Book Talk Guide
We commissioned Empathy Lab to create this training guide.
We recognise the value of book talk and the importance of library staff’s role, promoting a love of reading in children’s libraries.
Through books, children can explore their thoughts and opinions and develop skills in self-expression and analysis. They can develop empathy and understanding of the world around them as they consider characters and situations. Informal chats about books are also fun and improve mental wellbeing.
This guide, created by Empathy Lab, provides guidance and practical tips to help you engage children and young people in book talk in your library.
We invite you to read this free training guide and put the suggested activities and conversation starters into practice. Keep records of your progress using the Book Talk Journal and if you have any questions, thoughts or feedback, let us know.
We’re here to support you.
Additional information
For more in-depth information about book talk, watch these videos:
What is Book Talk? video
- Hear from Empathy Lab about what Book Talk is
- Ways to approach Book Talk with children and young people
- Some key do’s and don’ts
Benefits of Book Talk video
- Hear from an English Lead about the impact Book Talk has
- See some Book Talk-related activities that you can try out with children and young people
Supporting children with reading video
- Hear from a Head Teacher about how Book Talk supports children with their reading
- Libraries role in this process