On April 23, we celebrate World Book Day, a date to promote the power of books and the importance of reading. Join our campaign ‘Before it’s too late’ to help us raise awareness about the vital effect of reading from an early age.
Help us reach 5000 children on World Book Day
Before it's too late!
For millions of families living in poverty, having books at home just isn’t an option but with your support today, we can open a whole new world to thousands of children, a world filled with possibilities and a bright future.
We know that due to the pandemic school closures 100 million more children than expected are falling behind the minimum reading levels* and that children from low-income backgrounds are the most impacted due to limited access to books, education resources and owning digital devices.
Please support our urgent campaign ‘Before it’s too late’ to help us reach 5000 children today in desperate need of books and literacy support.
For a child like Mia, living in poverty means there are no books for a bed-time story, and she often goes to bed hungry.
Like you, we believe every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves to have books and access to the literacy support they need so that they can experience the joy of reading, escaping into a great story and have meaningful opportunities in their life.
With your donation, a child living in deprivation will receive fun and age-appropriate books and the literacy support they desperately need to ensure they become literacy confident – before it’s too late.
Your support will help a child like Mia receive a book and literacy pack.
What is World Book and Copyright Day?
During UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, UNESCO created the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23. A global initiative to recognize the influence and importance of books and authors. Each year, individuals, organizations, schools, public bodies, and NGOs, work together to celebrate and promote a love for reading.
Best selling authors back the campaign
“World Book Day is one of the most fun days at school, my three boys love to dress up as their favourite characters and dive into wonderful stories. Whilst the day will be different for most children this year, taking part with online school activities, they, just like my kids, will be reaching for their bookshelves and engaging in this lovely day. The reality for thousands of children however, those who live in poverty, won’t be taking part with the same enthusiasm and this is why I am supporting ‘Before it’s too Late’.”
The UnMumsy Mum author – Sarah Turner.
“The pressures on parents who are already struggling financially to put a hot meal on the table each day, understandably don’t have the disposable income to spend on books and there’s also a serious problem for children and families who don’t have access to tech that can support their learning – especially during school closures as they’re not able to take part in online school activities.”
Writer and podcaster – Emma Gannon.
“I was very shy as a child and reading gave me a place to escape and to also find myself through characters and new perspectives. Stories gave me hope and confidence – characters felt like friends. I wish for every child to have the opportunity to find stories they enjoy and learn from, books that feel like support and inspiration for who they can become and what their futures hold. Every child deserves a book of their own and what better day to gift our love of books to the next generation by supporting this campaign.”
Author and broadcaster – Bolu Babalola.
Join the conversation
Please help us spread the word by sharing your pictures and messages from World Book Day on social media using the hashtag #beforeitstoolate. Feel free to tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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