Books and brekkie for young readers

A Books and Brekkie programme could soon be operating in Hamilton schools.

The New Zealand Book Council has launched its Books and Brekkie programme which will enable schools nationwide to easily create a multidimensional reading event.

School members of the New Zealand Book Council will have access to a resource pack which will help them build an author visit event. The documents will assist schools with planning, securing an author, involving parents and even seeking sponsorship for breakfasts.

Books and Brekkie is an extension of the Writers in Schools programme that sees New Zealand authors visiting schools around the country. The key difference with Books and Brekkie is involving parents and whanau and bringing everyone together to read in a relaxed environment.

The programme was recently launched in central Auckland.

New Zealand Book Council CEO Catriona Ferguson says the book council designed the programme as a flexible template, which can be implemented and adapted to suit the needs of different schools throughout the country.

"We created Books and Brekkie to showcase the potential of the Writers in Schools programme to bring reading and writing forcefully to life."

Ferguson says that the book council's mission is to promote reading and writing, and showcase New Zealand writers.

"The New Zealand Book Council believes that mastering reading and writing from a young age is a crucial life skill that opens up a wealth of possibility for children. We believe that this is fundamental both in terms of reading for pleasure and to enhance the capability of students to navigate successfully the modern world of work."

Children at Richmond Road School, Auckland, were the first to experience Books and Brekkie, with widely acclaimed author, Tessa Duder, becoming the first author to be involved.

Following breakfast and Tessa's reading a group of selected students engaged one on one with Tessa in a workshop.