Did you know that 383,775 children in the UK don’t have a single book of their own?

Children who own books are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age – but hundreds of thousands of children are missing out.

Donating just £7 could give a child their very first book. Text GIFTOFREADING 7 to 70490 or donate online.

Books change children’s lives. Your donation will help children like Maruf*, giving them the first books they have ever owned.

Closer to home, there is still time to buy a fantastic gift of a book this Christmas for the children (of all ages) in your life. The National Trust have published their Ultimate Christmas book list – an advent calendar of children’s books chosen by 24 leading authors and illustrators who have each recommended a book that they personally love and wish a child could unwrap this Christmas.