Get your child hooked on books

Don't forget that reading can be demanding. A page of heavy text may be off-putting for a good reader who does not yet have the stamina to tackle long books with dense print. Explore books that are easier on the eye and less imposing.

Developing an independent reader

As children become increasingly independent they need their parents to support their reading. Trust your child to make their own choice of reading material, even if you feel that their choices are not 'worthy' or sufficiently demanding. They may prefer to read comics, magazines, fiction, and non-fiction or choose their own adventure stories. Remember that children, like adults, have their own reading preferences.

Boys and girls may have different reading preferences but it is important not to stereotype their reading. These days it is easy to find books that have been produced with specific girl or boy appeal. Be sensitive to their preferences without pigeon-holing their reading. Look out for books related to children's hobbies, current films and playground trends.

Reading books in a series can be very helpful for a child's reading development. Try not to be anxious if a child wants to read numerous books in a series and nothing else. Reading a familiar format can increase confidence and provide essential reading practice. Children who are allowed to indulge in such pleasurable reading are more likely to enjoy it and broaden their interests later on.

Get them 'hooked on books'

You can help enhance your child's reading experience by:

• Continuing to read aloud to them throughout the primary years. Many children will continue to enjoy this experience.
• If a child is resistant to reading aloud and associates this with younger readers, buy or borrow audio books. Play them during car journeys.
• Talk about your own reading interests. It is important that children see their parents enjoying reading too.
• Encourage children to find their own reading communities at the local library or on the internet. Try Stories from the Web or Cool Reads

Reluctance to read

Reluctance has many causes, many of which can be avoided with the above advice. However, if a child is reluctant to read because they find reading difficult there are resources that are specifically produced to help them. Barrington Stoke publishes books especially for children who find reading difficult.

Books for children by children

Egmont Books has launched a new range of books that put children at the heart of the storyline's creation. The 2HEADS series has been created by consulting hundreds of children through extensive in-school research sessions where they gave their feedback on all elements of the books including suggested storylines, illustrator styles, front cover visuals and character names.

The first series of 2Heads books is on sale now in all good book shops. For more information on 2Heads, visit www.2headsbooks.com