27/07/2026
"Let’s start with a fun fact: children don’t always do what they’re told. But I would imagine that if you’ve ever met a child, or been one yourself, you’ll already know this.
That’s because, advice only becomes relevant once it feels real. Just being told something rarely sinks in – you need to feel it.
If only you could learn such lessons for yourself, safely, and without having to live through any annoying real-world consequences. But wait… That’s one of the excellent benefits of reading!"
Our Writer in Residence, Tom Percival, explaining why stories are safe spaces for children to explore decision-making.
Which characters taught you the most important lessons as a child? We'd love to know!
