Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK partners with Barnes & Noble and Waterstones to launch Raising Readers Storytimes

A major three-day #RaisingReaders collaboration with children to promote the joys and benefits of reading

3rd September, 2026— In an exclusive partnership, global publishing powerhouses Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK are joining forces with Barnes & Noble and Waterstones to launch Raising Readers Storytimes, an extension of the #ReadingisGolden Campaign.

Storytime is a trusted tool in the repertoire of most children’s booksellers, using the power of reading aloud to enchant even the youngest children with a good story. Taking place from September 18–20, this massive three-day event will amplify this magic and ignite a passion for books in young children across both sides of the Atlantic.

Designed for children ages 3 to 8, the weekend will celebrate the crucial role reading picture books aloud can play in child development. From listening skills and visual interpreta on to building children’s imagination, storytime is a truly joyful way of learning.

In more than 720 locations across the U.S., Barnes & Noble booksellers will bring Caldecott Honor-winner Christopher Denise’s beloved Knight Owl to life. Meanwhile, in the UK, Waterstones will host events featuring Rachel Bright and Jim Field, the acclaimed creators behind Hachette Children’s Group’s bestselling picture book series whose nine tles include The Lion Inside, The Squirrels Who Squabbled, The Koala Who Could and The Turtle Who Turned the Tide.

“Reading together is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to spark a lifelong love of books in children,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble & Waterstones. “Every day in our bookstores we see the joy that a great story can bring to families. We are delighted to join Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK in this wonderful initiative to celebrate the power of storytime.”

The campaign centres on a simple yet transforma ve habit: encouraging parents and caregivers to spend just 10 minutes a day reading with their children.

“We know from research that reading for fun as a child is the greatest predicter of future success – more than education, social background or anything else. And being read to is the best way to inculcate this love of reading,” said David Shelley, CEO of Hache e Book Group and Hachette UK. “So, we’re really thrilled to be partnering with Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Christopher Denise, Rachel Bright, and Jim Field to bring the magic of reading to thousands of young people.”

The festivites kick off on Friday, 18th September, with targeted school outreach:

• US: Barnes & Noble and HBG will bring special Knight Owl story mes to up to 1,000 elementary schools as kids gear up for the new school year.

• UK: Bestselling duo Rachel Bright and Jim Field will host their first-ever national, free Virtual School Event on Friday, 18th September (10:30 AM–11:15 AM BST).

These exclusive school sessions will launch a weekend packed with interactive in-store events, expert tips for parents, and free Raising Readers resources across participating Barnes & Noble and Waterstones bookstores. Contact your local Barnes & Noble or Waterstones to discover when your store’s story me will take place.

The partnership builds on Barnes & Noble and Waterstones’ support of Hachette’s Raising Readers campaign, including their role in helping launch the official Raising Readers public service announcement (PSA), which highlights the joys and benefits of reading with your child even for just 10 minutes a day.

To join the movement, follow and share using #RaisingReaders and #ReadingIsGolden.