Every year 6 student in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, along with P6 students in Scotland, will receive Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures this Christmas as part of The Queen's Christmas Present initiative. Queen Camilla announced the program on her birthday, marking the end of the government's National Year of Reading. The National Literacy Trust (NLT) is coordinating the distribution of over 800,000 copies through schools, libraries, hospitals, care settings, refuges, and food banks.
Why This Initiative Matters for Reading Enjoyment
Reading enjoyment among children drops significantly between primary and secondary school. According to NLT research from a 2026 survey of 125,375 UK children, enjoyment of reading in free time fell by 30% between ages 8 to 11 (47.7%) and 11 to 14 (33.2%). Impossible Creatures, a fantasy about a magical archipelago with mythical creatures, was named Waterstones book of the year in 2023, making it an ideal choice to reignite young readers' passion.
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The Queen's Personal Touch
The special edition includes a stamp on the cover and a personal note from Queen Camilla. Her message reads: "Impossible Creatures, by one of my favourite writers, is a brilliant fantasy that will introduce you to a host of mythical friends and terrifying enemies … and I hope that you will love it as much as I do." This personal endorsement adds a royal seal of approval to the gift.
Key Takeaways from the Book Giveaway
- Over 800,000 copies of Impossible Creatures will be distributed to year 6 and P6 students.
- The initiative targets the critical transition from primary to secondary school, where reading enjoyment drops by 30%.
- Books are provided through schools, libraries, hospitals, care settings, refuges, and food banks.
- Author Katherine Rundell called it "the best possible time" for the gift, emphasizing books as tools for building the future.
Comparison of Reading Enjoyment by Age Group
| Age Group | Reading Enjoyment Percentage | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 11 years | 47.7% | Baseline |
| 11 to 14 years | 33.2% | -30% |
This data from the NLT underscores the importance of targeted interventions like The Queen's Christmas Present to maintain reading habits during vulnerable years.
Author's Perspective
Katherine Rundell expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: "This generation of brilliant kids face extraordinary challenges ahead. Books, if we ensure they have access to them, will be their strongest and sharpest tools with which to build a future." Her words highlight the broader educational and societal benefits of fostering a love for reading.
FAQ
Who is eligible to receive the free book?
Every child in year 6 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and P6 in Scotland, as well as children of equivalent age in hospitals, care settings, refuges, and food banks.
What is the title of the book being given?
The book is Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, winner of the Waterstones book of the year in 2023.
How many books will be distributed?
Over 800,000 copies will be distributed through schools, libraries, and other community organizations.
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