I spy a great reader: Unlock the Literary Secret and Get Your Child Hooked on Books

by Jackie French

Australian Children's Laureate, book lover and dyslexia sufferer Jackie French gives a wonderful insight into how you can help your child discover a world of books. Does your child love books, but can't stay still long enough to focus on reading one? Would you like to improve your child's reading ability? Don't know where to begin to stimulate a greater love of reading in your child? Award-winning author Jackie French knows what it is to struggle with reading and literacy. Drawing on her own experience with dyslexia, Jackie has written this book to help parents identify the possible reading difficulties their children may have. All children learn differently, and Jackie offers many fun and rewarding way s to help launch your child into literacy. these include games for coordination, concentration and focus as well as helpful steps to kickstart your child into reading and to foster a life-long love of books. I SPY A GREAt READER is filled with a wealth of advice, anecdotes and activities - it's a book every parent should own.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Education

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Jackie 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. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need more books like this encouraging families to read to, with, and around their children. I am often surprised when parents complain about their child's low reading level only to discover they don't read to their children let alone own a library card. The book also recommends research based strategies for assisting children with dyslexia.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that a lot of the suggestions for primary school level kids are things I do anyway. The chapter on how to get your kids hooked on books was the best in terms of advice.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally excellent

This is a good, accessible book that can go a long way to informing both parents and educators on approaches to helping kids read. It’s not as technical as professional teachers might be used to, but the insights are, for the most part, no less valid.

The one real quibble I have is French’s discussion on ‘learning styles.’ This idea isn’t really taken too seriously by most educators and certainly isn’t backed up by the research. It’s more important to ensure information is delivered according to the most appropriate mode(s) and that learners won’t always be ready to receive information in any one particular way. I think French actually arrives at this point in the book, even if she doesn’t quite get the theory right.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and will be incorporating some of these ideas into my practice!

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of practical ideas for games to play, especially with under 5s. The learning styles info is a bit outdated.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Jackie's that I have read and even though it is non-fiction it was written that entertainingly that I want to read more of her work. Great book for anyone with a child (baby to teenager), lots of insightful and entertaining tips.

[Bryanna Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting book, Jackie has a brilliant way to focus on issues and opinions, without using jargo that is difficult to understand or insulting. She has some great tips for parents and teachers to encourage kids to read. Well worth a read

[Megan Higginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book insightful with many helpful hints and tips for parents to encourage reading from a very young age. It also outlines the various learning styles and how to help each one. Furthermore, Jackie lists various ways on helping your child find their magic book.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read much better reference by Paul Jennings and Mem Fox. Arrogance!

[Judy Radford · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Mem Fox book was better....