To build strong foundations, children need regular access to books at both school and home. Research shows that children with even a modest number of books in the home achieve significantly higher education levels, regardless of socio-economic background.mYet in Kenya, despite progress in education, millions of children still lack books. A 2023 study by Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) found that only 13% of households in Kisumu County own a children's storybook.
100 Books brings together volunteer teams of writers, illustrators, and designers to create high-quality, culturally relevant children’s storybooks in a single day. Each Creation Day produces at least ten new titles, which are freely distributed online under open licensing, making them accessible to children, families, and schools across Kenya and beyond.
Our model addresses the critical shortage of affordable children’s books, particularly for those from low-income households. By ensuring that every child can access stories that reflect their culture, language, and lived experiences, we help remove key barriers to early literacy. All books are available for free download and printing, enabling even the most resource-constrained communities to benefit.
Since 2024, we have partnered with 32 public schools and two referral hospitals to distribute both printed and digital copies of our books. We have also supported ten schools in developing schoolwide literacy plans and trained 54 school leaders to design, implement, and sustain school-based professional learning programmes.
We have formed strategic partnerships and adopted the Book Dash model for rapid book creation, while using the Room to Read Writing Books Manual to train volunteers in producing high-quality, culturally relevant storybooks. To expand access, we collaborate with Sun Books for digital publishing, ensuring our titles reach a wider audience of children, families, and schools. Over the next 2–3 years, we aim to conduct annual book creation events producing 10 new titles, and print and distribute 100,000 books each year,
We have adapted our approach by combining the Book Dash model with Room to Read Writing Books Manual, enabling volunteers to efficiently create high-quality, culturally relevant storybooks. We have also integrated Sun Books’ digital platform to extend access beyond printed copies, ensuring children, families, and schools across Kenya can freely use our books. These adaptations support our goal of ensuring that every child owns at least 100 books by the time they reach Grade 3.
To adopt our approach, begin by exploring the Book Dash model and using the Room to Read Writing Books Manual to train volunteers in creating culturally relevant storybooks. For broader digital access, use Sun Books for publishing. For guidance or partnership opportunities, please contact info@resurgechildren.org
