Jackanory
Jackanory is a long-running BBC children's television series that was designed to stimulate an interest in reading. The show was first transmitted on 13 December 1965, the first story being the fairy-tale Cap-o'-Rushes read by Lee Montague. Jackanory continued to be broadcast until 1996, clocking up around 3,500 episodes in its 30-year run. The final story, The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne, was read by Alan Bennett and broadcast on 24 March 1996. The show returned on 27 November 2006 for two one-off stories. The show's format, which varied little over the decades, involved an actor reading from children's novels or folk tales, usually while seated in an armchair. From time to time the scene being read would be illustrated by a specially commissioned still drawing, often by Quentin Blake. Usually a single book would occupy five daily fifteen-minute episodes, from Monday to Friday.
Insights
Plot Summary
Jackanory was a long-running British children's television programme that featured a different storybook each week, read aloud by a rotating cast of actors and personalities. The programme typically featured one reader per episode, who would read from the book, with occasional illustrations from the story appearing on screen. The aim was to encourage children to read by exposing them to a wide variety of engaging stories and charismatic readers.
Critical Reception
Jackanory was a beloved and enduring fixture of British children's television for decades, praised for its simple yet effective format that fostered a love for reading. Its gentle pacing and the familiar presence of its readers made it a comforting and educational watch for generations of children. The show is often remembered fondly for its contribution to literacy and its role in introducing children to classic and contemporary children's literature.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its role in promoting literacy and encouraging reading.
- Remembered fondly for its comforting and educational storytelling format.
- Appreciated for introducing children to a diverse range of books and authors.
Google audience: Audience reviews consistently highlight Jackanory as a cherished childhood memory, with many crediting the show for sparking their initial interest in books and reading. The variety of stories and the engaging performances of the guest readers are frequently mentioned as positive aspects, making it a nostalgic and highly regarded program.
Fun Fact
The original run of Jackanory, which began in 1965, was so successful that it ran for 29 years and featured over 1,000 episodes, making it one of the longest-running children's shows in the world.
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