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| Stories galore
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| Thank you Mr Hobbs
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The myriad benefits of reading to children are well documented: apart from offering parents and kids a wonderful reason to share a cuddle and some quiet time research conducted by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research showed that children aged four to five who are read to three to five times a week have the same reading ability as children six months or older.
Furthermore reading to children six to seven days a week puts them almost a year ahead of those who are not read to and can have a positive impact on the development of numeracy skills. The great news is there is a world of fantastic literature for children out there and on top of that impressive heap is the amazing Leigh Hobbs who has just been named Australian Children's Laureate for 2016-2017.
Leigh is the best-selling author of more than 20 books, including the iconic Old Tom, Mr Chicken Goes to Paris and Horrible Harriet and his cheeky humour has been make kids giggle and shriek for more than 20 years.
The Australian Children's Laureate is an initiative developed by the Australian Children's Literature Alliance (ACLA) to promote the importance of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians.
The theme for Hobbs's two-year term as Australian Children's Laureate will be ‘to champion creative opportunities for children, and to highlight the essential role libraries play in nurturing our creative lives'.
"Libraries have played an enormous role in my life," said Leigh.
"Reading and exploring history and art is something I have been able to do because of libraries. I'm passionately interested in histories and cultures and I hope that through my work I can encourage children to explore and experience these things too."
For more information and to see Leigh's story calendar click here.
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