Lost Generation of Readers

​The news is in and there are concerning findings from the National Literacy Trust latest report, which indicates a significant decline in reading enjoyment and frequency among children and young people in the UK. These statistics, marking the lowest levels in twenty years, underscore a persistent "reading for pleasure crisis."
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Specifically, only 32.7% of 8 to 18-year-olds reported enjoying reading "very much" or "quite a lot" in 2025, a substantial 36% decrease since 2005. This decline has been particularly pronounced over the past year among primary-aged children and boys, with 11 to 16-year-old boys experiencing the most significant drop in reading enjoyment. Similarly, only 62.6% of 5 to 8-year-olds now report enjoying reading in their free time.

Anita Frost, our multi-award-winning Author and the founder of Green Bean Studios , acknowledges these upsetting statistics but remains optimistic. Our collection of children's books is specifically designed to engage young readers and combat this crisis.
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At Green Bean Studios, we believe in the power of collaboration and are proud of our existing partnerships with libraries, businesses, schools, and communities. Our retail line, encompassing books, toys, and outdoor collections, offers several benefits for children, including support in overcoming speech delays and anxiety, increased reading for pleasure, and more active play, fostering a strong connection with our characters as everyday friends.

The data presented is drawn from our 2025 Annual Literacy Survey, which involved 114,970 children and young people aged 5 to 18 from 515 schools across the UK. As detailed in the attached report (Appendix A provides further information on our methodology and sample), the situation remains deeply concerning.

We are eager to collaborate with other professionals and organisations who share our commitment to addressing this critical issue and expanding our collective impact.

Please find further details in the attached report.