The benefits of reading in the context of education and human development in general have been discussed for generations. However, in recent years this discussion has become bound up with our concerns about children’s interaction with technology. Children’s use of social media, for example, and the rise of so-called ‘digital based learning’ in schools, return us to this question about the various benefits of reading. Parents and teachers’ concerns about the rise of children’s ‘screen time’ during the pandemic was also a concern about children’s literacy. If a child spent more time in front of a screen, then surely this was [...]

Roald Dahl is considered one of the world’s greatest storytellers. In his lifetime he wrote 16 stories for children, and many more for grown-ups. His writing continues to find new readers far and wide and, having been translated into over 70 languages, his influence can be felt far beyond the so-called English-speaking world. According to the Roald Dahl Story Company, set up to ‘protect and grow the cultural value’ of his stories, 300 million books have been sold worldwide, with one new book sold ‘every 2.5 seconds’. His writing continues to inspire other writers, theatre makers, filmmakers, musicians and illustrators. This [...]

The Stories Behind the Artworks of Beatrix Potter Beatrix Potter, the beloved British author and illustrator, is best known for her charming tales of animals in her children’s books, such as “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny.” Her delightful illustrations and loveable stories have captured the hearts of generations of readers around the world (including ours at Little British Schools!). But did you know that behind these beloved works of art, there are fascinating stories that shed light on Beatrix Potter’s life, creativity, and enduring legacy? Potter’s love for nature and animals is evident in her [...]