Inspired by Robert Macfarlane and curated by Jennie Orchard, an anthology of essays about the joys of giving books to children and young people, from some of the world's most beloved writers.

Remember the books that shaped your childhood, sparked your imagination, and ignited a lifelong love of reading? In The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation, some of the world's most beloved authors share their own transformative reading experiences - the books and stories that set them on the path of becoming the readers and writers they are today.

Following the success of its first edition, The Gifts of Reading, this heartwarming collection of essays is a testament to the enduring power of books. By exploring the stories that shaped them, our authors provide a powerful guide to fostering a love of reading in the children and young people in your life.

With contributions from Tristan Bancks, William Boyd, Shankari Chandran, Horatio Clare, Nicola Davies, Imtiaz Dharker, Ursula Dubosarsky, Maisie Fieschi, Pico Iyer, Wayne Karlin, Colum McCann, JohnMichael McCann, Ann Morgan, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Dina Nayeri, Matt Ottley, Nguyen Phan Que Mai, Alice Pung, Diana Reid, Nilanjana Roy, Nikesh Shukla, Nardi Simpson, Madeleine Thien, Thelma Young Lutunatabua, and John Wood, and an afterword by Julia Eccleshare.

All royalties generously donated to the two organisations founded by John Wood, Room to Read and U-Go, promoting literacy and education for girls and young women.

'What a beautiful book it is - wise, funny, moving, generous. Every story is a gift in its own way.'
-Susan Wyndham, former literary editor at the Sydney Morning Herald

'Helping kids fall under the spell of books has never been more urgent. Recent reports show reading for pleasure among children has slumped in Australia. This inspiring collection testifies to the life-changing power of books in a child's life.'
-Fiona Capp, The Age

'It's the perfect gift for friends, a necessary book for all educators and parents, and a great book for all to dip into to reflect on the power of books and stories.'
-Paul Macdonald, The Children's Bookshop

Education & Reference

A Little History of Literature

A Little Book of Language

The Atlas of the Imaginary Places

Speaking in Tongues

Constant Reader

The Book

Japan Now! A Japanese Language Reader

To Save and to Destroy

The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation

Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary

Unpacking My Library

A. D. Hope