It's a Sad Tale of Woe


It's a sad fact that children are being lured away from the magic of reading by the technological revolution. Parents are so busy these days that it is all too easy to let their kids sit in front of the television playing games, watching cartoons and movies for hours on end. Don't get me wrong - there is a place for this rather entertaining and alluring visual media, but not at the expense of reading literature.

I feel modern parents need to realise how vital reading is to their children's creative and intellectual development and encourage kids to read. There are so many beautiful stories out there waiting to be devoured by young minds. Encourage your kids to go to the library and  ask the librarian to help them to find books that interest them - trust me, there are books written for every kind of child out there. Start reading with your kids early on - this will develop a culture of reading in your home and this will soon grow into a love for stories (I've seen it happen with my own children). For really busy parents, there are lovely book and CD combinations available or just ask Granny - you know she can't say no. Lets create a reading revolution amongst our kids and save our libraries from extinction - or human creativity might just become extinct along with them.


In a reaction to library closures all over the world, children's laureate Julia Donaldson has written this poem in support of Libraries.

Everyone is welcome to walk through the door.
It really doesn't matter if you're rich or poor.
There are books in boxes and books on shelves.
They're free for you to borrow, so help yourselves.

Come and meet your heroes, old and new,
From William the Conqueror to Winnie the Pooh.
You can look into the Mirror or read The Times,
Or bring along a toddler to chant some rhymes.

The librarian's a friend who loves to lend,
So see if there's a book that she can recommend.
Read that book, and if you're bitten
You can borrow all the other ones the author's written.

Are you into battles or biography?
Are you keen on gerbils or geography?
Gardening or ghosts? Sharks or science fiction?
There's something here for everyone, whatever your addiction.

There are students revising, deep in concentration,
And school kids doing projects, finding inspiration.
Over in the corner there's a table with seating,
So come along and join in the Book Club meeting.

Yes, come to the library! Browse and borrow,
And help make sure it'll still be here tomorrow.



Happy Reading :)