How can schools in the Czech Republic encourage preschoolers to enjoy books and reading? This discussion will focus on the development of children’s reading in schools and look at materials that support teaching methodology. It will also address nationwide initiatives held in libraries, such as Night with Andersen, Books for First-Graders and Books of a Child’s Heart, the role of school libraries and the J. A. Comenius Pedagogical Library in introducing teachers to contemporary Czech and world literature for children and young people, and talks and reading together in libraries, from book-based play with preschoolers to creative activities for older readers. We will also look back on 13 years of the Best Books for Children catalogue, which presents a selection of original Czech literature for children and young people, and consider the importance for support and promotion of quality children’s literature of book awards and competitions such as Magnesia Litera and the Golden Ribbon.

Hana Havlínová, Ivona Březinová, Edita Vaníčková Makosová. Moderation: Jana Čeňková