Author Michael Morpurgo expressed concerns about deprived children in the UK missing out on the lifelong joy of reading for pleasure. Morpurgo and fellow authors have written a letter urging the government to increase investment in early years reading.

The letter emphasized the need for additional support in accessing books and promoting literacy, particularly for children from low-income families. It underscores the significance of acknowledging that regular reading significantly helps children overcome disadvantages.

A Plea for Universal Access to Books

Morpurgo emphasized the right of every child in the UK to have physical, intellectual, and emotional access to reading. He stressed the importance of providing books early on, highlighting the significant division of opportunity between children with access to books and those from deprived backgrounds.

The author pointed out the societal division, especially among millions living in poverty, where children lack exposure to literature and face mental health issues and family problems. Morpurgo believed that books can provide a vital pathway to fulfillment and achievement for these children.

He also expressed concern about library closures affecting disadvantaged families, cutting off a crucial source of book access. He advocated for preserving libraries, emphasizing their importance as a lifeline to reading.

The author called for a shift in education policies to allow schools more time to encourage reading for pleasure rather than treating books solely as study tools for exams. He also emphasized the enjoyment of stories and literature as essential to a child's education. 

READ ALSO: 'Dad I Can Read': New Book by Father-Son Duo Transforms Learning Into Joyful Bonding

Government Response and Morpurgo's Critique

In response to the authors' plea, a Department for Education spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to raising literacy standards, citing initiatives such as the "Little Moments Together" campaign. However, Morpurgo contended that these efforts are insufficient, given the existing financial disparities in the country.

Morpurgo criticized governments for failing to recognize the profound benefits of introducing children to literature from an early age. He argued that literature enriches lives and education, contributing to mental well-being and combating issues like lack of self-worth.

BookTrust's Survey and Campaign

Recent data from BookTrust revealed that despite 95% of parents with children under seven recognizing the importance of reading, one in five children aged 0 to 4 experience being read less than once a month. Additional research by the charity indicated that fewer than half of children receive a bedtime story, and only half of children aged 1 to 2 from low-income families are read to on a daily basis.

BookTrust launched its "Reading Together" initiative. Morpurgo, the president of BookTrust, stated that this well-timed and innovative effort strives to guarantee that a greater number of children receive the necessary foundation to discover the joy of reading early on. This initiative aimed to allow children to hear and read stories and poems, which is their fundamental right. 

Morpurgo stressed that the call by BookTrust and Scottish Book Trust applies across the UK's national boundaries. He said that literature, even in fiction, offers valuable lessons about truth and humanity, and children should be exposed to these experiences from a young age for a richer understanding of the world.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Spark a Child's Interest in Reading? Start Them Young!