Read

I first learned to read when I was twenty-three. Since then I have made tremendous progress. Being able to read has opened up grand avenues of prosperity for me and my family.

When I was a small girl my grandmother would read to me at night, and change the names of the characters to my name and the names of my friends.

I believe only British universities award the senior academic status of 'Reader' – Professors-in-waiting, as it were. Strange appellation, isn't it? As though most senior academics didn't have enough reading to do in the first place. Rather like seeing 'pedal faster' flash up on the exercise bike at the gym. 'Read faster, read at least 4 volumes a day, you intellectual slacker – otherwise we can't retain you at this health centre known as a university, let alone consider you for that Chair (no sitting allowed) you've been after all these years!!'

Reading is the necessary foundation to education.

It is best fostered by parents reading to their children every day.

Begin early. Even a baby loves the sound of mother's voice and learns from the sounds and the cadences and the structure of the sentences being read – long before the words are understood.

Father's voice and sister's voice and brother's voice and aunt's voice and uncle's voice and grandmother's and grandfather's are also learned and loved. Get the whole family reading to baby! Everyone will benefit.

Even if you haven't a penny to your name, reading can take you to far away places.

Once upon a time there were two frogs.
One said: »Book! Book!«
The other said: »Read it! Read it!«

Parents should be strongly encouraged not only to read to their children, but to have their children read to them.

I am happiest when I have an afternoon free to read a book.