• Over half a million Brits will head out in their pyjamas tomorrow (Friday 7th June) for Pyjamarama, a nationwide fundraising campaign for children’s reading charity, BookTrust.
• Pyjamarama asks Brits to donate £1 to wear their PJs all day and celebrate the bedtime story, with all money raised helping BookTrust to reach more children and families with books and reading.
• Text PJS 2 to 70085 to donate £2 (text will cost your standard rate plus £2).

BookTrust and bestselling children’s author of the Horrid Henry series, Francesca Simon, are calling on parents to ditch tech and rediscover the joy of the bedtime story on Friday 7^th June by celebrating Pyjamarama, a nationwide fundraising campaign by BookTrust.

Pyjamarama asks Brits to donate £1 to wear their pyjamas all day on Friday 7^th June and celebrate the bedtime story in any way they like. All funds raised will go towards helping help BookTrust ensure that every child experiences the life changing benefits of access to books and reading.

You might decide to wear your best silk sleepwear to try and look as stylish as possible, which is totally understandable if you like looking glam. Alternatively, you might decide to use this as an excuse to have a laugh and look a bit silly, in which case something like these custom face pajamas would be a great choice. Whatever you choose, the important thing is getting involved and supporting a good cause.

Dependent on the weather, you may be a little chilly in just your pjyamas! Many people will opt to wear their favourite kigurumis and onesies as well (read here for more info) for some extra warmth. You could also wear your dressing gown on top… whatever tickles your fancy!

Francesca Simon, bestselling author, comments: “Reading a bedtime story together is one of the best experiences families can share, and something tech cannot replace. The many evenings I spent immersed in books with my son, Joshua, until he was 11, not only inspired me to become a children’s author, but are also some of our best shared memories and gave my son the confidence, curiosity and thirst for learning that has set him up for life”.

Simon continues: “I’m supporting BookTrust’s Pyjamarama campaign because I’m hoping that on Friday 7^th June, families will ditch the tech, pay a pound to put on their PJs and rediscover the joy of a bedtime story. Together we can help to raise money so that BookTrust can reach families everywhere with books and support, to ensure that no child is missing out on the life changing benefits and joys of reading for pleasure.”

Gemma Malley, BookTrust Director, adds: “Life has never been busier and many parents are finding it harder and harder to fit in bedtime stories. I know from experience that it can be tempting to replace reading to your child with time on a device, but swapping books for tech can have profound consequences.”

“However, just ten minutes of reading a book together a day makes such a difference – it helps build children’s language, resilience, confidence and imagination and is an amazing way for families to bond. That’s why we want children and adults alike to celebrate Pyjamarama on Friday 7^th June and help BookTrust in its tireless work to make sure that even more children get bedtime stories”.

Schools, nurseries, businesses and individuals can sign up for Pyjamarama fundraising packs by visiting: booktrust.org.uk/pyjamarama. All monies raised will go towards funding BookTrust’s work in supporting more families. For just £25, BookTrust could provide 15 pre-school children living in women’s refuge centres with their own book pack.