Benjamin Hall’s New Children’s Book

This week holds special significance for me—my first children’s book, titled “Read All!”, has just been released, and I couldn’t be prouder.

As a father to four daughters and a journalist, I often reflect on the world they’re growing up in. It’s a thought that keeps coming back to me: we really need to teach our children how to discern the truth, especially in today’s complicated landscape.

Social media certainly amplifies voices, and that’s not inherently bad. Sometimes, it’s actually the quickest way to hear from those directly involved in a story. But often, it’s just half-truths, recycled narratives, or people discussing topics they have no real grasp of.

With the rise of AI, a new uncertainty looms—what can we truly trust in what we see or hear anymore?

Nowadays, kids are exposed to images that lack context and emotions that aren’t backed by evidence. If we don’t help them navigate this, others will shape their understanding for them. Journalism plays a critical role in this, perhaps now more than ever.

True journalism, in my view, is about presenting the reality of a situation. It’s about capturing the essence, even when the truth doesn’t align neatly with a narrative or feels risky. My journey as a journalist has often shown me that the story can be far more complex than I initially perceive.

This is why passing down the principle of truth is crucial, as it’s something we need to safeguard for future generations. And it all begins at home. Simple questions like “Where did that come from?” or “Is that true?” can spark an interest in truth and journalism.

It’s children who inspire us to create a better world, and I firmly believe journalism can help them pursue that.

Encouraging discussions around these questions can deepen a child’s interest in the world, helping them invest more in it.

That’s one of the inspirations behind “Read All!” — to motivate kids in this way.

Without giving away too much, let me share a bit about the story. It revolves around a curious little hedgehog seeking adventure. During his journey, he stumbles upon a baby owl that has fallen from its tree and spots a bear charging towards it.

This moment forces the hedgehog into a dilemma: will he intervene, or will he let someone else handle it?

You might wonder why I chose a hedgehog. Well, there’s a real connection there—one that has personal meaning for me.

Throughout my work as a war correspondent, I carried a small toy hedgehog given to me by my daughter. I took it with me everywhere. During my travels, I would send back videos to my children featuring the hedgehog, keeping them engaged and informed about my experiences.

Interestingly, I ended up needing that hedgehog more than they did. It was by my side during a tragic attack in Ukraine in 2022 where I witnessed the loss of several colleagues. In those harrowing moments, it became a source of comfort for me.

That little toy reminded me of home and of what truly mattered. Whenever I held it, I felt a voice encouraging me to stay strong and return home.

Once I reached the hospital, still grappling with severe injuries, I hesitated to reveal my condition, yet the hedgehog continued to provide me with the comfort of familiar messages.

That’s why both hedgehogs and family take center stage in this book.

Because family truly is at the heart of everything. It’s the children who drive our desire to improve the world, and journalism can play a significant role in that process.

I became a journalist not just to travel and connect with people, but because I believe in truth and the accountability it demands from those in power. It’s that pursuit that can help cultivate a better world.

In “Read All!”, the hedgehog takes action beyond mere observation. He alerts the other forest creatures about dangers like the bears, seeking to help them grasp the reality of their situations so they can act.

This is another vital message I aimed to convey: simply witnessing isn’t enough; participation is essential.

It’s all too common to see people merely documenting wrongdoings rather than intervening when necessary. My message is clear: we shouldn’t just stand back—let’s teach kids to be engaged and proactive.

Ultimately, I hope you take the time to read “Read All!” and, after that, share it with your children. Discuss the themes, values, and adventures presented in it. Such conversations could help lay the foundation for a stronger, better world.