Martin Luther Christian University Press (MLCU Press), in collaboration with Academic Office, organised a Book Levelling Workshop at MLCU campus on August 22, 2025, facilitated by Dr Sonali Nag, Professor at the University of Oxford and Education Fellow at Brasenose College. The workshop introduced participants to the practice of book levelling, evaluating children’s books based on the cognitive skills they demand, such as memory, comprehension, attention, and the ability to link words with illustrations. Dr Nag explained that levelling goes beyond emotional engagement, focusing instead on what the book requires of a reader. Through interactive discussions, participants reflected on their reading journeys and examined how storybooks differ across age groups. Dr Nag demonstrated how illustrations guide a child’s focus whether towards external events or the internal emotions of characters and how this shapes the way children retell stories. She shared research showing that even young children respond to illustrations of feelings and thoughts, but adults often underestimate their ability. The sessions also highlighted the role of vocabulary in levelling. Dr Nag noted that while some words may appear difficult, children often acquire meaning through repetition, context, and supportive conversations between adults and children what researchers call “extra-textual talk.” This scaffolding can even shift a book’s level, making complex texts more accessible. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Minorita Lyngdoh and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ibasaralyne Synthiang. Participants included children’s book illustrators, authors, students from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), MLCU faculty members, representatives from the Sauramandala Foundation, and others, reaffirming MLCU’s commitment to children’s literature and publishing.