Four Puffin authors named ambassadors for Primary School Library Alliance

Puffin has announced the first four ambassadors for the Primary School Library Alliance – a campaign launched by Penguin Random House and the National Literacy Trust.

Début author Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, author and illustrator Jen Carney, plus duo Greg James and Chris Smith will take on the mantle for the duration of the 2022-23 academic year. 

The alliance was formed in November 2021 to address the lack of investment in UK primary school libraries. Working with 33 partners across business, education, publishing and the charitable sector, it aims to transform 1,000 libraries by 2025, giving them the books, training and support they need. 

In its first 12 months, PRH said the alliance has involved 334 schools in its programmes to transform school reading spaces in underserved communities in the UK, including donating 165,840 books.

The four newly announced ambassadors will take the campaign’s message to key policy makers, schools, teachers, students, and the general public alike. 

Penguin Random House Children’s managing director Francesca Dow said: “At Puffin we really do believe in our mission of making books for everyone, because a book can change anyone, but the reality is that many primary schools simply don’t have the resources or budget needed to ensure all pupils can experience the joy of reading. 

“The alliance is doing urgent, essential work to begin to change that, by working with hundreds of brilliant schools across the country, bringing story magic to children, book by book. We are so proud that our Puffin authors Nazneen, Jen, Greg and Chris will be lending their support and influential voices to such a vital endeavour, and I wish them all, and the kids, the best – and fun – this year.”