Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years

In early childhood, stories are more than words on a page. They are bridges—between experiences, identities, and possibilities. This idea sits at the heart of a powerful conversation with Laura Henry-Allain MBE: award-winning early education specialist, author, and creator of the ground-breaking CBeebies series JoJo and Gran Gran. In this podcast episode, Laura shares her insights on the transformative potential of books in early childhood settings, and how storytelling can offer every child a sense of belonging.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years/

This episode is sponsored by Ladybird Books:

We make growing up the best story ever! From your baby's first book to starting school, at Ladybird we publish something for every milestone. Discover a range of your little one's favourite characters, from Peppa Pig to Topsy and Tim, and much more.

To find out more visit: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/ladybird

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· The value of storytelling, by Olivia Corbin-Phillip, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-value-of-storytelling/

· Extremely early literacy, by Dan Berman, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – 2026 Conference: Laura Henry-Allain MBE as keynote speaker
02:20 – Introducing Laura Henry-Allain MBE
06:10 – Why books matter: emotion, curiosity, access, and "windows" for children
08:30 – Representation and belonging: children seeing themselves in stories
11:10 – Books on a budget: second-hand options + widening access
13:10 – Beyond the book corner: placing books across the setting
15:10 – Books at home: everyday reading and communication
17:10 – Supporting families: lending libraries, story sacks, and building confidence
20:10 – Practical tip: tote bag "reading pack" instead of defaulting to screens
23:10 – Laura's "reading is everywhere" poster: what it is & how settings use it
26:00 – Balancing technology: audio stories and listening skills
28:30 – Laura's publishing journey: beginnings with her grandmother
31:20 – Writing life: timelines for publishing, working ahead, and varied roles
34:30 – Author visits: modelling storytelling
36:20 – Complex themes: why children are not "too young"
38:10 – Talking about race and difference
41:50 – Practice example: self-portraits, skin-tone resources, and sensitive reflection
44:30 – Intentional inclusion: planning, provocations, and the "global village"
47:20 – 2026: national year of reading & Laura's keynote plans
49:10 – TVOEC bookshelf project: using books to support complex conversations
50:10 – Laura's podcast: author interviews + extension activities/resources
52:10 – Mirrors, windows and sliding doors: widening perspectives through books
54:10 – Closing reflections

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com