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  1. Home
  2. Reading resources

Reading resources

At Coram Beanstalk we want every child to have the chance to become a reader - because we know that readers get the best chance in life  - and what's more, we have 50 years experience in making that happen! As well as training our remarkable reading helpers we like to share our expertise with parents, wider community and anyone who reads with children - because the more everyone pulls together, the more chance every child has to become a reader.  

We know our children's books and we know which books are particularly engaging for children who are yet to be convinced that reading can be pleasurable - so each month we share our recommendation for a Beanstalk Brilliant Book of the Month, along with other similarly engaging titles along the same theme. Take a look at our book of the month choices below and all the other reading activities and tips to help you create a reader.
Introducing the World Book Day 2026 books

Introducing the World Book Day 2026 books

At Coram Beanstalk we want every child to get the very most out of the £1 World Book Day book that they choose and we're delighted that the team at World Book Day have asked us once again to contribute our very special Beanstalk activities to the sheets which accompany each book. Read more

Published: 4th February, 2026

Updated: 15th April, 2026

Author: Kate- Loynes

Beanstalk Brilliant Books

Beanstalk Brilliant Books

At Coram Beanstalk, we pay a lot of attention to detail when selecting books we recommend, because all children deserve the chance to find books they love. We choose books which we think are likely to interest children who aren't yet fans of reading! Read more

Published: 15th February, 2025

Updated: 19th February, 2025

Author: Victoria Wallen

Book of the month

Book of the month

Each month we share our chosen Beanstalk Brilliant Book of the Month and recommend other equally brilliant titles with a similar theme or style. We handpick a selection of books we think are brilliant at helping children fall in love with reading whilst showcasing a diverse range of characters, situations and genres. Read more

Published: 19th March, 2023

Updated: 29th March, 2023

Author: Victoria Wallen

Tips for parents

Tips for parents

At Coram Beanstalk we want every child to be a confident reader and every adult to feel comfortable reading with the children in their lives. This section has lots of useful tips to help you grow a love of reading, including our myth-busting film full of helpful ways to get the very best out of reading together. Read more

Published: 1st April, 2021

Updated: 29th March, 2023

Author: Victoria Wallen

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Latest

  • June 2026

    June 2026

    This month, we’re hosting our next Virtual Author Event for Coram Beanstalk schools with award‑winning author Ben Davis! We’ve chosen his latest book, Postman Planet, as our Book of the Month for June and we've found a range of other Beanstalk Brilliant books featuring post or letters for you to explore...

  • Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE

    Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE

    Michael joined Coram Beanstalk as an Ambassador in November 2017 and continues to be an advocate for our work creating readers for pleasure.

  • Liz Pichon

    Liz Pichon

    Hugely popular author and illustrator, Liz Pichon, is best known for her award-winning series Tom Gates and became a Coram Beanstalk Ambassador in 2017.

  • May 2026

    May 2026

    This month Coram Beanstalk has collaborated with the Federation of Children's Book Groups (FCBG) to celebrate National Share a Story Month (NSSM). Our chosen Book of the Month from the FCBG curated list of books for NSSM is 'I am Rebel' by our author supporter, and past reading helper, Ross Montgomery. Read more...

Most read

  • Apply to volunteer

    Apply to volunteer

    Ready to take the first step to becoming a reading helper? Check that you can meet some basic practicalities and fill in our application form here.

  • Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    You may have some questions in your mind before you fill in your application form. Here are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here you can find out how to get in touch with our team.

  • Where we work

    Where we work

    Coram Beanstalk offers different programmes across the UK. Find out where we work here.

  • The benefits of being a reading helper

    The benefits of being a reading helper

    We know from our volunteers that being a reading helper brings purpose and enjoyment into their lives. Find out more about the benefits of being part of our reading community here.

  • Our approach

    Our approach

    Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.

  • Thank you for applying to be a Coram Beanstalk reading helper

  • Literacy charities join forces

    Literacy charities join forces

    On 1st November 2017 Reading Matters merged with the national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk.

  • Current vacancies

    Current vacancies

    Click here to view our current vacancies.

  • Volunteer agreement

    Volunteer agreement

    Our volunteers represent the charity in the partner schools that we work with. It is a formal role with commitments and expectations from us and you. These are set out in our volunteer agreement and role description here.

  • Training and support

    Training and support

    We know our approach to reading works and love to share this with our volunteers to help them start sessions with confidence, and continue to learn as they get to know the children. Find out how here.

  • Follow our story

  • Become part of a community passionate about reading for pleasure and wellbeing and keep up to date with everything we’re working on.

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Copyright © 2026 Coram Beanstalk. Coram Beanstalk,
Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ.

  • Coram Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

  • Registered Charity No. 296454 (England and Wales).

  • Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No. 2101719.

  • All images are from Coram Beanstalk’s stock image library and are for representation only.

  • Names in case studies have been changed to protect identities. All rights reserved.

Coram Beanstalk is proud to be a lead delivery partner for The National Year of Reading 2026! 
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