Cbeebies launches new Storytime app with 10 stories celebrating diversity to better reflect all children in the UK
Cbeebies has launched a new Storytime app - with new stories celebrating diversity 'to better reflect the lives of all children living in the UK'.
The download, available from today, includes 10 interactive tales from popular children's authors including current Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell MBE, Olly Pike and Destynee Onwochei.
The fresh choices, says the BBC children's channel, will celebrate diversity and inclusivity to represent young children from many different backgrounds who live across the country.
Available for free on app stores, CBeebies Storytime has been designed to encourage and foster a love of stories in early years and supports literacy, vocabulary and reading skills for pre-schoolers.
The app has been updated to also make it easier for children to use, with a new look and stories full of interactions.
From experiencing a first day at school with Olanna’s Super Senses, to partying with JoJo & Gran Gran in It’s Time for Carnival or learning about making friends with Pinchy the Dragon those behind the new launch say there is plenty of adventure to be found thanks to the new technology that has been designed with the help of The Booktrust.
A survey in December by the National Literacy Trust, which questioned 60,000 youngsters, revealed that a third of children in the UK do not see themselves in the books they read.
Following the report, a new campaign was launched which received the backing of numerous authors and illustrators including current Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, who had previously declared that 'every child has the right to see themselves reflected in a book'.
Her story Little Bo Peep's Library Book is among the new tales to be included in the Storytime app.
She said: “I'm delighted to support the CBeebies Storytime app and to make the magic of books accessible to as many children as possible.
"Countless studies show that reading for pleasure develops creativity, empathy and intelligence, and is crucial for future academic success, mental health and even later economic success. This new CBeebies Storytime app will help even more children develop a life-long love of books.”
Along with Storytime, CBeebies has three other existing free apps – Get Creative, Go Explore and Playtime Island alongside programmes available to watch through BBC iPlayer.
Rachel Bardill, executive editor, BBC Children’s, added: “CBeebies Storytime is all about inspiring a love of stories for every child – something that’s so crucial for improving literacy, vocabulary and reading skills. Whether it’s ramping up morning energy levels to prime minds for learning, or to help wind down at the end of the day, there’s stories for everyone and every occasion.
"We’re excited to be bringing lots of great stories to the app from some incredibly talented authors and illustrators, and we hope there’s some new favourites that little ones, parents and guardians will all enjoy.”
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