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Read + Play from Marshall Cavendish

mc international

The Read + Play Series – Harness the power of literature through the innovation of play

With Read+Play, the author Jo-Ann Netto-Shek was interested in replicating some of her fondest reading experiences that she had as a child that she believes are the foundation of her adult reading life. Reading for her was always shared and enjoyable. Some of her best reading memories included play after reading with experiences like dressing up as characters or making objects in stories or recreating story worlds. Play made reading enjoyable and extended story worlds into her world.

As she wondered if children today engaged with stories in similar ways, she worked with a team from Marshall Cavendish Asia to inquire into the educational basis of these experiences and they discovered that not only was there a basis for these experiences but that the research was positive and growing.

Watch the full trailer on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jtl9hHxzUY

Dr Jo Ann Shek is a lecturer at the National Institute of Education – English Language & Literature, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Why Read+Play

For all children, play is the key to learning, the Read + Play series of books harnesses the power of literature through the innovation of play.

The twin roles of reading and playing are critical to a child’s development. Our Read + Play series of books help children nurture a lifelong love for reading and learning through the power of play. With each story, children are guided through various Read and Play elements to immerse them in the story world experience.


READ Listening to stories tunes the ear and trains attention. This series encourages children to read with a buddy, such as with family members or caregivers at home, or with teachers and classmates at school.	TALK The diverse range of stories will keep young readers engaged as they build vocabulary, expand their use of language and become confident speakers. They also nurture lasting bonds with others.	PLAY Play is crucial to learning. Through play, children practise and reinforce what they read, develop life skills, and are empowered to become independent learners, effective communicators, creative thinkers and unique problem-solvers.

Backed by research and field trials with young readers, this tried-and-tested series has been found to be useful in both the home and school environments.

For more information, please check out our detailed series deck here.

Read+Play Series (website)

Available September 2023

Available November 2023

What educators have to say

"I was blown away by the programme and just how much my students enjoyed the session. Highly recommended in today's world where educators like myself are more focused on language as communication and a means of holistic development of a student."