Libri Bookstores and the Department of Pediatrics at Semmelweis University highlight the beneficial effects of reading stories together.
Pediatricians and nurses are reading fairy tales and children’s stories as part of the newly launched “We Tell Stories Together!” campaign by Libri Bookstores and the Department of Pediatrics at Semmelweis University. The initiative aims to draw the attention of parents, grandparents, and relatives to the beneficial effects of storytelling — as the stories read aloud not only have an extremely positive impact on children’s emotional, psychological, and mental development, but also strengthen the bond between parents and their children. The shared story collection is also available on the YouTube channels of Libri and the clinic, where new videos will be uploaded continuously.
“Once I saw a three-month-old baby with a tablet attached to their Moses basket, watching a fairy tale. That was the moment I felt we had to do something, and that is why I consider our joint campaign with Libri so important. I hope that with this initiative we can build a kind of bridge between stories watched on screens and those read aloud,” says Dr. Laura Kossuth, resident in pediatrics and neonatology at the Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University.
The aim of this newly launched initiative is to make storytelling accessible to as many children as possible — even if their parents, grandparents, or relatives do not have the time or opportunity to read to them regularly. As part of the collaboration, pediatricians and nurses from the clinic read aloud their favorite fairy tales, and the recorded videos will now be available on the YouTube channels of Libri Bookstores and the Bókay Children’s Clinic. To ensure that the joy of listening to stories reaches even more children recovering in hospitals, Libri is also donating books to the clinic in connection with the campaign.
As part of the We Tell Stories Together campaign, a video interview was also made with the initiator, Laura Kossuth, about the beneficial effects of reading.
“In the medical profession, our task is not only to heal the body but also to convey values that shape the mental well-being and balance of future generations in the long term. Reading fairy tales is not merely a leisure activity: it provides a cultural and emotional heritage that strengthens family cohesion and helps create a safer, more supportive environment around children,” explains Prof. Dr. Attila Szabó, Director of the Department of Pediatrics and Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs at Semmelweis University.
Promoting Reading for Children
Reading together supports the neurological, mental, and emotional development of children recovering in hospitals as well as that of healthy young children. Numerous studies consistently confirm that children who regularly listen to stories develop greater creativity, and their emotional and social skills function more effectively than those of children who are not read to, or only rarely. Moreover, shared reading has a positive impact on school performance, as it improves reading comprehension and develops writing skills.
Research also shows that storytelling has positive effects beyond the children: shared storytime reduces adults’ stress levels and deepens and strengthens the emotional bond between parent and child.
“One of the most important elements of our mission to promote reading is fostering a love of books in children. Regular storytelling is essential for this, followed, at a certain age, by reading together with parents or grandparents. A year ago, we launched the Libri Mini program, through which we aim to support the selection of appropriate stories and reading materials, as well as the processing of these stories. I am proud of this joint initiative with the clinic’s staff, which helps make the daily lives of young patients easier, not to mention the positive impact it has on mental health for both children and adults,” said Orsolya Stefanie Ludvig, Marketing and Communications Director at Libri.
Libri Mini offers stories and reading material for the youngest children month by month. On the occasion of the newly launched collaboration, Veronika Marék’s Prémszakáll és Torzonborz was chosen as the book of the month for August, and Emese Révész’s Amíg én oviban vagyok was selected for September.
Those who wish to try their hand at writing stories can do so through Libri Talent Mini. Applications are open until September 28, and the best stories will be published by the company group.
