We are delighted to be partnering with The Herald once again for our annual Christmas Appeal which will gift books to children and families visiting food banks this winter. 

The power of books, and the importance of children and young people having access to books, should not be underestimated. Reading has a very real power to redress the impacts of disadvantage. 

Many families are facing challenging circumstances as the cost of living crisis continues. Over a million people in Scotland are already living in poverty, a quarter of which are children, and too many children are growing up without books. The impact of this lasts a lifetime and children and young people who don't have a book of their own are twice as likely to have lower mental health. 

Earlier this year I was invited to speak at the Goethe Institute in Athens on behalf of EURead, a network of organisations across Europe dedicated to promoting reading and literacy.

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Val McDermid: How do we throw children a lifeline? We hand them a book

It marked the launch of their statement calling on Europe’s leaders to recognise the ability to read as a fundamental human right and as essential to the protection of democracy – something that has been at the heart of our charity mission for the past 25 years. 

I began by quoting three words from one of my favourite writers, Gustav Flaubert, “Read to live.” To which we might add a further word, “well”. So, “Read to live well.” But what does this mean, and why should we care? 

Literacy, from basic decoding to the higher order skills of critical reading, is essential to modern participatory democracy. The word unlocks human potential, and is the primary means by which humans learn, discern, expand themselves, contribute to society, and thrive.

'The word unlocks human potential''The word unlocks human potential' (Image: Press Association Images) There is also a wealth of evidence that shows it is one of the most effective ways to break the poverty cycle. Reading and writing well are fundamental to human agency, just as an informed citizenry is vital to democracy. In this way, reading and writing well is synonymous with living well. And, of course, this begins in early childhood. 

This year our charity Christmas Appeal features Eric Carle’s iconic and well-loved children’s book character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with kind permission from Penguin Random House LLC and The World of Eric Carle. 

On supporting our appeal, Mary Mekarnom, Senior Director, Creative & Strategy, World of Eric Carle Penguin Random House, gave us an insight into Eric Carle’s thoughts on children and reading. She said “We are so happy that we can help support Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas Appeal this holiday season. Eric Carle used to say that he did not see children as a group. He saw a child, a child, a child. Meaning every child has individual needs and has a different way of learning or responding to a book. We are hopeful that The Very Hungry Caterpillar can help support this appeal and make a difference in the lives of each individual child and family in need.” 

We really do know the difference that books make in children’s lives and we want to ensure no child misses out. Bringing comfort, escapism and togetherness in families, every child deserves the magic of a book. Donations to our appeal will provide vital support for those most in need. 

(Image: The Herald) Every child deserves the comfort and joy books bring.

Make sure no child misses out this Christmas.

Donate now to give the magic of books to a child like Sophie, here.