Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes marked World Book Day encouraging children to read more often.
The day on five March forms part of the National Year of Reading and highlights the benefits of reading for pleasure among young people across the country.
National figures show only one in three children say they enjoy reading for fun. Many children are rarely read to at home, around one million do not own a book, and about forty per cent of parents say they enjoy reading with their children.
World Book Day aims to encourage children to discover reading in a positive way and help families make books part of everyday life.
Tom Hayes said: “Reading for fun opens doors for children that last a lifetime. It sparks imagination, builds confidence and gives every child the chance to discover worlds beyond their own.”
Fiona Hickley from World Book Day said the campaign is a celebration of reading for pleasure and helps show children that books can be exciting and enjoyable.
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