Leading children’s reading charity BookTrust, announce the ‘must have’ books for children under five

Published on: 27 September 2024

The UK’s leading children’s reading charity, BookTrust has revealed the best new books for sharing with young children as it launches the annual BookTrust Storytime programme which runs in 95 libraries across Northern Ireland.

Featured in the Sunday Times Best Books for Children 2023 Into the Wild by Thomas Docherty is the first book on the list. Also included are Look Out! Hungry Snake: A hide-and-seek flap book by Paul Delaney and Roarr! written by Sam Taplin and illustrated by Allie Busby.

Interactive rhyming book, Ten Little Ducklings by Lucy Rowland and illustrated by Aki and Whisper Shout Let it Out! by Madhvi Ramani and illustrated by Anuska Allepuz complete the Storytime selection.

The books are part of the charity funded programme, which is free to the public and designed to support children experiencing disadvantage as these children have the most to gain from becoming regular readers. The programme supports libraries across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to encourage families with children under the age of five to visit libraries and begin their reading journey.

Families who have not used library services before often face barriers such as lack of transportation, economic barriers like being worried about paying surprise fees and social barriers including feeling nervous about entering a library for the first time. However, research found that 71% of libraries said BookTrust Storytime helped support their work engaging with children under five and 70% of participating families returned to their local library after their initial visit.

Instilling the skill and love for reading in children has impact long into adulthood. Reading regularly with a child from as young as two weeks old has a measurable impact on their development including better mental health, educational outcomes, empathy and creativity, and mitigating socio-economic inequalities.

Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said: 

"We're committed to helping every child, no matter what their family background, become regular readers and reap the benefits which come from reading for pleasure. We know that reading is not only beneficial for a child's development but also provides joy through sparking imagination and encouraging bonding with adults. BookTrust Storytime is built around the very best in children’s literature and giving children access to positive reading experiences such as this can be lifechanging.

"We’re incredibly grateful to all our library and local authority partners in Northern Ireland who share our vision for a future where all children can access books and develop a love for reading. Many thanks to the authors who have created books that families can keep enjoying together."

Brid Steele, Libraries NI Service Development Manager added:

"We are thrilled to be part of the BookTrust Storytime programme once again. This initiative not only provides families with access to fantastic books but also helps to foster a love of reading from an early age. Our libraries are dedicated to creating welcoming and engaging spaces where families can enjoy reading together and build lasting memories. We look forward to welcoming families to our upcoming Storytime sessions and seeing the joy that these wonderful books bring to children.”

Libraries who take part in the Storytime programme are provided with specially shortlisted books for children under five and resources that enabled them to create their own interactive, memorable experiences for families that keep them returning to their local libraries.