2 JUNE 1967, Page 14

CHILDREN'S BOOKS Literacy begins at home

BRIAN W. ALDERSON

children's literature. Apart from providing laziness or indifference.

pation by parents' with its demonstration of themselves.

children's books. else's shelves in a fortnight's time.

is proving an embarrassment. With over 2,000 neglect.

any systematic study of children's literature in more specialised ones. subject and a willingness to apply it. Laissez There is plenty of evidence that such a tunities to encourage a critical interest among

It is clear that 'parental encouragement' here formation of a number of special groups—

The foundations are already in existence. Harking back once more to Plowden it is There is, of course, a body of opinion which coming this predicament (among which 'book:

encouragement' and an enthusiasm for reading have got to start somewhere. If the logical place is at home, there should be better oppor- tunities for people to get not only information but the books themselves.