Pickatale is honoured to be supporting the UK Government and the National Literacy Trust for the National Year of Reading 2026!

A National Mission to Inspire Reading: Pickatale Supports the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026

Join us for a live webinar to discover practical strategies for boosting reading engagement on

From Reluctant to Confident Readers: Practical Strategies for ELT

Imagine if you and your students could read books simply by logging into an app wherever you are in the world? Using the Pickatale reading platform, schools now have worldwide access to picture-book titles from the Oxford University Press library - to help boost literacy and foster a reading for pleasure ethos.

Boost primary literacy with Pickatale’s Oxford University Press picture books for schools

Reading is a wonderful journey that allows children to explore different worlds, gain knowledge, and experience a range of emotions. It is important to encourage children to step out of their comfort zones and venture into new literary genres, as it can be an enriching and rewarding experience. 

Let's dive into the benefits of children reading across genres and how it can enhance their reading experience.

Reading Across Genres: Broadening Horizons and Expanding Tastes

As educators, we all know that encouraging students to read is one of the most important tasks we face in the classroom. But what happens when some students just aren't interested in reading? That's where comic books and graphic novels come in. These types of books can be a great way to engage even the most reluctant readers.

5 Reasons Why Comic Books and Graphic Novels Are Perfect for Reluctant Readers

Supporting your child to improve their reading skills is perhaps the most important thing you can do to positively influence your child’s emotional and intellectual wellbeing and development.

There are no two ways about it: developing strong independent reading skills will set your child up for success.

7 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

At Safa British School, Pickatale isn't just a reading platform; it's a dynamic educational tool that has seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, leaving a lasting mark on how students engage with learning. In this blog post, we spoke to Nikki, Safa British School’s Head of Reading, to learn how Pickatale has helped children develop a love for reading. 

Pickatale's Impact on Developing a Love of Reading Among Safa British School Students

To mark the UN’s International Day of Education (24 January), we’d like to celebrate recent successes in the world of education. 2022 presented schools with numerous challenges, the sheer magnitude of which could leave one feeling rather helpless. But when the going gets tough, teachers get going.

Reasons to be cheerful: 5 highlights to celebrate the UN's International Day of Education

Harnessing technology to raise attainment – curriculum integration, aligning with the needs of teachers, improving accessibility within schools and at home, and improving students’ digital skills.

Emily Guille-Marrett, Chief Content Officer at Pickatale shares her thoughts from the Westminster Education forum.

Harnessing technology to raise attainment

In part two of our interview with scientist and author Dr. Mandy Hartley, she spoke to us about how she comes up with the storylines and characters for her series of award-winning books, The DNA Detectives, and how she’s still learning new things every day.

Creating Characters That Children Love: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

Dr Mandy Hartley has a PHD in genetics and runs scientific workshops aimed at teaching children about DNA, and to share her love of science and literacy. She has written a series of award-winning books, The DNA Detectives, which are aimed at children aged 7-12 and encourage an interest in STEM learning through exciting, engaging adventure stories.

We chatted to Dr Mandy about her love of science and the inspiration behind the series.

When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

The YOTO Carnegie Medal-winning author, Katya Balen, explains how reading changed her life, ahead of Pickatale’s publication of her exclusive 24-part festive special Ruby’s Christmas Adventure.

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

A chronic lack of funding for libraries in primary schools in the UK, coupled with no statutory requirement for a school to have a dedicated library space, has left only four out of ten primary schools with an on-site library. Furthermore, many public libraries are being forced to shorten their opening hours - and in some cases close altogether - due to insufficient funding. 

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

Many socioeconomically disadvantaged children have low levels of literacy, according to research from the National Foundation for Educational Research.

Helping disadvantaged children learn to read consistently – A guide for teachers

Learn how to support your child on their reading journey. Information for schools and families on how to improve children’s reading skills and encourage them to read for pleasure. Discover tips and tricks for parents and teachers.

A National Mission to Inspire Reading: Pickatale Supports the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026

From Reluctant to Confident Readers: Practical Strategies for ELT

Boost primary literacy with Pickatale’s Oxford University Press picture books for schools

Reading Across Genres: Broadening Horizons and Expanding Tastes

5 Reasons Why Comic Books and Graphic Novels Are Perfect for Reluctant Readers

7 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

Pickatale's Impact on Developing a Love of Reading Among Safa British School Students

Reasons to be cheerful: 5 highlights to celebrate the UN's International Day of Education

Harnessing technology to raise attainment

Creating Characters That Children Love: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

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A National Mission to Inspire Reading: Pickatale Supports the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026

From Reluctant to Confident Readers: Practical Strategies for ELT

Boost primary literacy with Pickatale’s Oxford University Press picture books for schools

Reading Across Genres: Broadening Horizons and Expanding Tastes

5 Reasons Why Comic Books and Graphic Novels Are Perfect for Reluctant Readers

7 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

Pickatale's Impact on Developing a Love of Reading Among Safa British School Students

Reasons to be cheerful: 5 highlights to celebrate the UN's International Day of Education

Harnessing technology to raise attainment

Creating Characters That Children Love: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

When Science and Literature Collide: Dr. Mandy Hartley on Her Award-Winning The DNA Detectives Series

What This YOTO Carnegie Medal-Winning Author Thinks About Reading for Pleasure

No library, no problem! - A guide for schools

Safe use

Privacy

Follow Pickatale on social media

Certificates