Tom Brake MP tells stories

10.53.45pm GMT Thu 12th Mar 2009

The federated St. Elpheges Infants and Junior Schools in Mollison Drive welcomed local MP Tom Brake to help them celebrate World Book Day.

Tom spent an hour with the pupils. He chose 'How to be a pirate' by Cressida Cowell, a family favourite of his, to read to Year 5s. Year 1s top choice was 'Dirty Bertie' by David Roberts.

After reading, Tom commented:

'I was delighted to have a chance to read to the children. I always find reading to children a real treat. The right book, and a lively reading style, will always grab children's attention, help their imaginations to blossom and their vocabulary to grow.

'We must go out of our way to celebrate the joys of reading, at a time when videogames, TV and Internet are more popular than never. There's a lot of research that shows children who read daily do better in school as well as getting real enjoyment out of books. I want to do everything I can to encourage youngsters to read more.'

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The origins of the day celebrated now in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St. George's Day - a tradition started over 80 years ago.

A main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all.

Tom Brake has completed to following survey to celebrate the joys of reading :

The book he is currently reading: Pardon My French: Unleash Your Inner Gaul

by Charles Timoney

The book he has just finished: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

His favorite book: Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The book he most enjoyed reading to his children: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis