Author Laura Henry-Allain Joins Forces with Busy Bees Nurseries as Childrens Reading Hits 20-Year Low

Children at Busy Bees Nurseries in Perivale and the Wirral were treated to a magical storytelling experience this week, as award-winning author Laura Henry-Allain MBE joined them to help tackle a growing literacy crisis.

The visits came at a pivotal time as children’s love of reading has fallen to an all-time low in 20 years*, with recent figures from the National Literacy Trust showing that just one in three children enjoy reading in their free time, and only half (50.5%) of parents now read with their child each day, down from two-thirds (66.1%) in 2019. 

Determined to help reverse this trend, Busy Bees Perivale, Wirral Moreton and Wirral Arrowe Park welcomed Laura – creator of the beloved JoJo and Gran Gran series – as part of Busy Bees’ nationwide ‘Get the Reading Buzz’ pledge, an ambitious initiative aiming to share 45 million books** with children by 2026.

The visits aligned with the Busy Bees’ Bee Curious curriculum, which is designed to foster a lifelong love of learning, Laura read from some of her much-loved titles, including Lulu Loves the Library and her latest book; Maya and Marley-and the Great Big Tidy Up. Through exploration and conversation, Laura and the children delved into the wonder of books, sharing in the excitement and discovery of stories together. 

With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, experts warn that early reading experiences are more crucial than ever. Reading together during a child’s earliest years is proven to support language development, confidence and imagination – foundations that shape children’s academic outcomes well beyond their early years.  

Sian Forbes-White, Centre Director at Busy Bees Perivale, said: “Storytelling is at the heart of our Bee Curious curriculum and we were delighted to welcome Laura, who shares our passion for fostering a love of reading from an early age.  
 
“This visit reflects our pledge to nurture early literacy skills through playful, engaging experiences that spark imagination and inspire a lifelong love of books. We can’t wait to see our children continue to grow in confidence as curious readers.” 

Laura Henry-Allain MBE is an award-winning international storyteller and educationalist producer. She is the creator of the well-loved, award-winning first Black British Animation, JoJo and Gran Gran global series, developed and produced by CBeebies.

Laura Henry-Allain MBE and ambassador for the National Year of Reading said: “Stories have a unique power to bring us closer together. When we read with children, we’re not just sharing a book, we’re building confidence, curiosity and connection. I’m delighted to be working with Busy Bees to help families rediscover the joy of reading together and to remind us all that every child’s story deserves a wonderful first chapter.”

For more information and to book a visit to see storytelling come to life, please click here. 

* https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-2025/  

** Based on over 37,000 Busy Bees children reading four books a day from March to December, and inviting families to join the collective mission during weekends.  

Busy Bees is encouraging families across the UK to write their own chapter of their book and fill their story with moments that matter. If you book a visit and enrol with Busy Bees between 16th February and 30th April 2026, you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £1,000 of holiday vouchers. Full T’s & C’s available at?www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk