First children's book ambassador @jacques_vriens on the breach for reading pleasure: 'Frighteningly few Dutch children enjoy reading'

His theatre performance How does he come up with it all? recently added a new scene. Vriens hangs up his special children's book ambassador badge and tells his young audience how fun and useful reading can be. 'I explain to children that reading is actually television in your head. You create your own images to the story. If you like the book, you can get totally absorbed in it. It makes you empathise with other children, adults and cultures. Reading experience is also useful for school assignments. It makes homework, such as reading a few chapters from a history book, much easier.'

Reading tips
He also gives children and parents practical tips. 'What do you do if you don't like reading? How do you make it fun? Many parents find it difficult to get their children to read anymore. Many other leisure activities have come along, such as movies, games, iPads and social media. With all these fleeting, hectic things around you, I understand that it is hard to sit down and read quietly. That is why I advise parents to start with an audiobook. You can then let your child follow along in the real book. Furthermore, I would read aloud a lot or read together with your child. And don't choose books that are too thick right away.'

Schools also play an important role in promoting reading pleasure. The school library is a neglected child, Vriens believes. In his years as director of a primary school, he made sure a large school library was open as much as possible. 'If you want to get children reading, you have to make sure books are accessible. What are you supposed to do as a child if you've just chosen a book you don't like and the library is closed for another week?'

Labs
Another spearhead of the former school master is to enthuse Pabo students. 'At most Pabo schools, it is no longer compulsory to read children's books. I find that very sad. They should read at least 50 children's and youth books. How else can they convey a love of reading to their students? Most students remember me from books of their childhood. That makes it easier to get through to them.'

He will also focus on influencing policymakers. 'I want to make it clear how important reading is for a child's development. In the hope that more funding will be made available for it and more reading promotion projects will start.'

Eagle Eye
Vriens himself was not encouraged by his parents to read. They ran their own hotel, so were always busy. 'Fortunately, I had a master at school who read to me a lot. He stopped at critical moments. Smart, because I ran straight to the library after class to get the book myself. I wanted to know how it went on. The first books I devoured were from the Eagle Eye series. Maybe not 'literary' children's books, but I needed them to become a reader. I also advocate letting children read anything they like.'