Two independent bookshops in Whitby have teamed up to start a new chapter in reading within the town’s schools.
The Whitby Bookshop and The Little Fox Bookshop have made a successful bid for funding to The Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant 2026 to deliver their scheme, Read Up Whitby.
Being announced today, the scheme, is aimed at Key Stage 2 children moving from year 6 to year 7 with the two shops helping children discover books which interest, excite and engage them, regardless of reading preferences or ability.
It is free for children to take part and the project will have a particular focus on boys who are reluctant readers.
Both bookshops will collaborate with local primary schools to curate suggested book lists suitable for different age groups and reading abilities.
They will also run a summer review challenge open to children moving up to secondary school. The children’s reviews will be displayed publicly on social media and in the shops, with each participant receiving a free book or tokens.
The collaboration between Fiona Duncan, manager of Whitby Bookshop, and Lucy Robertson, owner of The Little Fox Bookshop, came after they realised they were both interested in the same scheme and thought they would have more impact together.
Fiona said: “We are two independent bookshops coming together because we have the same ambition, we want the same outcomes.
“People have a perception of Whitby and everything is lovely but there are areas of deprivation for young people in the town that are being overlooked. Whitby Bookshop has been here for 40 years. People are coming in here now, as parents, bringing their children. We have a duty of care to the town and if we can do something to give back, with The Little Fox Bookshop, that is really important.
“Putting books, physically in hands is important for kids as it can open up a whole new world. They are bombarded with distractions in their young lives so reading is massively important, not just for education, but social skills with book clubs and reading groups. Reading leaves so much to interpretation, it is limitless.”
Lucy added: “Our project aims are focused around making reading more accessible and bringing young people into the centre of the project. We want to make this their project, to give them a voice and show them their opinions really matter and make a big difference.”
The Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant comes as part of the National Year of Reading – a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives. A total of £150,000 has been made available to independent bookshops, with grants between £1,500 and £5,000 available for individual projects.