Frank Cottrell-Boyce: Children’s happiness at risk due to decline in reading for pleasure

He told the BBC he had “incredibly happy memories” of his own childhood.

But in hindsight, he realised his mum was finding life difficult living in a small flat with her own mother and two young boys.

“Her solution was, she took us to the library a lot. I don’t think she was hoping to hothouse us. I think she just wanted to get out and have somewhere nice to sit!

“I’ve just got these unbelievably happy memories… so that’s what makes me passionate about happiness.”

Many children’s laureates have campaigned on similar issues, but Cottrell-Boyce told the BBC he was aiming his message more at the government than the public.

He added: “We’re not talking about a huge undertaking. Some of the most amazing stuff I’ve seen, in terms of capital spend, has been some Pritt stick and two copies of [Rod Campbell’s classic toddler book] Dear Zoo.

“The infrastructure is there but it’s not joined up.”

The summit, organised with children’s reading charity BookTrust, will also hear from Rachel de Souza, the government’s children’s commissioner, and a report will be issued afterwards.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “High and rising standards, with excellent foundations in reading, writing and maths and making sure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn are key parts of our Plan for Change to ensure every child can achieve and thrive.

“We’ve invested over £90 million in our English Hubs programme, which supports reading for pleasure, with a further £23 million committed for the 2024-25 academic year and we have extended early language support.”