Reading 2 Smile

Ashley Thorpe

Children's Author

As my review took place ahead of publication, it was the first time I got feedback from a reader in my target audience rather than from an adult. That matters so much because it is children who need to be served, and who deserve to have their imaginations fed.

Alistair

Kid's Reviewer

I think that there review process really helps to develop your understanding of a novel rather than finishing it without having to think about it.

Liz Scott

Freelance Children's Book Publicist

As a freelance children's book publicist this project gets copies of new books into the hands of children I might not otherwise find. The benefits are myriad and work both ways - we hugely value the reviews we receive from genuine readers which always delight authors, and can also see the impact of providing access to forthcoming books and the opportunity to review to those families who might not otherwise see them.

Mrs Wilcock

Secondary School Teacher at Malton School

Encouraging reading for pleasure should be a priority for every teacher, and selecting quality reading material on topics that students actually want to read about is made easy by Reading2Smile. It's such a useful tool. How lovely to hear children's passion for the books they read.

Parent

Being a reviewer with Reading2Smile has given my children so much confidence. They feel so valued as their review of a book is published online. They are thrilled when a book arrives in the post and when they enjoy a book, they share it with their friends. They are sharing a love of reading; it is a joy to see.

A. M. Dassu

Children's Author

I was delighted to see what young people thought of my books and then to be able to share their reviews, a unique opportunity, not only for authors, but also for children who can proudly view their published posts online. It’s also a great way to encourage more young people to read and review books!

Laila

Reading the books with Reading2Smile has introduced me to new books I may not have chosen for myself but ended up loving and writing the reviews has given me more experience of writing that helps with my school work

Eve Wersocki Morris

Children’s Author and director of EWM PR

As a children’s author and children’s book PR specialist, hearing children’s views on new books is invaluable, joyful and incredibly special. Sarah has amplified children’s voices and brought their opinions to the children’s publishing industry; benefiting not only the child reviewers, who gain important critical skills, but the makers of children’s books themselves.

Dom Conlon

Poet

Reading2Smile has become a recognised influence on encouraging children
and families to read individually and together. I’ll often hear them referenced in conversations at festivals and in libraries and classrooms, and it’s good to know how trusted these reviews are. It gives my readers confidence and it gives me confidence.

Parent

Being part of the review team has not only enabled her to read more of what she loves, it has made her think about the books she is reading, to be able to verbalise and write her reviews. My daughter has always lacked confidence but since seeing her reviews go online, she has gained confidence in knowing what she thinks matters. I would highly recommend your child takes part in this fantastic opportunity.

Tom Tolkien

Literacy consultant and School Improvement Specialist

Highly recommended for teachers and our go-to children’s literature blog to keep track of what real children are really reading

Kirsten

I love being a kid’s reviewer on the Reading2Smile panel because it gives me the opportunity to read books I wouldn’t normally pick up and… hopefully support the author and help people reading them make a choice about whether it sounds like a good book for them to read