---
title: Babyzone calls on publishers to see parents as a child’s first teacher
description: Speaking at The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference, Babyzone CEO George Looker urged the publishing industry to work hand in hand with 0 to 5 settings to help every family build confidence with reading.
image: https://babyzone.org.uk/hubfs/BOOKSELLERS%20CONFERENCE.jpg
---
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# Babyzone calls on publishers to see parents as a child’s first teacher
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**Reaching families from the very start**
Babyzone joined a panel at The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference titled “The importance of early years: Reaching families and children from the start”. Chaired by Camilla Reid, the session brought together George Looker, Sherise Daly and Jodie Hodges to discuss how the book world can better support families with young children.
The panel highlighted organisations already doing this well, including Bookmark Reading Charity, Children’s Book Project, BookTrust, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the National Literacy Trust.
**Our ask to publishers**
George’s message was simple: see parents as a child’s first teacher and work closely with early years settings to understand what really helps families share books.
That means meeting parents where they are. Many of the families we support are not confident readers, speak English as an additional language or are juggling far more than a tidy bedtime routine allows. Books and programmes designed with these families in mind can make a lasting difference.
**An open invitation**
The best way to understand what families need is to see it. Any publisher who would like to visit a Babyzone hub and watch parents, carers and children learning together is warmly invited to [get in touch.](mailto:hello@babyzone.org.uk) We are keen to collaborate with programmes that help everyone develop a love of books.
“Let’s make sure every family has the confidence, time and support to share a book together.” George Looker, CEO, Babyzone
[.](mailto:hello@babyzone.org.uk)
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