Guest Blog: James Davis
Author of Scarlet Defender of the Universe
Accessible books are the key to combating the children’s reading crisis
Humour is the key to engagement
One of the most powerful remedies to the reading crisis is also one of the simplest: stories that make kids laugh.
Humour has always been a secret doorway into reading, but today it may be more essential than ever. Highly illustrated, accessible books that are packed with jokes, visual gags, and playful storytelling offer an irresistible invitation to children who might otherwise feel intimidated, bored, or defeated by reading.
There are few better moments as a parent than when your child is reading and laughing. That’s when you can feel certain you’re not getting it wrong.
Laughter motivates readers
When a child laughs, something important happens: the pressure lifts. Reading stops feeling like work and starts being fun. Humorous stories lower emotional barriers by creating positive associations with books, which is especially crucial for reluctant readers or those who have struggled with more traditional texts.
Laughter rewards effort. It motivates children to turn the page, try another chapter, or pick up another book, all without being nudged or monitored. In a climate where screen time is an ever-present competitor, the joy of a good laugh becomes an effective counterbalance.
Illustrations enrich the experience
Illustrated books that blend text with dynamic, expressive artwork, like those by the fabulous Dotty Sutton, play a unique role in this effort. The visuals support comprehension, provide context clues, and offer resting points for the eye, making stories more accessible to children with diverse reading abilities.
But highly illustrated books do more than help struggling readers; they enrich the experience for all children. Illustrations amplify the humour, transforming a funny moment into something unforgettable. A well-timed drawing of a character mid-mishap or a scribbled margin joke can turn a simple sentence into a belly laugh. That emotional spark keeps young readers coming back for more.
Accessibility opens doors
This accessibility is not about “dumbing down” literature. It’s about opening doors. For some readers, these books will be a stepping stone; for others, they may be a home.
I still very much enjoy re-reading the Asterix books I buy my son as presents. Almost a teenager, he is thankfully a voracious reader, but will happily switch between Lord of the Rings and Mr Gum. I would never encourage it to be any other way.
Social elements of reading
Importantly, funny books also foster the social elements of reading. Children share jokes, quote favourite lines, and pass around books that made them giggle. Laughter is contagious; so is enthusiasm.
This is especially powerful when children want to share these moments with the strongest influences in their lives: their parents.
Bridging generational gaps
My most treasured feedback on Scarlet: Defender of the Universe, was from a family that now uses the term shploink frequently as a verb. ‘Shploink over there and get me an apple, will you?’ ‘Let’s shploink to the shops and pick up some bread.’ I couldn’t have imagined a better outcome.
It’s extremely difficult to create a book that bridges generational gaps and provides something that can genuinely be enjoyed by all. But I was lucky enough to have a great deal of help from people much smarter than I am. I did, however, provide the gags, which is perhaps enough.
Cutting through the noise
In a world of competing distractions, humorous, highly illustrated stories cut through the noise. They create emotional connections and promote comprehension. If we want to nurture lifelong readers, we must give children books that feel like a treat, not a task. Books that meet them with warmth, joy, and a well-placed punchline.
Amid the reading crisis, laughter may be our most potent tool.
Thank you to James for visiting the BooksForTopics blog this week to discuss how accessible books are key to combating the children’s reading crisis. As we kick off the National Year of Reading 2026, James’s insights remind us that joy is the most important ingredient in creating lifelong readers.
James first book Scarlet Defender of the Universe, features on our Year 3 Recommended Reads list. Our review panel said, “This book is laugh-out-loud funny with silly names, made-up words and bonkers chapter titles…Children who enjoy funny books and adventures will love reading about Scarlet; the chapters are not too long, and there are illustrations scattered throughout.” See the full review here.
The second book in the series, Scarlet Saves the Multiverse, is out this month.
Readers may also be interested in the following booklists:
- Recommended Reads for Year 3
- Funny Books for Children
- Key Stage 2 Booklists
- Recommended Booklist for Year 4
- National Year of Reading 2026 Booklist
- Best Books This Month
Browse our curriculum topic booklists for more.
Where next?
> Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
> View our printable year group booklists.
> See our Books of the Month.