Traditional Christian values have long underpinned popular children's books such as The Chronicles of Narnia.

But now Richard Dawkins wants to give youngsters a different perspective with a new book – Atheism for Children.

The outspoken scientist, 77, hopes it will stop the 'religious indoctrination of children' by schools and family members.

Professor Dawkins, an atheist whose book The God Delusion was a bestseller, said Atheism for Children will 'arm' youngsters in religious debates.

He claimed it 'will be unflinching, not a storybook. Children won't beg parents to buy it for Christmas.

Richard Dawkins, 77, has produced a new book called, Atheism for Children, to stop youngsters from being indoctrinated in schools

Perhaps I can help parents arm them against indoctrination by schools, grandparents and religious books – and against taunting by religious schoolmates. Help them think on evidence, e.g. for evolution. 'What do you think?' is my continual refrain.'

Writing on Twitter, Professor Dawkins continued: 'Are there parents who'll want to buy it for their children anyway? Do you anticipate a demand?

Would you like to see a 'children's God Delusion' by me published? I really want to not indoctrinate.'

A survey last year revealed the number of Britons who are not religious had reached a record 53 per cent – up 19 per cent since 1983.

In 2011, Professor Dawkins wrote a book for teenagers and young adults, entitled The Magic of Reality.

It aimed to show that science is better than religion at explaining the natural world.