A practical guide to a `real reading' approach to beginning reading, this valuable book explores issues such as choice of books and parental involvement in reading. It contains advice for teachers wishing to make better use of stories. 'There are some powerful messages in this book which urgently need to be heeded ... this is a useful book that needs to be read by a new generation of teachers. I hope it will continue to be influential.' - Dominic Wyse, Literacy & Learning 'As a teacher I found it most useful indeed ... it is clear, concise and highlights the need for imaginative literature and good stories in the teaching of children to read.' - Books for Your Children