Pictures are important and draw children's attention to what happens in the story. Encourage your child to look closely at pictures and discuss what your child thinks of the story.

Children could read in the bath, in the park or on the bus - not only at bedtime! Read books that your child loves. Remember not to force your child to read and to stop when they've had enough.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child and to develop a close bond. Make reading a time of pleasure for you both and keep reading to children even after they've learned to read independently.

Start sharing books even before your child know which way up to hold a book. Children love to copy adults, so read newspapers, magazines and novels to show children that reading is essential to everyday life.

Learn to accept your child's efforts with praise. Focus on the things which are right not on mistakes. If the book is too difficult for your child then give him/her an easier book.

There are all sorts of different material you can read everywhere - signs, menus, shopping list and adverts.