Helen Cooper, the prize-winning author and illustrator of children's favourites such as Pumpkin Soup, Delicious and The Bear Under the Stairs, has written and illustrated 14 books and had her work translated into 15 languages.
'Children have such strong conflicting passions,' she says of what inspires her to write. 'Tears and happiness go side by side, and they're also intrigued by something just a little bit scary - a bear that might be hiding in a cupboard, or a giant cuddly tiger.
'My most recent book, Dog Biscuit, is about Bridget, who eats a dog biscuit and then fears she may turn into a dog - it's the kind of irrational worry that so many children have. I hope that by exploring this kind of territory in a humorous way, children will find it easier to talk about their own fears.'
Books, she says, help children to make sense of the world around them. 'If there is a family issue, such as a new baby, or a child who is struggling with sharing, a book can work wonders. For example, my book Pumpkin Soup is about three friends - Duck, Squirrel and Cat - who argue about sharing. Eventually, after much cooking and rather a mess, they learn to compromise.
'I am told that children love discussing cooking, sharing and the very different feelings of the three animals after reading the book - and I have had letters saying many of them cooked the soup too! So the third book in the series, called Delicious, comes with a recipe.'
Apart from the obvious benefits of improving children's literacy and communication skills, books, thinks Helen, 'are a wonderful way of bringing children closer to us'.
She says, 'Reading with children is about sharing; it's a two-way thing. Read just for fun, or to enjoy some nice pictures together. But also be aware that picture books can help children to understand the feelings of other people, so for carers they are very useful.
'Look for a book with characters that children might identify with, such as a cuddly bear who is lonely or a baby who doesn't want to go to bed. Talking about these characters will make it easier for kids to discuss their own feelings and even take at guess at other people's feelings.
'They're also great for helping children to relax,' she adds, 'And don't forget that children who have handled books from an early age feel more comfortable with them when they come across them at school. They're already familiar with books, and we all learn better when we relax.'
Although Helen's books are aimed at children, she writes very much with the adult reader in mind. She says, 'I write books for children of all ages and also for anyone who finds themselves reading to a child. Adults tend to concentrate on the text. Children see things in the pictures that adults don't.
'I want to write books that are easy to read aloud, so I aim for short, rhythmical texts that flow nicely over the tongue. I use lots of references to nursery rhymes in my illustrations and plan my books hoping that my readers will notice something different every time they read them.'
BRINGING CHILDREN CLOSER
HELEN'S TIPS FOR READING WITH CHILDREN
CHOOSING BOOKS
'When I choose a book to read with a child, I pick something I'd like to read to them. If I don't really like the look of it, the child will probably guess.
'There are lots of gorgeous picture books out there. Choose one with pictures that you'd like to show your kids. Go for characters that you like, and you think the child will like.
'If you know the child can't sit still for long, then choose one with fewer words. If they like joining in, look for one that rhymes. If you hate making animal noises, then either choose one with no animal noises, or give the child the animal noise job. Children love book-related jobs!'
BOOKS FOR BABIES
'Babies like books with big uncomplicated pictures and strong colours. Look for single words, or simple rhymes, big pictures, strong colours and big faces.
'Picture Book by Ian Beck is a classic example. Even when my daughter was three months old she loved this book and so did I.'
GETTING A CHILD'S ATTENTION
'Try teasing him or her a little. Look at the book yourself, stroke it, admire it and talk about the picture on the cover. Have a few false starts when you nearly open the book and then change your mind. This makes opening the book more exciting. Children are always interested in something that seems to interest you. And again - relax! If you're relaxed, the child will be. With a child who is finding it hard to settle, try going silent and just waiting until you have their attention. Think of it as casting a spell - stories are the best spells ever invented.'
FORGET ALL THE 'RULES'
'Forget all the rules - there is no wrong or right way to share a book with children. It doesn't matter if you don't read all the words, or if you just look at the pictures. It doesn't even matter if you don't finish the book. If that book didn't work, just find a different book next time. Enjoying the experience is all that counts.'
OVERCOMING SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS
'If you are self-conscious, have a look at the books first and if there's a section you don't fancy reading then you could always miss it out and use your own words instead. Who will notice? Well, the children might - but if they do you can always get them to act out that bit for you.'
RE-READING
'Read the same book with a child as many times as you both want. Most people remember a couple of books from their childhood that they read again and again. A favourite book is the ultimate comfort food for the brain.
'After you've read a book together, ask what their favourite picture is and why. What is their favourite part of the story? What is the page they like least and why? What might happen next?'
VISIT THE LIBRARY
'Make the most of local libraries and bookshops. Librarians who work with children's books are very knowledgeable. Don't be scared to ask them for advice. They've read stories to hundreds of children and they'll find just the right book for you.'
