From Alice in Wonderland to Winnie the Pooh: authors, TV personalities, and public figures give the gift of words to inspire and support young people after a difficult 2020

TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 2020: Authors, illustrators, TV personalities, and public figures have come together to share the books, phrases, and quotes that they would give as a gift to young people—or anyone who might need it—during this year’s festive season.

Oxford University’s Press (OUP), the world’s largest university press, has launched the campaign to highlight the important role words can play in inspiring young people and creating opportunities through education and language—particularly in a year that has been so difficult, disruptive, and uncertain for people all over the world.

OUP’s recent Oxford Language Report: Bridging the Word Gap in Transition identified a growing shortfall in young people’s vocabulary, especially at the point of transition from primary to secondary school. 92 percent of teachers surveyed believed that the ‘word gap’ – where a child’s vocabulary is below expectations for their age – had widened because of COVID-related school closures. Additionally, Oxford Language’s recent Words of an Unprecedented Year report highlighted how people have used language to help them navigate and define the uncertainty of 2020.

Among the contributors to the campaign were restaurant critic and columnist Giles Coren, who said he would give young people ‘any Snoopy book, because all human life is there…it will seed a hunger for literature that will last their whole life.’ Author and TV wordsmith Susie Dent recommended Le Grand Meaulnes (The Lost Estate) by Alain-Fournier, which is all about ‘first love and a magical lost house, set in the twilight world between childhood adolescence.’ Fellow author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth suggested Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass, because young people will ‘meet some of the most amazing (and amusing) characters ever created and will discover what fun words can be’.

Other contributions from the world of literature included:

• Actress, singer, playwright, and author Cerrie Burnell, who shared a quote from Emily Dickinson: ‘Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul’
• Carnegie prize-winning author, Anthony McGowan, who suggested the ‘entrancing’ poem, Fire and Ice

• Roopa Farooki, junior doctor, award-winning adult novelist and children’s author of The Cure for a Crime, who recommended an exchange between Winnie the Pooh and Piglet from Us Two
• Former Waterstones Children’s Laureate and illustrator ofPippi Longstocking and Charlie and Lola Lauren Child, who provided a quote from poet Mary Oliver: ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’
• Harriet Muncaster, author and illustrator of the best-selling Isadora Moon series shared her love of the Brambly Hedge series, as well as The Borrowers.

Several MPs and peers also shared words, books, and phrases that they hope could provide inspiration for young people:

• Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Commons Education Select Committee suggested either The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis because they were ‘tales of heroism, leadership, fighting against the odds, evil villains, and of course, featuring three breakfasts and Turkish delight’.
• Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Chair of the APPG for Disability and member of the APPG for Health, would give this quote from The Diary of Anne Frank: ‘How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.’
• Rt Hon the Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, who is also the Chair of Book Aid International, said he would give Ananse the Spider and Braer Rabbit because ‘brave, kind hearted, mischievous and fun, they overcome all not by force but by words driven home by deeds.’
• Elliot Colburn MP, who sits on the Women and Equalities Committee, recommended the Harry Potter series because ‘Harry’s story of overcoming adversity, the importance of friendship, and seeing the bigger picture in life still resonates with [him] today’.

Speaking about the initiative, Nigel Portwood, CEO of Oxford University Press said: ‘We know that words and language can be a powerful force for good. They inspire creativity, feed the imagination, broaden our perspectives, open the door to opportunities in education, and in later life—and play a valuable role in helping people to make sense of the world around them. 2020 has been a confusing, uncomfortable year. Our research has emphasized the impact of the pandemic on young people’s education, and indeed on all of us. It’s more important than ever that we encourage everyone—particularly children who have their whole futures ahead of them—to access, use, and appreciate words and language. That’s why we believe that the best gift we can give right now, is the gift of words.’

The full list of contributors, along with their ‘gifts of words’ can be viewed here.