Support for Children’s Reading in Different Countries of the World. Review of the New Edition

Abstract

One of the disturbing trends of our time is the decline in interest in reading all over the world, despite its obvious importance and irreplaceability. The reasons for this negative trend have not yet been fully investigated.The presented review gives a high assessment of V.P. Chudinova’s book “Development of ‘Nations of Readersʼ in Different Countries of the World: Studies, Strategies, Projects, Practices” (2022). The publication contains the analysis of the situation with the support of childrenʼs reading in different countries of the world, as well as characterizes international programs of this profile. V.P. Chudinovaʼs work is based on the reliable materials of large-scale studies, including comparative ones that greatly increases the objectivity of the book. Much attention is paid to the support of childrenʼs and family reading by major international organizations: UNESCO, IFLA and the International Literacy Association. In separate chapters, the author considers promotion of reader literacy in the advanced countries of the world — Japan, Singapore, China and Great Britain. Along with the previously published textbook “Library and Information Services for Children and Youth Abroad” (2012), the new book by V.P. Chudinova has made a big step in highlighting the problem of supporting childrenʼs reading at the level of international organizations and the most successful countries in this regard. The considered subject may be linked to the “Sustainable Development Goals” adopted in 2015 by the UN General Assembly as a plan for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.