As well as writing several children’s books, M Christina Butler has worked as a pre-school nursery supervisor and a governor at her local primary school. Christina is the author of WHO’S BEEN EATING MY PORRIDGE? which has been re-formatted into an early reader for the new series of Ready Steady Reads. Drawing on her experience as a school governor, we asked Christina a few questions about her thoughts on encouraging children to learn to read.

Can you remember the first book that really got you excited about reading?
I don’t remember many picture books in my younger days. I was read to a great deal: Beatrix Potter and Alison Uttley come to mind. Then nature and adventure stories became my favourites when I could read on my own.  I don’t suppose anyone remembers Out with Romany books. I was fascinated by one particular story about a boy and his Newfoundland dog on the prairies in America, with Indians and all that! That was terrific! I think I’m probably playing catch-up now, having a great time with all the wonderful picture books that are on the market.

Did you struggle with trying to get either of your two daughters interested in reading?
My eldest daughter, who is now an English teacher, read without a hitch at an early age, but the younger one did have some difficulty at the beginning. She’s a great reader now, so the message seems clear: Stick with it! There’s a whole new world between the covers of a book!

Do you enjoy sharing books with your grandchildren? Do you find the books they are interested in are very different from those you read with your daughters?
I certainly do, when I have the opportunity! As all my grandchildren are boys, perhaps their choice is a little different (no Princess Diaries, or Sleepovers!). What amazes me is their talk is all about wrestling and transformers and Star Wars, yet they are just as captivated with a story about a mouse, or a rabbit that’s lost or in trouble! So it seems that what matters most is the story and the lovely artwork!

Which of your books do children in schools respond to best? 
I can’t really say one in particular. Children let you know in no uncertain terms if your story isn’t up to scratch. Recently THE DARK DARK NIGHT held their attention, and I’ve yet to try out BABBITY’S BIG BAD MOOD, which is very different. Hopefully it will help children recognise their behaviour from someone else’s point of view!

Do you think reading for pleasure improves literacy in schools?
Absolutely! Reading takes practice (and hard work at first!), that’s all. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and then it’s part of you.

What role do you think picture books play in a child’s development?
As far as books are concerned, children are so lucky these days. I marvel at the superb artwork, the humour in the actions and expressions, and the words, of course! And it’s all free at the library! An imaginative story, colourful art and, most importantly, to understand and absorb at their own pace, has to be a huge plus in the development of a child’s reading ability.

Drawing on her experience as a teacher, we also asked Elizabeth Baguley
a few questions about her feelings on teaching children to read.