This project was funded by the Reading Community Fund in partnership with the John Sykes Foundation. From January to July 2022, we ran weekly storybook sharing sessions with parents and pre-schoolers at Whitley CDA, Whitely Wood Community Centre and Hexham Road Community Centre. Children listened to a trained story reader read a book and took part in fun activities such as singing and craft. Parents were able to read the story to their child as well to become familiar with it. At the end of the session parents enjoyed a hot drink and cake or biscuits and took the book home with them to keep. This meant that children could enjoy reading the book with their parent or carer time after time. At the end of each block of sessions, families had a total of eight books: a mini library! Some of these books were supplied by Bookstart. We are currently seeking funding to continue with this hugely successful initiative.
Research team: Prof Holly Joseph and Dr Daisy Powell
Research assistants (storybook readers): Charlotte Moss and Sonal Zahid
