In partnership with the British Council, the National Literacy Trust will be delivering an online event on Thursday 8 October, bringing readers together from around the world as they attempt to set a new world record for the most people reading online in 12 hours.
The event will include four exciting sessions with world-renowned authors and influencers, each designed to engage and inspire different age groups.
The four sessions:
- Ages 5 to 8: A reading of Super Uma by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, followed by a draw-along activity with illustrator Nakul P.
- Ages 8 to 12: Frank Cottrell-Boyce will read from The Blockbusters! and explore themes including cinema and culture.
- Ages 12 to 16: Nathanael Lessore will discuss topics linked to What Happens Online, including digital identity, confidence, family and school life. Please note that this event includes embarrassing anecdotes relating to bodily functions and toileting accidents. Some viewers may find these references unsuitable or uncomfortable.
- Ages 16+: Coco and Zubs, alongside reading ambassadors, will discuss their connection with reading and what it means for their wellbeing.
Each pre-recorded session lasts no more than an hour and includes a dedicated ten-minute reading session, during which participants will read together. The in-built reading time begins around thirty minutes into each session and forms part of the Guinness World Records attempt.
Sessions will be repeated at different times throughout the day to make participation as accessible as possible for a global audience.