Townsville Bulletin

You can take it as read that brothers Adrian and Eli have inquisitiv­e minds

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PARENTS want their children to spend more time with the heads stuck in a book as the battle against screen time continues to be fought.

The Townsville Bulletin and Australia Post are encouragin­g Australian­s to Raise a Reader this January, with the campaign across News Corp Australia newspapers highlighti­ng the importance of literacy skills among children.

An exclusive survey of 1000 parents and grandparen­ts commission­ed by News Corp Australia found 86 per cent of respondent­s wanted their children to spend more time reading books with more than 88 per cent reading to their child at least once a week.

As part of the campaign, children across Australia will be asked to write a letter to an Australian legend of their choice with the chance to win prizes from Australia Post and News Corp Australia.

Brothers Adrian Calarco, 8, and Eli, 7, are both doing their part in the cause for improved literacy.

Adrian, an avid Lego lover, builder and collector, will be sending his letter to Amber Naismith, associate producer of the Lego film franchise.

His question?

How the movie was constructe­d and how long it took to create.

Eli will write to sports star Tim Cahill, curious to know how old the pro footballer was when he began playing, how often he practised, and which trophy he prizes most.

“I think it’s far better for their education and developmen­t to be reading and writing rather than using their devices,” said dad Joseph Calarco.

“We read together every night – it’s positive family time for us. We’ve seen how it has given them great imaginatio­ns. It opens up new worlds.”

See Friday’s paper for details on how to enter.

 ?? Picture: JUSTIN LLOYD ?? WRITE APPROACH: Adrian Calarco, 8, and Eli, 7, are putting pen to paper for the Raise a Reader campaign.
Picture: JUSTIN LLOYD WRITE APPROACH: Adrian Calarco, 8, and Eli, 7, are putting pen to paper for the Raise a Reader campaign.
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