The Works’ Find Your Story book bus has visited Birmingham as part of its UK tour, bringing free books and interactive reading experiences to local children and families in support of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Held at Kitts Green Children’s Centre, 45 Ridpool Road, Kitts Green, Birmingham, B33 9RB, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, the event welcomed over 400 attendees for a fun-filled day aimed at inspiring a love of reading within the local community.
The colourful travelling book bus, which is supporting the National Year of Reading, is visiting nine locations across the UK, with every child who attends receiving a free book. At its Birmingham stop, over 200 children received a free book, helping to inspire a love of reading among local families at a crucial time, as new research from The Works reveals that one in three families now have fewer than 10 books at home.
Visitors were also able to enjoy free workshops with author and illustrator Jim Smith creator of the My Big Fat, Smelly Poo Book Series, offering a fun, hands-on activity for young readers. There was also the chance to meet the beloved dragon, Zog, for a memorable photo opportunity.
The Book Bus forms part of The Works’ READ pledge, which sees the retailer commit to raising £150,000, donating 250,000 books and helping to improve literacy skills in disadvantaged communities across the UK. The Book Bus is one of a number of initiatives being delivered alongside National Literacy Trust partners to provide reading opportunities and support in areas where it is needed most.
Jim Smith, Children’s author and illustrator, said: “There’s nothing better than seeing children get excited about stories and create characters of their own. The children threw themselves into the draw-along session with fantastic enthusiasm, and I hope they left feeling inspired to keep drawing, reading and letting their imaginations run wild.”
The campaign comes amid growing concern about children’s reading habits. The Works’ research shows that nearly half (48%) of children only read because school tells them to, while just 49% read for pleasure. Parents are worried too, with 78% fearing future generations will miss out on the joy of reading.
Screens are also changing behaviour, with 37% of children handling books like technology by trying to swipe pages, pinch to zoom or search for an ‘on’ button.
Screen time may also play a role in concentration levels, with 56% of parents saying it can affect their child’s ability to focus, while 51% of children report finding reading more challenging after using screens. Despite this, children continue to love stories, with adventure, fantasy and mystery cited as their favourite genres.
Gavin Peck, CEO of The Works, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many children and families take part in the Birmingham Find Your Story Book Bus event.
“We know that access to books can make a real difference in helping children develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of stories. That’s why we’re proud to bring the Find Your Story Book Bus to communities across the UK, giving every child the opportunity to discover a book they’ll love.
“The fantastic turnout in Birmingham speaks volumes about how eager families are to embrace reading when given the chance, and we’re delighted to support the National Year of Reading 2026 through initiatives that inspire more children to find their story.”