Children’s reading should prioritise pleasure over learning, says laureate
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the UK children's laureate, has called for a shift in focus from learning to pleasure in children's reading. He highlighted a significant decline in the number of children reading for enjoyment and urged the government to support early-years reading initiatives. Cottrell-Boyce emphasized the importance of building parental confidence in reading aloud to foster a love for books among children.
- ▪The number of children reading for pleasure in the UK has decreased by 36% since 2005.
- ▪Cottrell-Boyce advocates for prioritizing pleasure in reading over academic attainment.
- ▪He believes that early-years reading should be supported by parents and nursery workers.
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The number of children reading for pleasure in the UK has declined sharply in recent years. Photograph: Fly View Productions/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe number of children reading for pleasure in the UK has declined sharply in recent years. Photograph: Fly View Productions/Getty ImagesChildrenChildren’s reading should prioritise pleasure over learning, says laureateFrank Cottrell-Boyce tells MPs to focus on early-years reading, with more support for parents and nursery workersSally Weale Education correspondentTue 19 May 2026 10.23 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has urged the government to prioritise pleasure over learning in children’s reading.Giving evidence to MPs on the education committee, which is investigating the…
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