WHAT IS THE CHILDREN'S BOOK PROJECT?

One in three disadvantaged children across the UK has fewer than ten books of their own at home and one in ten has none.

The Children’s Book Project seeks to tackle book poverty and to give every child the opportunity to own their own book.  They believe in empowering children to choose a book they are motivated to read and in the power of reading communities.  The Children's Book Project have supported Sladefield Infant School in book gifting events that are inclusive, joyful and have a tangible impact on every family that has participated.

Poverty is by no means the only reason for a lack of books in many homes. Lack of time, negative experiences as a child or lack of confidence about their own reading skills or book choices can all undermine a family’s propensity to own books.

THE POWER OF A BOOK

Book ownership has been directly linked with improved mental health amongst children and a greater propensity to read for pleasure, whilst reading fluency itself has a significant impact on children’s successful progression through education. By age eleven, there is a 12-month language development gap between children from book rich homes books and those with fewer than ten books.  The aim of The Children's Book Project and Sladefield Infant School is to tackle the attainment gap arising from low book ownership.  We want every child to feel part of their reading community and to identify with books that they have enjoyed.