Opinion

Laura Henry-Allain: Using the 'village' to support children's reading

Laura Henry-Allain on her love of reading and how we can all come together to support this in young children today.
Laura Henry-Allain, educationalist, consultant, producer and Storyteller

 

 

I have always loved children’s books: from reading to children, reading as an early years educator, reading to my own children when they were little and, of course, reading my own books to children. 

As a working-class dyslexic child growing up on a council estate in North Kensington, I was incredibly lucky that we had a local library, albeit a small one. Kensal Library was my oasis; after school, my siblings and I would either visit the library or the nearby adventure playground.

My mum encouraged a love of reading and would often purchase books, when her finances allowed, from the Puffin Book Club through my primary school. I still remember the look of the large pamphlet showcasing the wide range of books (so much to choose from!). I also remember the books in my school library and Mrs Corr, who was in charge and who always kept everything perfectly ordered.

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