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BookTrust launches Christmas appeal

The UK’s largest children’s reading charity is asking for £10 donations to help send book parcels to over 12,000 vulnerable children in the UK this Christmas.
Donated parcels will include a hardback book
Donated parcels will include a hardback book

BookTrust will send parcels to children aged between three and 13 as part of the Letterbox Club, the charity’s programme for children who are vulnerable and looked after.

Each parcel will contain one of six specially chosen hardback books, a letter from Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, a poster and bookmark created by illustrator and author Neal Layton, and a postcard.

Options to donate £10 for one book, £50 for five, £100 for 10, or any other amount, are available online.

The books that have been selected are:

  • 3-5 years – Maisy’s Funfair by Lucy Cousins
  • 5-7 years – The Paddington Treasury by Michael Bond
  • 7-9 years (not reading independently) – Anthology of Very Intriguing Animals (DK)
  • 7-9 years – Very Important Animals (DK)
  • 9-11 years – Great Adventurers by Alastair Humphreys
  • 11-13 years – Guinness World Records 2020

Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell said, ‘I am so happy and proud to be included in the Christmas gift parcel this year, and thrilled children are being sent a book in this parcel as a present! Books make the best presents, because they help you dream big, and make your own magic. I hope this Christmas parcel puts a smile on every child’s face and makes them feel special and important – as all children should.’

Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, commented, ‘This time of year can be extremely tough for vulnerable children and at BookTrust we want to make this time a little easier for them if we can. A £10 donation can send a book gift to one child, and go some way to brighten their Christmas and help them feel special.’

Money raised from the appeal will also support sending book gifts during 2020 and BookTrust’s work with vulnerable children throughout the year.

  • To donate to the appeal click here