At Puffin, we believe that stories can inspire a child to feel that they can be and do anything. We know that many primary schools share our passion, but there are numerous challenges when it comes to finding the time and money to invest in reading for pleasure.

In 2018 we launched World of Stories in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. We’ve now worked with 531 primary schools, supporting them to transform their libraries and reading spaces into hubs of creativity and imagination. Each primary school received boxes of brand-new books to reinvigorate their reading corner or library, and teachers and librarians attended specialist training, filled with ideas to make reading for pleasure part of their school culture and bring stories to life.

“Children who enjoy reading do better at school and are happier with their lives. At a time when school budgets are stretched, school libraries are struggling and 1 in 8 children from our most disadvantaged communities don’t have a single book of their own at home, it has never been more important to help children discover the transformative power of books and reading.” - Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust.

We are now looking for new primary schools to take part in World of Stories for 2023/24, and some new regions are eligible to participate for the first time, including Lancashire, County Durham, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight! Take a look at our eligible areas below: 

• Blackpool
• Black Country
• Swindon
• Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Harlow, Thurrock, Southend and Canvey Island)
• Lancashire (Preston, Fleetwood, Skelmersdale)
• County Durham (Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Stanley, Crook, Chester-Le-Street)
• Bradford
• Portsmouth and Isle of Wight

What’s on offer?

It’s completely free to take part and participating primary schools will receive:

• 400 free Puffin books, including everything from Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson to Robin Stevens, Humza Arshad and new non-fiction, as well as 100 books from seven independent publishers
• Training and networking sessions with public librarians in your region, delivered by the National Literacy Trust
• Package of free audio books and training to engage readers of all abilities
• Display kits to bring the magic of reading to life including bunting, badges, bookmarks and posters
• Resources to encourage reading for pleasure across the whole school
• National Literacy Trust membership which includes teaching resources, school improvement tools and CPD

“I think the books have encouraged people to read and use the library more. When we unwrapped the books it was so exciting; my teacher was excited too! It will help school to make reading even more fun,” - Pupil,  2020/21 cohort

How can primary schools apply?

To apply you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be a state primary school based in one of these areas:
  • Blackpool
  • Black Country
  • Swindon
  • Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Harlow, Thurrock, Southend and Canvey Island)
  • Lancashire (Preston, Fleetwood, Skelmersdale)
  • County Durham (Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Stanley, Crook, Chester-Le-Street)
  • Bradford
  • Portsmouth and Isle of Wight
• Above average level of pupils eligible to receive Free School Meals
• Have buy-in from your Head Teacher or a member of your Senior Leadership Team

To register your interest please fill out this form on the National Literacy Trust website. Please note that this information will be shared with the National Literacy Trust.