Illustration of a hand placing a 'Solution' puzzle piece between two blocks. One person climbs a ladder, while another with a telescope stands on a block, bridging the reading gap.

Closing the reading gap with the right book choice

SLS UKAdvice, Reading

Librarian’s view: For confident early readers and reluctant or not yet got it readers, tackling a whole book together in class can be tricky. The speedy ones think they know the story. While the not yet got it group might be struggling to follow and understand, and if a round robin approach is being used in their class then may also be really worrying about their turn to read out loud. Whole class reading is of course guided by an expert reader – the teacher. One way is for the teacher to read the story to a listening class, …

A child beams with joy in a library, surrounded by a heart-shaped frame of colorful books. Among them lies the enchanting "The Legend of Ghastly Jack Crowheart," part of the "Books Kids Love" collection and truly loved by all.

Books Kids Love: Curated by Kids, Loved by All

SLS UKReading

Zoe DavisAssistant ManagerLancashire SLS Librarian’s view: At the Lancashire School Library Service, we understand the dedication and effort it takes to find the perfect book for each child in your school. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve been tirelessly hunting down and curating the most ‘Fantastic’ books to feature in our renowned Book Awards. What makes our selection truly special is that each title is chosen by the children of Lancashire themselves, ensuring that every book on our list is a surefire hit with young readers. Whether you’re looking to top up your library or create a delightful …

A person with glasses smiles in front of a colorful collage of children's book covers, embodying the joy of life with books. The Barrington Stoke logo featuring a squirrel is on the left side, adding to the vibrant scene.

What larks: a life with books

SLS UKInterview

Jane Walker from the publisher Barrington Stoke talks about books that empower reluctant readers to get to the end of a story are a big win for all readers. Interview by Nicola Baird Barrington Stoke is known for its super-readable, dyslexia friendly fiction designed to help every child become a reader. But how did they know what worked? “We were founded by a head teacher of a school for children with dyslexia and dyspraxia,” explains Sales & Marketing Director, Jane Walker. “As she was retiring everyone kept saying, ‘What are you going to do?’ She knew she wanted to …