RNIB makes accessible books free for children for World Book Day

Elodie Bateson, 10, was born with vision impairment and is a big fan of RNIB Talking Books and also enjoys braille books

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has given away thousands of books in braille and audio formats for children with vision impairment to celebrate World Book Day this year (Thursday 4 March).

The selection of 13 titles aims to support World Book Day’s mission to give every child and young person a book of their own.

Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more than 100 countries around the world, with 2021 being its 24th year.

World Book Day organisers are encouraging parents, children and young people of all ages to spend at least 10 minutes a day sharing a book together and celebrate reading for pleasure, helping to promote wellbeing for everyone.

James Bartlett, RNIB Library and Newsagent Manager, said: “RNIB is delighted to support this year’s World Book Day. Reading can open up a world of possibilities and enhance the imagination, which is why it is so important for every child (and adult) to be able to enjoy books of their choice. The braille and audio versions of books that we have created ensure that blind and partially sighted children can discover these stories just like any other child and share in the excitement this World Book Day.”

To claim a free book in braille or audio (Daisy CD) format, call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk The books will be available for free until 31 March 2021.

The titles available are:

• There’s a Wolf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
• What the Ladybird Heard (Playscript) by Julia Donaldson
• Gigantosaurus: Dino-Spot by Jonny Duddle
• Luna Loves World Book Day by Joseph Coehlo
• Protect the Planet by Jess French
• Football School by Alexander Bellos and Ben Lyttleton
• Planet Omar: Operation Kind by Zanib Mian
• The River Whale by Sita Brahmachari
• Skysteppers by Katherine Rundell
• Little Badman and the Radioactive Samosa by Humza Arshad and Henry White
• Skulduggery Pleasant: Apocalypse Kings by Derek Landy
• Killjoy by Holly Jackson
• Ha Ha Cnec by Huw Aaron

Like all RNIB services, this invaluable resource is highly reliant on public donations and fundraising activities. If you’d like more information about the ways you can support services like RNIB’s accessible books (or any of RNIB’s vital work), please visit www.rnib.org.uk/donate.