"A love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids," Mr Wettenhall said today.

"And the earlier we get them involved, the better. Because we know it also helps get better results in the classroom.

"Improving literacy among Queensland kids is one of the Bligh Government's key aims - this great initiative helps address that and makes it fun at the same time.

"And I urge local schools, parents and students to get involved and take up the challenge."

Premier Anna Bligh this week launched the 2009 Premier's Reading Challenge for students from Prep to Year 7.

Last year, more than 60,000 students across Queensland took up the challenge and read more than 1.2 million books.

The challenge involves students in both state and non-state schools reading 20 books between Monday, 11 May and Friday, 21 August - about one book every five days.

All students who complete the challenge receive a signed certificate from the Premier.

More information is available at: http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/readingchallenge/

ENDS

 24 April 2009