I was delighted and privileged to create the illustrations for this campaign with @aldiuk and @marcusrashford.

As someone who struggled with reading as a child it truly resonates with me. It's such an important campaign. I really hope its helps.

Aldi donates over 100,000 books to children across the UK as research reveals as many as 2 children in every school classroom don’t own a book.

To encourage customers to help all children experience the escapism that reading can bring, Aldi has commissioned a touching animation narrated by footballer Marcus Rashford MBE - long term campaigner for child equality and children’s author. The animation, “My Reading Journey”, beautifully illustrated by Lisa Stickley, brings to life how much joy reading can bring to a child, as the viewer watches a young boy’s world come alive after being gifted a book.

Marcus Rashford MBE, a strong supporter of Aldi’s campaign, comments: “I didn’t have access to a lot of books growing up meaning I wasn’t able to read until I was 17. The impact this is having on children long-term is devastating – reading is a form of escapism that every child deserves to enjoy. It’s great to see Aldi donate over 100,000 books to children across the country that need them most and I encourage you to join this brilliant project and donate further.”

Acting as an ambassador for the campaign, Steven Bartlett commented: “Having access to books at home whilst growing up is something that a lot of us take for granted, unaware of just how many kids in this country aren’t as fortunate. Looking towards the future, it is fundamental that all young people have access to books at home and that is why I am supporting this great initiative from ALDI. Most importantly to help them hone their reading skills and further education, but also so they can enjoy the escapism and immerse themselves in fictional worlds. No kids should be denied that right at home.”  

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “At Aldi we believe that access to books, just like quality food should be a right, not a privilege; every child deserves to experience the magic of reading. Not only are we donating over 100,000 books to children that need them, this campaign also aims to help raise awareness of the increasing number of children who don’t have access to their own books at home so those that are in the fortunate position to do so, have the chance to help too.”  

For more information and to donate a book to a child in need, visit the Aldi website: www.aldi.co.uk/donatebooks With thanks to the team at Aldi, @bcwldn @Steven @jodieho31 @panmacmillan @neighbourly for making it happen.