IN recent weeks, leading up to World Book Day on March 7, the Schools Team at Crediton bookshop, The Bookery, has visited 15 local Primary Schools and spoken to 2,200 children about its Top Titles for 2024.

Pauline Chater from the Schools Team explained that the Top Titles for 2024 is a collection of 24 recently-published books which includes picture books for the very young, short chapter books for developing readers, longer books for older readers, super-readable, dyslexia-friendly titles for children between eight and 12 who lack confidence in reading, plus a graphic novel and two non-fiction books.

She said: “The Bookery is a community-owned, independent bookshop in Crediton which has a particular focus on bringing a love of reading into children’s lives.

“One eight-year-old said to me recently that they thought reading was about being happy!

“Reading for pleasure is not some optional frill, but a vital ingredient in children’s development.

“There is strong evidence that reading for enjoyment is both a key factor in children’s educational success and a help in promoting personal and emotional development. Yet a 2023 National Literacy Trust’s survey found that fewer than half of children aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed reading!

“On school visits our volunteer team of experienced teachers and teacher trainers showcase our collections and read extracts from the books, which children then have the opportunity to buy.

“The books are heavily discounted, but we are mindful that many families simply cannot afford money for books, so all the schools we visited purchased the Top Titles collection, allowing all children to have access to good quality books.”

Pauline continued: “The visits and collections are very popular with schools.

“As one headteacher said of a recent visit: ‘We loved it! You supported us in promoting a real love of reading.’

“If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend then the gift of a book is something precious.  You may already be familiar with some well-known writers of children’s books, but you may not know that there is an abundance of wonderful authors out there who are less well-known.

“The Bookery can help you find just the right book for a particular child and open their eyes to the pleasure of reading.

“If you live near Crediton, then simply visit the shop at 21 High Street, Crediton EX17 3AH to browse our Schools Top Titles display at the top of the stairs.

“If you live further afield then why not visit the website: www.thebookery.org.uk  to view the collection. You’ll find the Top Titles here: https://thebookery.org.uk/schools/ and you can order books to be sent to you.

“Just to remind you that in 2022 The Bookery won the prestigious British Book Awards for Independent Bookshop of the Year and Children’s Bookshop of the Year.

“Each year our Schools Team of experienced teachers, librarians and teacher trainers read and review hundreds of books and then put together a collection of recently published titles.

“Each book is read and carefully reviewed for content, quality of writing and illustration and age suitability. So come and pay us a visit!”