Hop into Reading
You may have stumbled across a book and a cuddly frog in a plastic wallet and wondered what it was. Well we’ve been chatting to one of the businesses behind the scheme to find out a bit more.
What is Hop into Reading?
As we’ve mentioned above the scheme involves books and cuddly toys that are left in public places like parks, outside shops and bus stops that people can pick up and take home. 160 packs have been hidden so far. There is a Facebook group where people share their finds.
Two DBS checked members of Cornerstone Nurseries staff go into Merton Infant School weekly and listen to children read. Additionally, they have been going to after school and holiday clubs to listen to children read which can take the burden off of working parents who often pick children up late and struggle to find time to sit and listen to their children read a book.
How was the scheme started?
Cornerstone Nurseries, working with Brevity Marketing as part of their Business For Good verification, thought up this scheme. Born from research showing that reading for enjoyment is at a 20 year low* and that children are reading fewer and less challenging books, this community scheme is a good fit for an early years provider. The thought was that by hiding good quality reading books around the borough, children could pick them up and enjoy them at home…. and no doubt the cuddly frogs would be well loved too.
Schools also struggle to find parent volunteers to listen to children read during school hours so the contribution here should help them.
What are the intended outcomes?
Cheryl from Cornerstone said: “the idea is to raise children’s literacy levels across Basingstoke by making reading fun, accessible, and engaging for all children in particular boys and those from disadvantaged or multilingual backgrounds - through community collaboration, business support, and school partnerships.”
What other businesses are involved?
Local marketing agency and creator of the Basingstoke Business for Good Verification, Brevity Marketing has donated a box of books for the scheme and is involved in the longer term strategy. Books have been purchased through Shelf Discovery, a local distributor of Usborne Books at a discounted rate. The cuddly frogs have, to date, been donated by Aurora World, a cuddly toy manufacturer based in Chineham.
What does the future hold for the scheme?
There are lots of ideas to scale up the scheme. They intend to continue to hide books around the borough and are looking to increase the number of schools that they go into to listen to children read. There was mention of a book exchange at a local community centre and the requirement for more DBS checked volunteers. Additionally, the team are looking to raise awareness for the scheme at community events so you may well spot their frog mascot popping up somewhere near you!
If any businesses are interested in getting involved please do drop Cornerstone a message.
Our thanks to Cheryl at Cornerstone Nurseries for speaking to us.
October 2025
Share this article:
