A BOOK is a gift you can open again and again. And whilst many children will have Ben Miller's Diary of a Christmas Elf, Tom Fletcher's The Christmasaurus or Matt Haig's A Boy Called Christmas on their Santa lists this year, spare a though for those children, who for home Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time.
BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity is calling on us to support its Christmas appeal so hundreds of the most vulnerable children across the country can receive a surprise festive book parcel this Christmas.
The festive book parcels are aimed at children aged 3-13 and include a hardback book, a bookmark, poster and a letter from the much-loved writer and illustrator Ed Vere.
BookTrust aims to reach the most disadvantaged children through its Christmas appeal by working in partnership with The Fostering Network Northern Ireland to identify children in care to receive the festive book parcels. Other book parcels will be given out through community foodbanks to children in families facing challenging circumstances.
Books will be chosen appropriate to the child's age and this year's selection includes Tales from Acorn Wood, Paddington Treasury, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Adventures, Weird but True 2022, The Mysteries of the Universe and Guinness World Records 2022.
The surprise festive book parcels are designed to bring some joy to children at this time of year, increase book ownership amongst children who need the most support and inspire them to continue reading.
BookTrust believes sharing stories and reading are invaluable for children and can create a lifelong positive impact on a child's health, wellbeing, creativity and education.
"We know that Christmas can be a really difficult time for so many families. The last two years have placed immense stresses on family life and budgets and many families feel the pressure of buying presents for their children at this time," says Chris Eisenstadt, director of Northern Ireland office of BookTrust.
"For children living in care, there are added challenges, as some may be spending their first Christmas away from their families. Through our Christmas appeal we aim to reach as many children as we can with a festive book parcel.
"We hear from children and their families who tell us how much it means to them to receive a gift and a book of their own at Christmas. Owning books can play an important role in inspiring families to read together. We want to help as many children as we can across Northern Ireland so that's why we're asking for your support. Just one book can really help to brighten a child's Christmas," adds Chris, who is asking people to donate £10 to send one book parcel to one child.
Research has shown that children who read for pleasure are likely to do better at school, as well as be more socially, culturally and emotionally prepared for life.
The festive book parcels are just one of the ways that BookTrust supports children and families to share stories together and foster a love of reading. Any additional funds raised by the appeal will support this ongoing work with children through the year.
You can donate to the BookTrust Christmas appeal at BookTrust.org.uk/xmas.
