Trudy is encouraging schools and nurseries to sign up to receive £1 book tokens as part of World Book Day 2021.
The focus of this years globally acknowledged campaign, which is now in its 24th year, aims to encourage a love of reading in children and young people and is a celebration of everything books including the authors, illustrators and the children who read them.
Led by charity, Unesco, the annual celebration which sees young children dress up as their favourite story character helps to promote reading for pleasure by offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.
Trudy, said: “World Book Day provides a wonderful opportunity to dig out an old favourite, or choose an as yet unexplored book to enjoy a few moments of make believe and storytelling. I have incredibly fond memories of my nana reading Blackberry Farm books to my mum, who then carried on the tradition with my younger brother and I.
“As a former nursery owner and mother of four, I completely understand the importance of reading which helps to develop creative imaginations, boost confidence and aspirations whilst also allowing a form of escapism.
“During a time when we are all staying at home, there is no greater gift than a good story, allowing us to transport our minds to another place; finding the the time to put away from laptops, phones and tablets is more important than ever."
The charity, along with National Book Tokens Ltd, offers an astonishing 15 million £1 book tokens to children nationally, one for nearly every child under the age of 18 in the country.
Schools pre-schools and or nurseries can register for the digital token, by clicking here to register.
The digital token will be emailed to your school, and teachers can then forward/email the token to parents. Tokens will also be on McDonald’s Happy Meal boxes through February and March, and in some children’s magazines.
The National Literacy Trust said that children’s enjoyment of reading increased during lockdown from 47.8% pre-lockdown to 55.9% post-lockdown, having reached a 15-year low before lockdown.
3 in 5 (59.3%) children and young people said that during lockdown reading makes them feel better.
For more information about World Book Day please click here.