BookSpace

The latest House of Commons Education Committee report on Reading for Pleasure reinforces just how important it can be for children's development and how far-reaching the benefits are. 📚

Research highlighted in the report links it with academic attainment, vocabulary and concentration, as well as improved mental health, wellbeing, empathy, creativity and long-term life outcomes. 🌟

With benefits this significant, creating inviting reading environments has never been more important.

➡️ At BookSpace, we design child-centred libraries that children want to visit and spend time in – because the right space can change how reading feels.

By creating comfortable, calm spaces, we can help schools nurture positive relationships with books and support a lifelong love of reading. 😍

If you’re thinking about transforming your school library, get in touch with our friendly design team on 0121 246 2777 to see how we can support you.

📣 This month’s booklist: Adventure

🌞 Summer is always a busy time for the BookSpace team, as we’re out and about installing new school libraries across the UK. So, in between installations, it’s been nice to take a little break and put together our latest book recommendations for you. ☕📚

This month we’re focusing on Adventure, with recently published titles for readers from EYFS through to KS2.

The list includes titles such as Jonty Gentoo, Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy!, The Accidental Vikings, Lost on Gibbon Island and Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter, with a mix of formats and levels to help you recommend something for different readers.

👉 Swipe through to explore some of our top picks.

🌟 New Blog: Inside BookSpace – Reflections from a Week of Work Experience 🌟

What’s it really like to spend a week at BookSpace?

In our latest blog, we hear directly from one of our work experience students, who shares their experience of working with the team, learning new skills, and gaining an insight into how we help schools create inspiring library spaces that encourage a love of reading.

📖 Read the full blog here: https://www.bookspaceforschools.co.uk/blog/inside-bookspace-reflections-from-a-week-of-work-experience/

📚 New children's booklist: Fantasy & Magical Worlds

This month's themed booklist showcases a carefully selected collection of fantasy books for children aged 3–12, featuring titles published within the last five years.

From magical picturebooks by Julia Donaldson and Trish Cooke to captivating adventures by Andy Shepherd, B.B. Alston, Katherine Rundell and Philippa Leathley, this collection offers high-quality recommendations for readers across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

Whether you're looking to refresh your classroom library or recommend new reads, this booklist offers plenty of inspiration for young readers.

📚 Tips to keep children reading this summer! ☀️

Every summer, many children experience a dip in their reading progress – something teachers know all too well. The good news is that there are lots of simple, engaging ways to help keep young readers motivated and maintain their confidence over the break.

From visiting the local library and building a cosy reading den to cooking with recipes and sharing stories outside in the sun, there are plenty of affordable ways to make reading part of the holiday fun.

Our summer blog shares 8 practical tips to help families encourage reading and support children in returning to school in September.

👉 Read more here: https://www.bookspaceforschools.co.uk/blog/tips-to-keep-children-reading-over-the-summer/

If you have any other tips, we'd love to hear your ideas in the comments. 📖💙

✨ ✨

Looking back at one of our very first outdoor library spaces at Stoke Prior First School in Bromsgrove – home to our now best-selling Reading Shed, Hideouts, Bean Bags and Book Troughs. 📚🌿

“The new space became an instant hit, attracting children during break times and after school and teachers have already observed an increase in voluntary reading activities. Children are now choosing to access the reading provision independently, even those who were previously reluctant readers.” – Headteacher.

Whether indoors or outdoors, creating inspiring spaces that nurture a lifelong love of reading has always been at the heart of what we do. 💙

🌍 🚢 New children's booklist: Travel & Exploring Worlds 🧭✈️

Take young readers on an unforgettable journey with our latest themed booklist. 📚

From The Snail and the Whale and A Ticket Around the World to The Strangeworlds Travel Agency and Noah's Gold, these stories are packed with adventure, discovery and exploration.

Perfect for inspiring curiosity, broadening horizons and encouraging a love of reading.

With the National Year of Reading encouraging schools to “Go All In”, it can sometimes feel like one more thing to add to an already packed schedule.

In our latest guest blog, primary school teacher Esther Brown, shares 5 simple ways schools can build a lasting reading culture through small, sustainable actions.

From amplifying pupil voice to making reading visible throughout the school, these ideas are easy to implement and can make a real difference.

Get your tips here 👉 https://www.bookspaceforschools.co.uk/blog/five-simple-ways-to-build-a-reading-culture-in-the-national-year-of-reading-and-beyond/