Writer in Residence: Camilla Reid

Every six months, BookTrust appoints a new Writer or Illustrator in Residence to write blogs, run competitions and give us their own unique perspective on the world of children's books. 

Our current Writer in Residence is Camilla Reid.  

The Writer in Residence programme provides a platform for writers and illustrators to explore societal issues that they are passionate about, while also encouraging parents and children to read and share books together. Camilla Reid starts her tenure at a time of crisis in children’s reading, in which fewer children than ever report enjoying reading.

Research shows that getting families reading together from the baby months brings unique immediate and long-term benefits. Early shared reading supports bonding between children and their key adults, stimulates brain development and improves wellbeing in families. It helps children to reach early speech, cognitive and other development goals and prepares them for their school years.

Camilla Reid’s theme will be ‘books are the best start in life’.

Reflecting on her upcoming residency, Reid said:

“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.”

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. 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.

Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said:

“It takes a whole community to make a reader, and we’re delighted that early years expert and author Camilla Reid is lending her voice as BookTrust’s latest Writer in Residence. It’s never been more important to encourage and support the next generation of readers and we look forward to working with Camilla over the next six months.”