Authors Who Love Readathon
Authors, poets and illustrators love Readathon because it encourages children to enjoy reading for pleasure which brings them many joys and advantages that last a lifetime. They have always been pleased to lend their name to our cause.
Readathon's first ever Honorary Chairman was the legendary Roald Dahl, which is one the reasons we now raise money for the charity founded in his memory: Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.
After the sad death of Roald Dahl in 1990, this role was taken up by his long-time collaborator Sir Quentin Blake, who the following year was named Children's Laureate.
The current Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson is also an ardent supporter. She says "Inspiring childrento read is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. I'd recommend Radathon to any school or group."
Here are what other authors have said about Readathon over the years:
"Books open up the windows of the mind while habitual television can brick them up. The more books children read the better. Reading is like jogging for the brain. Get your feet up, kids, and get reading! Good luck to Readathon."
"I didn't discover the joys of reading until late in life because I am dyslexic. I feel I missed so much beacuse of this, so I'm naturally whole-heartedly behind Readathon. It is a wonderful way of encouraging children to read."
"I wish somebody had sponsored me for the hours I spent reading when I as a lad... It is such a good idea to sponsor children reading... The point about Readathon is that it is both an enjoyable and beneficial sponsorship for those taking part - no hardship, no sore feet, no wet clothes, just lots of lovely books, knowledge gained painlessly and unconsciously and enjoyment all the way."
"It's great if you can read... but the question is: do you read? If you do, the world is yours. This is what Readathon is all about."
