Every Child Deserves the Magic of Stories, No Matter their Background: Emily Drabble, BookTrust UK

In this episode Krish dives into Northern Lights (The Golden Compass in the US), the first book in Philip Pullman’s legendary His Dark Materials trilogy. Packed with daemons, armoured bears, witches and a mysterious substance called Dust, this thrilling adventure follows Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers dangerous secrets and sets out on a daring journey to rescue her kidnapped friend.

Krish also sits down with Emily Drabble, Head of Children’s Books at BookTrust UK, the UK’s largest reading charity. Emily shares how BookTrust inspires children and families to discover the joy of reading, why it’s vital to start reading from birth, and how diverse and inclusive stories help every child see themselves in books.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Northern Lights, a story full of magic, mystery and unforgettable characters.

• How BookTrust supports children and families with free books and reading programmes.

• Why representation and new voices in children’s literature matter.

• Tips for families to make reading fun and exciting at home.• The upcoming National Year of Reading 2026 in the UK.

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