Parents turn to AI stories to get children to read
Amid a national decline in children's literacy rates, three fathers have created an app that harnesses the controversial technology for their toddlers in lieu of traditional storytelling.
It comes after Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, called on parents to read books to their children daily as she announced that 2026 will be a National Year of Reading.
TV presenter Lara Lewington, who co-hosts weekly BBC technology show Tech Now, described the AI-led book creating app Luna as an 'interesting idea for the future of storytelling'.
The app, which took two years to create, allows children to input simple answers to prompt questions before being presented with a specialised and illustrated online story 'book' based on their answers.
The AI-created stories can be based around an individual child's pet, toys, foods or past holiday locations, for example.
'When it comes to doing something like this book, it fulfils the personalisation, and that's something that kids could find really engaging,' Lewington added.
The presenter, who shares one daughter with her husband Martin Lewis, said: 'I was initially reticent to do anything that involved getting a phone out at bedtime, but I also thought the story was fun and the way the animations could be created to go along with it was pretty amazing.
'If in future they do extend it to AI-generated personalised print books that could be a good move forward.'
The three founders said they hoped Luna could reverse The National Literacy Trust's (NLT) study which found last month that only one in three children aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time.
However, the idea of using AI to write books has already come under fire from top authors and editors in the industry.
Last year, best-selling novelist Joanne Harris – who is the former chairman of the Society of Authors – warned that the technology posed an 'existential threat' to the publishing industry.
'Pretty much every author I know has concerns about AI, and rightly so. It is an existential threat to creators,' she said, adding: 'Translators, editors – a lot of people – are already seeing their work eroded by AI.'
Luna's creators have insisted that it will not threaten or disrupt traditional books or storytelling, despite churning out digital books in under a minute.
'We see this as very much complementary to traditional, authored stories, rather than replacing them. The two can benefit from each other,' Omar Bakhshi, one of the founders, explained.
However, fellow founder and father-of-two Greg Findon, said his children had created more than 100 books during their trialling, almost 'crashing' his iPad in the process.
Explaining the inspiration behind starting the app, the Leicester-based 47-year-old said: 'We were frustrated by the rubbish uses of AI – generating stuff that is of no use.
'We also got bored reading our children the same books over and over again when they were young, before then finding they were less interested in any reading as they got older, so we went looking for a solution.'
He added that the biggest problem had been 'making the illustrations good enough'.
It comes after the NLT also found that engagement in reading between fathers and their children had fallen significantly, with less than half reading to their child daily in 2024.
Mr Bakhshi added that the individualised stories make the children 'more engaged,' which in turn makes them 'keener to read'.
'Our goal was to create a space where parents and children can connect through the magic of storytelling,' he added.
The trio, which also includes Dan Coppock, have not ruled out making the digital books into print versions eventually, though for now the only thing similar to a physical book is the inclusion of a turning page sound effect.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
We went head-to-head with AI and LOST as 30 of Earth's top brains left ‘frightened' after secret battle with chatbot
A SUPER-SMART artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot has spooked mathematicians who believe tech companies are on the verge of creating a robot "genius". 30 of the world's most renowned mathematicians congregated in Berkeley, California in mid-May for a secret maths battle against a machine. 3 The bot uses a large language models (LLM), called o4-mini, which was produced by ChatGPT creator OpenAI. And it proved itself to be smarter than some of the human geniuses graduating universities today, according to Ken Ono, a mathematician at the University of Virginia and a leader and judge at the meeting. It was able to answer some of the toughest math equations out there in mere minutes - problems that would have taken a human expert weeks or months to solve. OpenAI had asked Epoch AI, a nonprofit than benchmarks AI models, to come up with 300 math questions whose solutions had not yet been published. This meant the AI couldn't just trawl the internet for the answer; it had to solve it on its own. The group of mathematicians, hand-selected by Elliot Glazer, a recent math Ph.D. graduate hired by Epoch AI, were tasked with coming up with the hardest equations they could. Everyone who participated had to sign a nondisclosure agreement to ensure they only communicated through secure messenger app Signal. This would prevent the AI from potentially seeing their conversations and using it to train its robot brain. Only a small group of people in the world are capable of developing such questions, let alone answering them. Each problem the o4-mini couldn't solve would grant its creator a $7,500 reward. By April 2025, Glazer found that o4-mini could solve around 20 percent of the questions. Father of murdered girl turned into AI chatbot warns of dangers of new tech Then at the in-person, two-day meeting in May, participants finalised their last batch of challenge questions. The 30 attendees were split into groups of six, and competed against each other to devise problems that they could solve but would stump the AI reasoning bot. By the end of that Saturday night, the bot's mathematical prowess was proving too successful. "I came up with a problem which experts in my field would recognize as an open question in number theory — a good Ph.D.-level problem," said Ken Ono, a mathematician at the University of Virginia and a leader and judge at the meeting, reported by Live Science. Early that Sunday morning, Ono alerted the rest of the participants. "I was not prepared to be contending with an LLM like this," he said. "I've never seen that kind of reasoning before in models. That's what a scientist does. That's frightening." Over the two days, the bot was able to solve some of the world's trickiest math problems. "I have colleagues who literally said these models are approaching mathematical genius," added Ono. "I've been telling my colleagues that it's a grave mistake to say that generalised artificial intelligence will never come, [that] it's just a computer. "I don't want to add to the hysteria, but in some ways these large language models are already outperforming most of our best graduate students in the world." Just 10 questions stumped the bot, according to researchers. Yang Hui He, a mathematician at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences and an early pioneer of using AI in maths, said: "This is what a very, very good graduate student would be doing - in fact, more." 3 3
Leader Live
29 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour
In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The findings of the report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on Monday, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. 'None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.' The report found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.' 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.' He praised the show's production company, Banijay, saying they had 'given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.' 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. 'This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last.' The former greengrocer said: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided 'valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016, where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' Downing Street said it is 'right that a thorough investigation has been conducted' into the allegations, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman adding: 'We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' Asked whether the series of MasterChef featuring Wallace that has not yet been broadcast should be aired, the spokesman said: 'It's a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters.' Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and alleged inappropriate behaviour against Wallace by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. A statement from Wallace's lawyers at the time said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', as reported by BBC News. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8, which appears to have been taken down, that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
Western Telegraph
30 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour
In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The findings of the report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on Monday, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. 'None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.' The report found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.' 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.' He praised the show's production company, Banijay, saying they had 'given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.' 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. 'This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last.' The former greengrocer said: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided 'valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016, where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' Gregg Wallace will not return to work on MasterChef (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' Downing Street said it is 'right that a thorough investigation has been conducted' into the allegations, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman adding: 'We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' Asked whether the series of MasterChef featuring Wallace that has not yet been broadcast should be aired, the spokesman said: 'It's a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters.' Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and alleged inappropriate behaviour against Wallace by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. Gregg Wallace (Anthony Devlin/PA) A statement from Wallace's lawyers at the time said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', as reported by BBC News. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8, which appears to have been taken down, that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
