Every Year 6 student in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, along with P6 children in Scotland, will receive Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures this Christmas as part of the Queen's Christmas Present initiative. The program, announced by Queen Camilla to mark her birthday, aims to boost reading enjoyment among children during the critical transition from primary to secondary school.
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) reports that reading enjoyment drops by 30% between ages 8-11 and 11-14, making this gift a timely intervention. Over 800,000 books will be distributed through schools, libraries, hospitals, care settings, refuges, and food banks.
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Why Impossible Creatures Was Chosen
Impossible Creatures, which won Waterstones Book of the Year in 2023, is a fantasy about a magical archipelago filled with mythical beings. Rundell describes the book as a tool for children to build their future, stating, "Books will be their strongest and sharpest tools." The special edition includes a Queen's stamp and a personal note from Camilla.
Impact on Reading Enjoyment
Research from the NLT's 2026 survey of 125,375 UK children shows that only 33.2% of 11-14 year olds enjoy reading in their free time, compared to 47.7% of 8-11 year olds. This initiative targets that critical age group.
| Age Group | Reading Enjoyment Rate |
|---|---|
| 8-11 years | 47.7% |
| 11-14 years | 33.2% |
Key Takeaways
- Every Year 6 and P6 child in the UK will receive a free copy of Impossible Creatures.
- The initiative is led by Queen Camilla and the National Literacy Trust.
- Over 800,000 books will be distributed through multiple channels.
- The book includes a special cover stamp and a note from the Queen.
- This program addresses the steep decline in reading enjoyment during pre-teen years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to receive the free book?
All Year 6 students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and P6 students in Scotland, as well as children of equivalent age in hospitals, care settings, refuges, and food banks.
What is the Queen's Christmas Present initiative?
It is a program announced by Queen Camilla to give a free book to every child in Year 6 to encourage reading during the Christmas season.
Why was Impossible Creatures chosen for this gift?
The book won Waterstones Book of the Year 2023 and is a fantasy adventure that appeals to children, with themes of mythical creatures and friendship.
This initiative not only provides a beloved story but also aims to reverse the trend of declining reading enjoyment. By giving children a high-quality book at a pivotal age, the Queen and the NLT hope to foster a lifelong love of reading.
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