This is a big step in our commitment to taking action against the global literacy crisis.

Through harnessing the latest technology and showcasing engaging reading content from leading publishers worldwide, we’re committed to tackling the burgeoning national and global literacy crisis highlighted by both UNICEF and the National Literacy Trust.

Did you know that only a third of 10-year-olds are able to read and understand a simple written story? This is part of UNICEF’s global findings that were discussed at the Transforming Education Summit.

“Under resourced schools, underpaid and underqualified teachers, over-crowded classrooms and archaic curricula are undermining our children’s ability to reach their full potential. We need to reverse current trendlines or face the consequences of a failing to educate an entire generation. Low levels of learning today mean less opportunity tomorrow.”

- Catherine Russell UNICEF Executive Director.

Encouraging children to read more

To help combat school libraries’ limited resources and struggle to find funding for children’s books, our licensing arrangement has now been extended to offer global access to a range of engaging Oxford University Press children’s books for schools like yours.

The bedrock of this initiative is to encourage children to read more by giving them greater access to books, and boosting their pleasure to continue reading.

“Only 1 in 2 (52.4%) children aged 5 to 8 said that they read daily, while 1 in 13 (7.7%) say they never read at all.”

“More than 3 in 4 (77.7%) children aged 5 to 8 who have a book of their own at home said that they enjoy reading, decreasing to 2 in 3 (66.2%) of those who don’t have a book of their own.”

- National Literacy Trust’s 2022 Annual Literacy Survey

With these statistics from the National Literacy Trust in mind, we recognise that access to books and a love for reading are symbiotic, which has a considerable impact on a child’s well-being and future academic success.

Boost literacy and a love for reading with Pickatale

In addition to the latest worldwide release of Oxford University Press picture-book titles, schools get access to thousands of quality books with the Pickatale app.

Sign up to a teacher account or book a demo to learn more about Pickatale and how to get access to Oxford University Press picture books and many more!

Highlights from Oxford University Press

Lubna and Pebble

The gorgeous and sensitive handling of a refugee story by extraordinary talents Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus.

This Book Just Ate My Dog

The hilarious and original picture book about what happens when books get out of control.

First Experiences with Biff, Chip & Kipper: Let’s Recycle

The evergreen learn-to-read series of first experiences tackles sustainability.

Daisy Doodles

A creative and enchanting book with great use of both photos and illustrations. A story about the little girl Daisy who loves to draw, and when she doodles something her drawings come to life!

Lula and the Sea Monster

This beautiful story is about the friendship between a girl and a magical sea creature and highlights the importance of kindness, standing up for your beliefs and protecting the environment.

The Pickatale library hosts a range of books including audio, read-along and short animations! These features have been designed to heighten childrens’ reading experiences - no matter their independent reading level.

Looking to encourage independent reading practice? There are decodable phonic books linked to the current curriculum, as well as levelled readers across 8 Pickatale stages for 4-11-year-olds in a range of genres across fiction, non fiction, and poetry.

Learn more about Pickatale and how to get global access to Oxford University Press picture books for schools by booking a demo or signing up for a teacher account.