Why bedtime stories matter, and what we’re doing to make them possible for every child.

Bedtime stories are one of the simplest rituals of childhood. A parent. A child. A book. A few pages before the light goes out. Most families don’t think twice about it.

For families with children who are blind or visually impaired, it isn’t that simple. The vast majority of children’s books, from picture books to early readers, are built entirely around sight. Without accessible alternatives, families can find themselves shut out of a ritual that the rest of the world takes for granted. This is the gap Living Paintings was created to fill.

Since our founding in 1989, we have produced hundreds of audio-tactile books. Books with raised illustrations that little fingers can explore, clear braille inserts, paired with professional audio descriptions that bring every page to life. We lend every single one of them free of charge through our postal library.

On Sunday 5th July at 7.54am, BBC Radio 4 will broadcast our charity appeal. It’s read by David, a father whose son Monty is blind and has experienced first-hand what our books can do. We hope you’ll tune in, and we hope his story stays with you.

If you’re able to donate, please do. Every gift helps us reach more families and make sure that more children, like Monty, never have to miss out on a bedtime story again.

Tune in to BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 5th July 7.54am and 9.27 and Thursday 9th July at 3.27.

• Listen on BBC Sounds on 5th July!
• Donate now!