SCHOOLS across South East Cornwall are to receive free copies of a new book about humanism after a national campaign.

What is Humanism?, by poet and former children’s laureate Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young, is a book for upper primary and lower secondary pupils which explores humanist views of morality and ethics, the origins of life, and the relationship between religion and the state.

Humanists UK says that for many schools, it will be the first book about non-religious world-views in their libraries.

The book features contributions by authors Stephen Fry, Natalie Haynes and Philip Pullman, who are all patrons of Humanists UK.

The move has been welcomed in Cornwall. Simon Cade is director of education and discipleship for the Diocese of Truro, which oversees 14 Church of England schools in South East Cornwall.

He said: ‘The book has an array of talented and intelligent contributors, so it sounds as though it will contain some interesting and thought-provoking content. 

‘I would be in favour of anything that helps to improve people’s moral and spiritual literacy. I am always pleased to hear about a new initiative or resource that encourages children to think about the big questions, that helps them to learn about the world’s religions, and develop their own thoughts and beliefs.’