Today we joined Chapter One for the Big Give Christmas Challenge Festive Book Guide event which brought together two experts in children's literature for an engaging hour of new book recommendations and insights. The event guided attendees through selecting books for children from toddlers to teenagers.

Chapter One, the UK literacy charity, has announced a week-long Christmas fundraising campaign, the highlight of which was the virtual event in collaboration with LoveReading designed to help anyone looking to inspire a love of reading in young people this festive season. During Chapter One’s match-funded Big Give Christmas Challenge, donations will be doubled for one week, and you can still donate until Tuesday 9th December at midday.

LoveReading4Kids' very own Deborah Maclaren shared recommendations for younger readers and provided expert insights into nurturing reading for pleasure from the early years. Chapter One’s Stephanie Lockwood drew from her extensive research with Chapter One's Book Club pilot - and her years as a primary school headteacher - to share recommendations for older children and reluctant readers. 

The need for reading support is critical: in 2025, 37% of 11-year-olds facing disadvantage in England left primary school unable to read at the expected standard, and research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children's reading enjoyment is at an all-time low. Chapter One's award-winning innovative solution pairs corporate volunteers with children for weekly online reading sessions, creating meaningful connections that transform young lives. 

Emma Bell, Chapter One’s CEO says: "Whether you're looking for the perfect book to wrap up for Christmas or wanting to understand how to nurture a love of reading in a young person, this event has something for all. As we build momentum towards the National Year of Reading 2026, we're excited to show how supporting children's literacy can be part of everyone's life – from choosing the right book to volunteering or donating."

The event was the focal point of Chapter One's Big Give Christmas Challenge, where donations made between midday on Tuesday 2 December and midday on Tuesday 9 December will be doubled through matched funding from supporters The EQ Foundation, Clyde & Co, Compare the Market, Datagraphic, Euromonitor and Taylor & Francis.

Here is the list of curated book recommendations that were discussed at the event. To donate to Chapter One's Big Give Christmas Challenge from 2 December, click here.

***The online recorded event Unwrap the Joy of Reading is now available to watch.

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