Katy Hessel links art and reading as UK launches National Year of Reading

Katy Hessel is calling for a renewed focus on reading among young people in the UK as the National Literacy Trust has designated 2026 the National Year of Reading, a government‑supported initiative aimed at helping more children rediscover the joy of books. The NLT found in 2025 that the percentage of children and young people who “enjoyed reading” was at its lowest for 20 years: fewer than one in five 8–18‑year‑olds said they read “something daily” in their free time, and enjoyment levels have fallen 36% since 2005.

The Year of Reading campaign aims to distribute 72,000 new books to children with the greatest need and to start by matching books to children’s passions, from history to sport, film to art. Hessel’s new children’s book, The Story of Art Without Men: An Illustrated Guide to Amazing Women Artists, is a version of her 2022 book adapted for readers of all ages, with illustrations by Ping Zhu, new chapters such as First Nations Art, and interactive “art tasks” designed to connect readers with artworks.

Examples in the book include concealing a self‑portrait in a still life (inspired by Clara Peeters), making a drawing to accompany a favourite poem (as Joan Mitchell and James Schuyler did), creating “wish trees” in the manner of Yoko Ono, or turning a favourite performer into a pop art image.

Key Topics

Culture, Katy Hessel, National Literacy Trust, Art Without Men, Ping Zhu, Mary Cassatt