Reading and Feeding Imaginations: How books open young minds to unlimited opportunities

Last week I had the privilege of attending a fundraising reception for Beanstalk, a small charity that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to provide consistent, one-to-one literacy support to early years and primary school children who need help. These helpers give such children the support they need to improve their reading ability and - crucially - their confidence. It's a charity that my family is proud to support, and they asked me to speak about why we do so. Here is the speech I gave…