTrust's new Writer in Residence
9 March 2026
Tom Percival will be exploring reading and wellbeing over the next six months as he takes on the role of BookTrust’s Writer in Residence.
We are delighted to announce that Tom Percival has been named BookTrust’s new Writer in Residence.
Here’s what he had to say about his plans for the next six months:
“Hello! I am Tom Percival and I am now the new Writer in Residence for BookTrust. And I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m going to be exploring how reading improves children’s wellbeing. At various points in life, we’re all going to struggle with one thing or another, and books, for me, have always been a massive comfort.
“That’s because storytelling is a hugely powerful tool.
“Reading about a character similar to us helps us feel seen, which makes us feel like we’re not alone, and in turn connects us to the world around us. And of course, being read to by a trusted adult builds that connection for children immediately.
“Reading also helps us to understand different perspectives and other people’s struggles, showing us situations that we might otherwise have no understanding of.
“So books can help us to know ourselves and to know other people. They also enrich us, entertain us, and increase our empathy, intelligence, and focus. So it’s not bad really!
“To be fair, it’s all about the stories. It’s not just the words – there are also loads of pictures in my books and you’re going to be hearing all about that too.
“So join me over the next few months as I explore the connections between reading, writing, creativity and wellbeing, and how engaging in any or all of these things can make us feel happier and healthier.”
More about Tom becoming our Writer in Residence
The Writer in Residence programme provides a six-month platform for writers and illustrators to explore issues in society that they’re most passionate about, while also encouraging families to experience the benefits of shared reading.
Tom takes over from Matt Goodfellow, while other creators who have taken part include Michael Rosen, Cressida Cowell, and Patrice Lawrence.
He’s known for his Big Bright Feelings series of picture books – including titles such as Ruby’s Worryand Ravi’s Roar – and has written over 35 titles, including both picture books and middle-grade stories.
Tom’s appointment comes during the National Year of Reading, when BookTrust is continuing its efforts to ensure as many children as possible are able to access shared reading and the life-long benefits it brings.
BookTrust Co-CEO Diana Gerald said she is “delighted” to welcome Tom to the role of Writer in Residence, adding:
At BookTrust, we know that developing a love of reading can have a huge impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and future opportunities, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Diana Gerald, Co-CEO, BookTrust
“We’re excited to work with Tom over the coming months and support more children to discover the power of reading.”
This heartfelt, profound book by award-winning picture book makers Tom Percival and Richard Jones is a subtle and beautiful reminder to all of us that using our voices to stand up for what we believe in is important, both for the collective, but for the individual too.
Will and his dad don’t have much, and when there’s the chance to make easy money, Will must make a difficult decision. Moving and gritty, this is a fantastic read.
When Finn tells a fib about breaking Grandma’s clock, it leads to more and more fibs. How can he tell the truth? Reassuring, kind and sensitive, this is a lovely book, beautifully illustrated.
When Isabel’s family moves to a new neighbourhood, everything is strange and different. Isabel feels like people look right through her – that is, until she starts to notice the other invisible people trying to make the world a better place.
Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry – and it won’t stop growing. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again? A very beautiful, sensitive look at anxiety and how a problem shared is a problem halved.
Norman has always been normal, perfectly normal… So he is very surprised to have wings suddenly one day! This is a sweet and truly uplifting story that celebrates diversity in a subtle but unique way.
When new boy Anansi arrives in Tale Town, everyone welcomes him to his new home, except for Jack. Missing a parent and feeling unease about a new friend are handled in an interesting, engaging way that doesn’t push the moral.
This charming picture book is perfect to share with those who may find it difficult to form friendships and is ideal to promote discussions about emotional well-being.
When being the youngest and smallest gets too annoying, Ravi roars and turns into a tiger! But who wants to play with a tiger? An entertaining book about losing your temper and recovering from it.
When Squirrel and Duck’s home is demolished, they embark on an eventful mission to track down a valuable stolen painting and make their fortune. This laugh-out-loud adventure is accompanied by lively black-and-white illustrations.
This is the third book in the Dream Defenders series and would benefit from being read in sequence. The imaginative Dreamscape setting, short chapters and lively black-and-white illustrations make it an engaging tale which celebrates individualism and promotes emotional wellbeing.
After storming off to bed upset and in a terrible mood, Erika wakes up in the most incredible place ever: there are rainbow-coloured trees, super bouncy grass and waterfalls that flow up instead of down. But she’s in danger of being trapped there… can she find her way home?
