BATHURST author Lisa Limbrick has had her first children’s book included in a prominent state-wide reading initiative.
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The book, Tom Topp and the Great Adventure Swap, was recently listed as an official title in the 2017 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
“It’s an honour to have my book included in the Challenge,” Ms Limbrick said. “It’s such a great program.”
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is in its 15th year and is open to all students from kindergarten to Year 9 in government, independent and Catholic schools.
Last year, more than 277,000 students from 2488 schools participated in the Challenge. All up they read 7,492,209 books.
Tom Topp and the Great Adventure Swap has been included in the official book list for students in Years 3-4.
“The great thing about the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is that its aim is to encourage children to love reading, which is the main reason I wrote Tom Topp and the Great Adventure Swap in the first place. Reading is so important,” Ms Limbrick said.
“It’s a fun book full of odd twists and quirks, designed to engage even the most reluctant reader. If it can help even one child to develop a love for reading, it’s worth it.”
Also an education faculty associate lecturer at Charles Sturt University, Ms Limbrick said she was passionate in her belief that good reading habits underpin strong literacy and learning skills.
In Australia, up to 20 per cent of children can struggle with reading.
- Children's author Lisa Limbrick
In an interview with the Western Advocate during her book’s launch last year, she said: “In Australia, up to 20 per cent of children can struggle with reading.”
“Recent NAPLAN results also underline the poor literacy skills that exist, particularly in regional areas.
“While effective instruction is critical to raising literacy standards, the motivation to read is also important. And nothing motivates a child more than humour.”
In the Reading Challenge, students are required to read a certain number of books from the official book lists, depending on their year of schooling.
A certificate is provided to students once they complete the Challenge.
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge commenced on March 6 and runs until August 25.