On 11 April 2026, something extraordinary happened at the Library of Birmingham.
Over 150 children, families, teachers, and supporters gathered under those famous golden rings to celebrate the launch of Our Stories, Our World — published on 13 February 2026 — a 50-page anthology of stories and poems written by 20 young authors, aged 6 to 10, from across the United Kingdom. The book was curated, championed, and brought to life by Jayce Joyce BCyA — age 7.
The book that broke the mould
Our Stories, Our World is the UK’s first nationwide, child-led anthology. Every story in it was written by a child. Every word was chosen by a child editor. The launch was attended by children who had contributed to it, children who had come to read it, and adults who simply wanted to be in the room when something historic was happening.
The theme — children’s voices, children’s perspectives, children’s worlds — runs through every page. There is a story about a girl who turns into a raindrop. A poem about the noise a library makes at night. A tale about a grandfather and his garden. Twenty voices. Twenty worlds. One book.
1,000 copies and counting
Since publication, Our Stories, Our World has sold over 1,000 copies — and Jayce’s World has submitted a Guinness World Record application for the proposed record: Youngest Person to Publish and Curate a Nationwide Multi-Author Children’s Anthology. Jayce was 7 at publication. All criteria have been met. The application is in progress.
Every copy sold adds to this record attempt. If you haven’t yet bought yours, now is the time.
What the young authors say
For the 20 writers published in this book, it is more than a credit. It is proof. Proof that their stories matter. Proof that their words are worth printing, binding, and placing on shelves. Proof that children do not have to wait to be taken seriously.
That is what Jayce intended when he began this project. That is what the Library of Birmingham launch confirmed.
How to get your copy
Our Stories, Our World is available now for £8.99 — paperback, 50 pages, ages 4–10, suitable for home reading or the classroom. School and bulk orders are welcome.
Jayce’s mantra is: “Think It, Say It, Love It, Write It and Inspire the world.” Every child who reads this book — or writes the next one — is living that mantra.
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