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Have a book related question but are struggling to find an answer?

Simply email your question to letstalk@frombumptogrump.co.uk and we will do our very best to find an answer.

The best question each month will win one of the latest releases from Macmillan Children's Books.

This month's title is "Honey Hill: Pop-Up Party Time" by Dubravka Kolanovic

Honey Hill: Pop-Up Party Time
By Dubravka Kolanovic

Published September 2008, £9.99
For ages 3+

It’s party time at Honey Hill and you’re invited! Packed full of sturdy pop-ups, pull-tabs and play pieces, this big, bright carousel book is sure to provide hours of fun! Visit www.honeyhillfun.com for interactive games, activities and the opportunity to star in your own personalized Honey Hill book!

Q: My daughter is 4 years old and knows her alphabet/sounds very well but will only read out aloud when she's alone. Socially she's very confident but she hates reading to me (she loves being read to though). Is there anything I can do to bolster her confidence?

A: Perhaps you can encourage her to read stories to her toys or play at being a teacher. If she enjoys playing this game then perhaps you can ask if you can be one of the pupils too and have her read to you. If she has a lack of confidence when reading, then giving her the role of teacher might help. Does she have more confidence when singing? You could try printing out the words of a simple song and learning it together. She might not associate this with reading aloud and therefore not feel the lack of confidence she has with reading.

Q: I am mum to a 7 year old boy who loves reading but I can keep on hearing that it's unusual and it won't last long. Is it inevitable that he will lose the reading bug?
A: Not at all, a child who has developed a love of reading is likely to continue reading throughout his life. He may go through phases of reading less sometimes, when something else takes his attention, but this is applicable to all of us. You can help his love of books grow by making sure he has plenty of books to read, have trips to the library or book shops so he can choose what he wants to reads.

Q: My 6 year old daughter is doing really well with her reading. The problem we have though is getting her to put more tone and expression into her voice. When she reads it is all one tone- I would love some ideas on how best to tackle this as I don't want to discourage her from reading as she is really enjoying it.

A: At this age reading often doesn't come naturally as it does to you and I, and a child has to put more concentration into actually reading and understanding the words. When she becomes more comfortable with the skill of reading the intonation she is currently lacking will follow so don't worry about it now, just let her get on with learning to read however she find easiest. You could perhaps encourage her to sing to explore the range of her voice?

Q: My boys (8&6) love Harry Potter and I would like to build on that by offering other books in the same genre, can you recommend any?
A:Try Diana Wynne Jones Chrestomanci books, they're aimed at a similar age group to Harry Potter and are similar in theme, wizards, magic etc! Also Garth Nix has written a lot of fantasy and horror books for kids.

Q: I have always enjoyed making up stories for my children and have thought of getting these published. Where do I start?

A: As with most things nowadays, the internet is the best place to research. By searching 'how to get a children's book published', you will find many sites that deal with presentation, printing and similar. If you look at the websites of the main children's book publishers, they will also have details and contacts - they need people like you to run their business so the very best of luck!

Q: My seven year old reads too quickly and misses words out or goes to the wrong line.She no longer wants me to put my finger under the words to help her as she thinks this is babyish ...what can I do to slow her down and get help to keep her place?

A: We asked a primary headteacher who suggested the following..

Let your child put her finger under the words as opposed to the parent or use a bookmark under each sentence as she goes down the page....you can get some lovely bookmarks and this may hold her attention more.

Q: I am constantly buying my 3 year old books, but she always insists on only reading one or two of her favourites on most nights. Surely a wide range of books is beneficial?

A: Children can learn a great deal from books so carry on buying! Just by reading a book through once, you have probably given them new knowledge that will be useful at some stage or other. However, it is great for them to enjoy books, so if they want you to keep reading the same story, they are still benefitting! All books are a great educational tool for the growing child.

Q: I have a lot of old books I no longer read and would like to put them to better use. Any suggestions?

A: The list is endless! You can of course sell them on auction sites or if you think they may be of value, try a second hand bookshop. If you wish to donate the, there are lots of places would love to have them! Try your favourite charity shop, the local hospital or old people's homes and you can also recycle them at a supermarket or local authority tip. Follow your heart.

Q: My daughter has been diagnosed with an eye disorder which may affect her sight. What books could help stimulate her vision?

A: It is very dependent on the actual condition, but as a rule of thumb, books with vivid illustration and bold text are a good starting point. Sensory books where she can touch and hear sounds make the story more animated. Don't hold back on sharing books together - reading is excellent exercise for the eye as well as a lovely bonding experience too.

Q: My Son has always been an excellent reader but does not enjoy doing so. Any tips on what I can do?

A: Well done on his progress! Not all children enjoy reading, much in the same way as adults. However, books help to teach punctuation and increase vocabulary so it is beneficial for them to read. Try non-fiction books about his favourite hobby, or newspapers and magazines. If your Son is interested in what he's reading, he will want to read more.

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