Create Patron Isy Suttie SHARES HER PASSION FOR reading and creativity

Create is delighted to have partnered with The Reading Agency for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. This is delivered with public libraries across the UK to inspire children aged between 4-11 to read for fun over the summer holidays. We developed this year’s theme “Marvellous Makers” together to encourage children to express themselves creatively.

We’re excited that our Patron – comedian, actress and author Isy Suttie – agreed to be one of the Champions of the Summer Reading Challenge. An avid reader as well as author, she believes passionately in the wonder of being absorbed in books.

We asked Isy to share with us what reading means to her and why fostering creativity is so important.

What about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge has inspired you the most?

The selection of books is fantastic! I was bowled over by the standard and diversity of the selection – there truly is something for everyone.

Why is reading important to you?

Reading is something that is a constant friend. I’m always reading at least two books and I love that I have an inner life, which is always thinking about the storylines and characters no matter what’s going on in my real life. I think reading encourages wonder, empathy and self-awareness as well as being a thrilling activity.

What is a book that has inspired you to be creative?

There’s a book called A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, which I will always remember. In some ways it is very simple and in others it is incredibly complex – it explores a young boy’s grief in such a nuanced, brave way. It made me realise there are so many different ways to tell a story.

Why should children/young people read it?

I think we as adults, unless we are lucky enough to have the time and space to read daily, can forget how much books transport us away as children and how much they can teach us about the way other people think, other countries and cultures, and how they can open us up to possibility.

Why is it important to foster creativity at an early age?

If we give ourselves this space as young people, it’s much more likely that creativity becomes something we practise as we get older. Even a few minutes a day can elicit massive changes. I also think creativity can help with hope in difficult and traumatic situations, and in this sense it’s like a superfood we must gobble down when we get the chance.

The Summer Reading Challenge is currently taking place across Britain. Find out about the children’s books that inspire four of our Create Artists here; and head over the Challenge website to find out more.