I READ with interest Helen Mead’s article on very young children given tablets to replace books in the LT.

How right she is to be worried but not just about the addictive and exclusive nature of computers but also, importantly, the loss of close contact that occurs when sharing a book.

Cuddling up while looking at pictures and reading stories fosters strong bonds while encouraging both speech and reading.

Repeating favourite books results in early number and letter recognition.

And you can’t beat a book at bedtime for winding down and establishing good routines.

Of course it’s always great to get ‘five minutes peace' but parents should see reading time as both a responsibility and a great pleasure.

Mary Brass, mum and grandma and avid reader