Today marks International Children’s Book Day, a moment to celebrate the joy, imagination and opportunity that books bring to young people everywhere. It’s also the perfect time to shine a light on the incredible impact of our partnership with The Children’s Book Project.
At Banner, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and feel inspired. Through our collaboration with The Children’s Book Project, we’re helping to tackle an issue that often goes unseen, book poverty.
Making a Real Difference
Thanks to the generosity of our colleagues and customers, who have donated preloved books, we’re proud to share that 58,068 books have already been gifted through this partnership.
That’s more than 58,000 children who now own a book of their very own.
For many, this is not just a book, it’s a first step into a world of imagination, confidence and possibility.
Why Book Ownership Matters
Across the UK, the reality is stark:
- One in three disadvantaged children owns fewer than ten books
- One in ten children owns none at all
Owning books is about so much more than reading. It has been linked to:
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Increased confidence and independence
- A stronger desire to read for pleasure
- Better educational outcomes
By the age of eleven, there can be a 12-month language development gap between children who grow up in book-rich homes and those who do not.
This is why the work of The Children’s Book Project is so vital. Their book gifting events are designed to be joyful, inclusive experiences where children can choose a book they genuinely want to read, creating a meaningful and lasting connection.
Looking Ahead
The impact we’re making together is something we’re incredibly proud of. But this is just the beginning.
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we’re excited to continue growing this partnership, reaching even more children and helping to build stronger reading communities across the UK.
Because something as simple as a book can change a story, and sometimes, even a life.
Find out more at www.childrensbookproject.co.uk
