I Spy a Great Reader

Did you know:
30-40% of Australian kids find books boring
40% of Australian kids are below international reading standards

One in 11 Australian kids is 'dyslexic'- a broad term for anyone whose reading ability is markedly below their verbal ability.

Australian Children's Laureate Jackie French is a passionate advocate for literacy and knows firsthand what a struggle reading can be. French is dyslexic, and has spent decades researching and helping kids read and find the books they love. She has written I Spy a Great Reader to help parents and teachers identify and overcome reading difficulties while showing kids how rich the world of books can be.

Packed with anecdotes and activities and written with French's trademark warmth, wit and wisdom, I Spy a Great Reader offers many fun and rewarding ways to help launch your child into literacy. The following gems in particular will help foster a lifelong love of reading:

Books are not like broccoli. If a book is boring, encourage kids to put it down and get another one. A book may be good for you, but you don't need to eat every bit on your plate.

There is a magic book for EVERY child: The book that will make them reach for another book, and another. Take your child to the library and let them -graze.'

Don't stop reading to your kids when they learn to read. Most 'chapter books' are too simple to fascinate kids. Parents need to keep reading to their kids; schools need to have volunteer readers at lunch time, with big fat fascinating books that lure kids into new worlds.

You can't read if you don't have a book. Many kids with reading problems in schools have no access to books at home. Kids need to go home with a book and schools must be able to provide.

Jackie French is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children's Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia's most popular children's authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much-loved historical fiction.

I Spy a Great Reader
HarperCollins Australia
Author: Jackie French