Richard Hammond Revs-Up for Reading Idol!

Ladybird’s Reading Dads Campaign is back for another year to encourage and inspire all Dads to read to their children.  Last years National Year of Reading found that only 42 per cent of Dads are reading to their kids compared to a whopping 76 per cent of Mums and that Dads who engage with their child’s education significantly boost that child’s confidence and levels of achievement.  This year Ladybird want to kick-start Dads into action with a read aloud campaign.

Ladybird is also forming a new partnership with the NSPCC that will raise money for the dedicated children’s charity while continuing the quest to get more dads involved with reading. 

Ladybird is thrilled to have Dad’s favourite Richard Hammond on board to rev-up the campaign by reading a well-loved fairytale which will be available to download from June on www.ladybird.com/readingdads.  Richard will also be urging people to make a donation to the NSPCC to help fund the vital work they do in protecting vulnerable children.

Richard, dad to daughters Isabella and Willow says 'I love reading with my children and think Ladybird's Reading Dads campaign is a great way to encourage dads to enjoy sharing a book with their kids.  I'd urge all dads to get involved and help to raise money for the NSPCC this Father's Day'.

Chris Cloke, NSPCC head of child protection awareness and diversity said: “We are very happy to support Ladybird with this aim to get more dads reading to their children.  Mums often do the reading but dads should be encouraged also.  It can bring real benefits to building relationships and better performance in school.  As a father, I know the importance of reading with your children. Reading time provides an excellent opportunity to build positive and trusting relationships.”
 
Ladybird are calling all Dads to showcase their reading voices in our own Reading Idol competition.  So, why not test out those scary monster voices, growling animal sounds, high-pitched princesses and husky villains in your own video story?  Dads can record themselves and upload their stories to the Reading Dads site to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic family prize.

Or visit your local library or Borders Store over Father’s Day weekend (20-21st June) where there will be a nationwide series of Reading Dads events taking place and opportunities to read stories and share that special moment with your child as you ignite their imagination and spark a love of books.

For more information on Reading Dads,
Please contact Hermione Lawton, Ladybird Press Office on 0207 010 3471
hermione.lawton@uk.penguingroup.com
www.ladybird.com/readingdads