Macmillan Children’s Books announces ‘Operation Storytime’ initiative to bring authors to armed forces families, with Billy Monger joining line up

During the initial visit, Tiny Hercules creators Jon Lock and Nich Angell spent a day with three local schools, becoming the first authors many of the children had ever met. Supported by independent bookshop Wonky Tree and the local North Yorkshire council, every Year 6 pupil was gifted a copy of the book. Sarah Bradshaw, Forces Lead at Carnagill School, noted the transformational impact of the day, which inspired pupils to create their own comics and engaged a community that rarely experiences author visits.

Building on this success, Macmillan Children’s Books expanded the initiative throughout the National Year of Reading. Since the spring, acclaimed authors and National Year of Reading ambassadors Christopher Edge, Rob Biddulph, Camilla Reid and Kate Hindley have participated in Operation Storytime events, inspiring and boosting confidence in children as they prepare for important transitions including starting reception, moving to secondary school and navigating the new school year. Most recently, Jon Lock and Nich Angell brought their Tiny Hercules tour to children close to RAF Honington in Suffolk.

Marking the next major milestone for the initiative, former Formula 3 racing driver, Guinness World Record holder, and author Billy Monger is set to inspire pupils in Catterick on 6th November. Monger will join his co-writer Seth Burkett for a full day of events based around his inspiring book Find Your Drive. Visiting Carnagill School, Wavell School, and Cambrai School – where many parents serve in the Armed Forces – the day will feature interactive events, student workshops and a special Q&A session open to parents, carers and staff on the base.

Alison Ruane, managing director at Macmillan Children’s Books said: 'The core missions of Macmillan Children’s Book and the National Year of Reading are to spark a love of books and to inspire local communities to promote the fun and benefits of reading. Operation Storytime absolutely delivers on this vision through our incredible roster of ambassadors and authors, bringing memorable experiences to an underserved community that needs them most and leaving a lasting legacy.'

Sarah Bradshaw, English and Service Pupil Lead, Carnagill School, commented: “As a school serving many service children, who often move throughout their education, it is wonderful to give them a lasting memory of their time in Catterick Garrison. The Operation Storytime author visits have had a huge impact, inspiring a love of reading and creating opportunities that are engaging, aspirational and difficult to replicate in school alone. Between two of the visits, many Yorkshire Regiment families experienced over four months of separation during a training exercise. The books provided a valuable point of connection, allowing children to share their reading and experiences with parents while they were away. 

'At the same time, service children found comfort in knowing they were all navigating the same challenges, creating a stronger sense of belonging and friendship. Across the key stage, children were buzzing with excitement. They were talking about the same books, sharing recommendations, laughing together and using ideas from the authors to improve their own writing. The impact has extended far beyond the visits themselves, leaving a lasting legacy of reading, confidence and community.'

Authors Jon Lock and Nich Angell commented: 'We're honoured to have been part of Operation Storytime from the beginning. Visiting Catterick, and seeing first-hand the impact that author events, and reading in general, have on kids from forces families was truly humbling. It's been an honour to give something back to these families as part of the National Year of Reading, and we can't wait to do more visits in the future.'

Clare Hall-Craggs, publicity director at Macmillan Children’s Books, commented: 'This has been one of the most energising and exciting initiatives I’ve worked on. Learning from the teachers at Carnagill and Wavell Schools about the additional challenges Forces pupils face on that first visit to Catterick I was deeply moved and quickly realised we needed to do more and open the experience up to more pupils. By the end of the day plans were hatched and I’m thrilled that since then Jon, Nich, Christopher, Camilla, Kate, Rob and now Billy and Seth have taken up the call to join Operation Storytime. I look forward to introducing our authors to more Forces children connected to different bases across the UK next year as this becomes a National Year of Reading legacy project.'

Looking ahead to 2027, Macmillan Children’s Books has already planned further Operation Storytime events connected to military bases, with an ongoing open invitation to collaborate with additional schools supporting high proportions of service children.