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Author's dyslexia inspires school library revival
18 Oct
Summary
- Author Nick Butterworth struggled with reading until age eight.
- He donated artwork and funds to support a school library.
- Butterworth advocates for reading's pleasure and imagination.
Award-winning author Nick Butterworth, known for 'Percy the Park Keeper,' recently visited Lionwood Infant School to inspire children's reading habits. Butterworth, who himself struggled to read until he was nearly nine, understands the profound impact of stories. He has previously supported the school by auctioning his artwork to raise funds for their library.
He emphasized his belief in the necessity of school libraries, noting that many have been lost. Butterworth described the transformed library as an inviting space that encourages children to immerse themselves in stories. He highlighted how his mother's dedication to reading aloud to him, even complex books like 'Moby-Dick,' ignited his lifelong love for narratives and language.
The executive headteacher of Lionwood, Selene Sawyer, credited Butterworth as a key figure in establishing the library. She noted the library's design intentionally excludes screens, prioritizing the traditional format of text. Reception teacher Maisie Potter also shared that storytelling significantly boosts children's imagination and their ability to explore different worlds, a benefit she actively fosters in her class.
