The Languages of Children’s Books: Celebrating Translation and Linguistic Diversity

I am delighted to be a coorganizer and presenter for this festival to celebrate the UK National Year of Reading and World Kid Lit Month:

The Languages of Children’s Books: Celebrating Translation and Linguistic Diversity

Thursday 17 September 2026 at the University of Reading, England

The University of Reading’s Centre for Book Cultures and Publishing and Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism, working in partnership with Outside in World, are organising a mini-festival on 17th September around the theme of the languages of children’s books – celebrating translation and linguistic diversity as part of the National Year of Reading.

Languages are a central part of bringing diverse books to readers, and ensuring those stories speak to them. This one-day festival celebrates the work taking place across different sectors of the of the children’s book world (academics, advocacy organisations, creators, educators, librarians, publishers, translators etc) to promote children’s access to stories in translation, multilingual storytelling and linguistic diversity in their books. As part of the National Year of Reading in the UK, we believe it is important to showcase the many ways in which the languages of their books can inspire young people to get reading. The festival will be structured around workshops, showcases, exhibitions, and panel discussions. We will be inviting local schools and community groups to join us for part of the day. The University of Reading is proud to be a University of Sanctuary, and we aim to ensure this festival involves refugee and asylum seeker communities.

This event will be held in person on the London Road campus of the University of Reading, and with some sessions offered for online participants.

Full program and details to follow!