Spent a fun family weekend away, stayed in Alfriston and then a trip to Shoreham because the family were having a flying lesson (you can’t make this stuff up), as there was only room for three peoplein the plane I was able to (very) quickly and graciously bow out…which meant I could visit a delightful bookshop called Chapter 34 where my friend Angie works and even has her own shelf of recommendations (see pic). I spent a very happy couple of hours recommending children’s books which was made easy as the selection is brilliant. Worth a trip or a detour if you are nearby. It led me to reflect on the news that all year 6s will get a book at Christmas as a gift to celebrate the Queen’s birthday which feels like a chance to celebrate and it is, but with a caveat, that all the evidence shows that choice is so important for children to engage with books. I do hope that there’s time to reflect and offer a selection, children need to see authors and books that offer both windows and mirrors plus meet them where they are on their reading journey. #Bookthread #Reading