The Duchess of Cornwall has teamed up with The Duchess of Cambridge for World Book Day 2022, launching a children’s section of Camilla’s Reading Room, with a set of book recommendations from Catherine.
Kate got involved with the project as an advocate of Early Childhood Development and launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021 to drive awareness and action on the impact of the early years, to change lives, improve mental wellbeing and transform society for future generations.
The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Cambridge teamed up for World Book Day. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
It is known that regular reading can have a profound impact on children’s wellbeing, literacy and comprehension, introducing them to almost 300,000 more words by the time they start school.
The Duchess of Cambridge recently read a book for CBeebies Bedtime Stories, and has included this book in her list.
First begun by The Duchess of Cornwall on Instagram in January 2021, @duchessofcornwallsreadingroom, which quickly grew into a popular online literary hub, which helps readers and non-readers to find books they will love.
The Duchess of Cambridge will read ‘The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark’ on CBeebies
The Reading Room has also launched its own website, which features the new children’s section with Catherine’s recommendations.
The Duchess’ recommendations feature books that she has enjoyed over the years. They are:
- – The Owl Who Was Afraid of The Dark by Jill Tomlinson (1968)
Kate said of this choice: “I loved this book as a little girl and listening to my own children reading it has brought back so many wonderful memories. A comforting story to help children face their fears and grow in confidence with the help of others.” - – Stig of The Dump by Clive King (1963)
“As a child I loved spending time outdoors, making dens, digging, discovering and making things out of odds and ends,” the Duchess commented. “Whether this was why my father recommended this book to me or whether this book inspired my imagination, I can’t remember, but I have never forgotten this brilliant book and the values it teaches.” - – Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952)
“An all-time classic and loved in our house for obvious reasons. This is a charming story about friendship, loyalty and love.” - – The Katie Morag Series by Mairi Hedderwick (1984-2007)
“Fun stories for children of all ages and a great book for older children to read to younger siblings. These books are filled with captivating and beautiful illustrations to accompany the text so there’s lots to talk about!” - – Feelings by Libby Walden (2016)
“This little book is a wonderful way to help children understand and recognise their feelings and emotions, and brings to life the importance of empathy,” Catherine said.
The Duchess also spoke of the vital importance of getting more young people to read regularly. Camilla said: “Reading for pleasure is, we know, the biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. And yet there are still approximately 400,000 children in our country who don’t have a book of their own.”
She added: “World Book Day is a brilliant way to prove how much fun and escapism can be found in a good book.”
