A message from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of Booktrust

© Mario Testino

This year Booktrust is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Bookstart, its flagship scheme, which has been so successful in promoting the benefits of reading aloud to children by their parents, and their grandparents.

As a grandmother myself, one of my favourite books for younger children is 'Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy' by Lynley Dodd. I read it to my grandchildren, whenever I can, as we all love the rhyming descriptions of the hilarious adventures of this naughty little terrier, and his gang of canine friends.