Show Notes
In early childhood, stories are more than words on a page. They are bridges—between experiences, identities, and possibilities. This idea sits at the heart of a powerful conversation with Laura Henry-Allain MBE: award-winning early education specialist, author, and creator of the ground-breaking CBeebies series JoJo and Gran Gran. In this podcast episode, Laura shares her insights on the transformative potential of books in early childhood settings, and how storytelling can offer every child a sense of belonging.
Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years/
This episode is sponsored by Ladybird Books: We make growing up the best story ever! From your baby's first book to starting school, at Ladybird we publish something for every milestone. Discover a range of your little one's favourite characters, from Peppa Pig to Topsy and Tim, and much more.
To find out more visit: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/ladybird
Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/
Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: · The value of storytelling, by Olivia Corbin-Phillip, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-value-of-storytelling/ · Extremely early literacy, by Dan Berman, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/
Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/
Episode break down: 00:00 – 2026 Conference: Laura Henry-Allain MBE as keynote speaker 02:20 – Introducing Laura Henry-Allain MBE 06:10 – Why books matter: emotion, curiosity, access, and "windows" for children 08:30 – Representation and belonging: children seeing themselves in stories 11:10 – Books on a budget: second-hand options + widening access 13:10 – Beyond the book corner: placing books across the setting 15:10 – Books at home: everyday reading and communication 17:10 – Supporting families: lending libraries, story sacks, and building confidence 20:10 – Practical tip: tote bag "reading pack" instead of defaulting to screens 23:10 – Laura's "reading is everywhere" poster: what it is & how settings use it 26:00 – Balancing technology: audio stories and listening skills 28:30 – Laura's publishing journey: beginnings with her grandmother 31:20 – Writing life: timelines for publishing, working ahead, and varied roles 34:30 – Author visits: modelling storytelling 36:20 – Complex themes: why children are not "too young" 38:10 – Talking about race and difference 41:50 – Practice example: self-portraits, skin-tone resources, and sensitive reflection 44:30 – Intentional inclusion: planning, provocations, and the "global village" 47:20 – 2026: national year of reading & Laura's keynote plans 49:10 – TVOEC bookshelf project: using books to support complex conversations 50:10 – Laura's podcast: author interviews + extension activities/resources 52:10 – Mirrors, windows and sliding doors: widening perspectives through books 54:10 – Closing reflections
For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com
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