Reading

My son, Bradley, turned 6 yesterday. One of his presents was 'The Twits' by Roald Dahl. If you gave it the five finger test I think you'd find it's not as easy read for him but he was walking around all morning reading it aloud as we were getting organised. This led me to thinking that he is going to be one of those children who read prolifically at every given opportunity. Obviously not every child is like that and I have spoken to many a parent over the years about their child just not being in to reading. Many of these children can be turned on to reading if they can just find the right material to read, which is not always easy. There are a number of places to go for help, the library being a good place to start, or you could talk to their teacher or to me. I love literature and enjoy discussing it and I love to see children engaged with literature. Not everyone is going to be a reader, but there are some who could be if they are given the right material. I still read novels aimed and the year 6, 7 & 8 level, both to keep abreast of what is around and because there is so much excellent material at that level (As Kereru will attest to).  My favourite book of all time is 'The Phantom Tollbooth' and it was this book that inspired me to write my own novel, 'The Awesome Foursome, including the Bus of course.' (Don't google it, it's not published yet, still a bit of work to do). The Phantom Tollbooth is not a book I'd recommend for everyone because everybody is different but for me it not only continued my love of reading but enthused me to also write. Is there a book out there that can do the same for your child?