Camilla Reid

Camilla Reid has written and edited numerous early years children’s books over the past twenty-five years, and her titles have sold over 38 million copies worldwide. Twice shortlisted for Editor of the Year, Reid was also a co-founder of pioneering children’s publisher Nosy Crow, and her new baby and toddler series are with Macmillan Children’s Books. Her engaging lift-the-flap toddler series Peekaboo was the fastest-selling board book series in 2021 and shortlisted for the British Book Awards Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year that year. Her toddler picture book series Pip and Posy, which encourages empathy and positive friendship, has been adapted to become an award-winning animation on Sky/​Milkshake.

“We know that families are having a tough time right now and, on top of that, we’re probably all looking at screens far too much. So I want to raise awareness of the amazing role that early years reading plays in helping families to re-connect with each other in a positive and active way – and to show how brilliantly books set our kids up to reach their full potential.

“Early years reading doesn’t mean teaching babies and toddlers to read, it simply means cuddling up and sharing a fun reading experience with a favourite adult. But it can be incredibly beneficial for the grown-up as well as the child – and parents tell me all the time that it’s their favourite moment of the day. It’s hard to believe that a simple five-minute story holds such power, but the impact that early years reading has on the growing brain, on school achievement and on family happiness is startling – and I want everyone to know how important it is!

“My plan is to work closely with nursery groups, early years practitioners and libraries across the UK to workshop ideas that help young families to prioritise early years reading.”