What we do

We are the UK's largest reading charity and we reach millions of children every year with books, resources and support to get every child reading, regularly and by choice.

We are national in scale and operate in every region in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. We work through every local authority, via children’s centres, schools, libraries and health professionals, to reach the families who need us most.

From running the Children's Laureate to giving out books to families and schools, running exciting reading campaigns or celebrating the very best children's books with our prizes, everything we do aims to inspire children – from babies to teenagers – to get started on their reading journeys.

Our programmes, campaigns and awards

Programmes

Our projects are designed to help families enjoy reading together.

Resources and activities

Browse through our useful resources: from lesson plans and reading tips, fun activities and tools for teachers.

Awards and prizes

Find out about all the prizes and awards that BookTrust is involved with.

Children's Laureate

Poet and author Joseph Coelho is the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-24: a role that is normally awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to celebrate their outstanding achievement.

BookTrust Annual Lecture

Every year, we invite a notable figure to share their thoughts on the industry to an audience of authors, illustrators, publishers and influencers.

Research and impact

BookTrust supports children and families to experience the joy of reading and its associated benefits. Find out more about the impact of our programmes and activities.

BookTrust Cymru

Our work supports every family in Wales from their child’s first year of life.

BookTrust Northern Ireland

Through our reader development programmes and work as an arts organisation, BookTrust in Northern Ireland makes a positive impact on children, families and local communities.

For Families

Tools, resources, and useful blogs for families and children to enjoy on their reading journey.

Books and reading

Looking for brilliant books to enjoy?

Our Books and Reading area includes tips on sharing stories, themed booklists, recommendations of our favourite new books, our annual Great Books Guide, our BookTrust HomeTime site packed with fun things to do, and more...

Take a look

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Looking for something fun as a family?

Visit HomeTime

Enjoy storytime with our free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in our book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.

Bookmark: books and disability

Information on disability and children's books

Find advice and book recommendations for families, teachers, librarians, authors and publishers.

Reading tips and advice

Useful reading ideas for both families and schools

Discover how to read as a family, set up a great bedtime routine and encourage reading in your school.