The Sun has a very nice article by Andy Stanton, author of the Mr. Gum series, that has practical tips that every parent can use.  The best part is that his focus is not on forcing children to read, but instead in getting children to enjoy books and reading. 

Here are some of my favorites, there are many more in the article:

• Don’t distinguish between good and bad.
• I think some kids can be frightened of books so make sure you have them around.
• Make story-time part of the bedtime routine and part of their world.
• Put books in their way.
• Take children to the library.

And my personal favorite: “Every child should read Roald Dahl. He’s like The Beatles of children’s books.”

I needed this after reading articles about a study that shows that boys “can’t read past the 100th page” of a book.  What the title doesn’t tell you is that it is according to their teachers, not a study of boys actual reading habits but teachers’ perceptions.  I think I’ll leave it at that, since I promised myself I would not rant about it.