First ever book about young carers read out on CBeebies
The BBC’s CBeebies Bedtime Stories catalogue now includes its first ever book on young carers, having added Ana Graça’s beautiful picture book "Young Carers in Space"
This was read by well known actress and TV presenter Natalie Cassidy - as part of the BBC’s Caring Matters Week and first aired on bank holiday Monday 25th May 2026. It is now available on the iPlayer and CBeebies’ YouTube Channel.
The BBC’s Caring Matters Week includes a series of special television, radio, and online programming and was to run from Saturday 23 May to Saturday 30 May 2026. The initiative aimed to shine a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers across the UK and the programming quite specifically included young carers.
By selecting a story about young carers for CBeebies Bedtime Stories, the BBC were crucially recognising that far more of these carers than many realise are actually little children.
"Young Carers in Space" is an enchanting children's picture book created by illustrator and storyteller Ana Graça and developed in collaboration with primary school aged young carers from across London. The book follows Honey, a six-year-old young carer, on a magical journey beyond planet Earth. It is written as a sort of prequel to Ana Graça's previous book, Young Carers in Bunnyland.
We're so proud that some of our very own young carers in Southwark took part in a workshop held by Ana and publisher John Bangs to help develop this book and it being read on national TV!! A fantastic platform to raise awareness of young carers! Well done everyone involved!
Jo Rickword, Workforce Development Manager, Imago Young Carers