We’re thrilled that our Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, has written a blog to coincide with World Book Day all about reading during lockdown.
A Celebration of World Book Day
By HRH Princess Beatrice
Reading stories over this last year has been the best form of adventure from the safety of our own homes. It is amazing how in-between video calls and working through technology we have had more time in the day to enjoy reading and its shown how important is has been to step away from the screen and jump into worlds unknown through the help of books.
As you might already know I have dyslexia and as such reading has never been my strongest talent, however, having a little more time to take a moment to really get into stories has been a gift I am happy to have shared with lockdown life. I have found when things are a little uncertain, or if I am worried or scared of what the future might have in store, stepping in the worlds describes on the pages of literature has given me a sense of reassurance. It reminds me that challenges and quests have been dared throughout the ages and lessons learnt along the way make us stronger and more resilient.
This year, I had the great honour to become a stepmother, and have had the most remarkable time going back over some of my most favourite stories at bedtime. Together, we had such a special time reading through all the entries for Oscars Book Prize 2020. The winning book Tad by Benji Davis is a remarkable story of resilience told through the adventures of Tad the little tadpole who was one of the smallest but one of the bravest in the pond. The story reminds us that sometimes the biggest stories have the smallest beginnings. I can't wait to see what we will read for the Prize this year!
For me, stories shared together during this challenging time have been a great lesson. Reflecting on those seemingly small moments when you are laughing at a character or a very clever illustration remind us that even when things feel uncertain there is always an adventure to be had on the next page. My inspiration and love of reading has stemmed from an early age, my Mother being a children’s author instigated my love of reading and stories.
My stepson has been, as many children have, home schooling this term. Helping him to engage with stories is a great journey to inspire imagination, creativity, independence and humour. If you have not yet read the Oi Frog books by Kes Grey and Jim Field, they have fast become our favourite. We have all had to learn new ways to cope with the strangest of times. For our family, reading stories has been a great part of our journey to finding laughter and a little magic on the journey.
As Princess Beatrice mentions, discovering books to read together is a magical way to mark World Book Day.
To help you choose, why not look at some of our previous shortlisted books for inspiration?
Or, take a look at the next post (and/or on our social media channels by following @oscarsbookprize) to see which characters some of our current and past shortlist, judges and experts have suggested to read and dress up as together at home!
