Will exposing children to modern books rather than classics be beneficial for them? Experts think so

Many British adults today will remember growing up with childhood classics like James and the Giant Peach, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Pippi Longstocking and others with fondness.

However, children today may benefit more from reading if parents broaden their horizons and read them modern books that cover themes like diversity, homelessness and environmentalism, a major publisher has said.

Experts from the Oxford University Press (OUP) is urging parents to be more adventurous with bedtime story choices, so that children can be educated on global issues.

It comes after an international survey by the OUP revealed that British parents are ten times less likely to read to their children compared to parents in China, with 40 per cent of UK parents reading to their child once a week or less.

The research, published in a report titled “Gift of Words 2021: The power of reading”, also found that 21 per cent of British parents say they never read to their children compared with just two per cent of Chinese parents.

The reasons for parents not reading to their children vary, with two in six (15 per cent) saying they don’t have time and a third (32 per cent) worrying about their own reading abilities.

Not having access to books (seven per cent) and a lack of sufficient support materials for reading at home (10 per cent) also affected some parents’ ability to read to their kids.

The survey also delved into the types of books that parents like reading to their children and found that, across all the markets, most parents prefer to read their children books they enjoyed when they were young.

In the UK, this preference accounted for two-thirds (63 per cent) of parents, rising to 70 per cent in Australia and 72 per cent in Hong Kong. In China, the proportion was slightly slower but still significant at 60 per cent.

Roald Dahl was overwhelmingly named the favourite author among the parents surveyed, 60 years after James and the Giant Peach was first published.

Classic story books from authors such as Enid Blyton, Astrid Lingren (Pippi Longstocking), and Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Peter Rabbit) were also favourites.

Some more modern favourites were named, including works by Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, and the Winnie the Witch series by Valerie Thomas, but overall, parents had an affinity for their childhood books.

The survey also revealed that nearly half (47 per cent) of UK parents preferred to re-read books instead of looking for something new. This habit appears to have rubbed off on children as 55 per cent of parents across the board say that both children who can read independently and are still being read to prefer to go back to tried and tested books.

The OUP noted that part of the reason for parents preferring their own childhood books could be due to a large proportion not knowing how to find what the latest books are. The report recommended parents be given more support to discover newer titles and provide more variety in what they read to their kids.

The majority of parents recognised that reading is more than a hobby, said the survey. Overall, 79 per cent say that reading to their child helps them bond and form stronger connections, and 76 per cent say they look for books that have meaningful messages that can teach them about wider society.

A further 70 per cent say reading to their child opens up opportunities to discuss difficult and sensitive topics with them.

Nigel Portwood, chief executive of Oxford University Press, said: “We all recognise the importance of reading and the positive impact it can have on a child during key development years.

“It provides an opportunity to bond with family, while also opening people’s eyes to new worlds and ideas.

“It is wonderful that family favourites continue to be loved and enjoyed by parents and children alike. However, reading is also a valuable tool for helping young people to understand the current and future societal issues,” he added.

“It’s clear that much more must be done to support parents in accessing materials for reading at home.”

The OUP recommended books like The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant, which tells the story of a boy who has two pirates for mothers. He wishes his family could be more traditional, but has an adventure that changes everything.

It also suggested Max Takes A Stand by Tim Allman for older children, which is described as a “fun, anarchic series with strong environmental themes”. “Perfect for today’s school strikers for climate change,” the OUP added.