For children who have reading or learning difficulties, the idea of reading aloud to an adult can be intimidating, which I think is fair enough. What if you get the words wrong, or you miss a page?

 So as a promoter of literacy skills, and a big fan of dogs, I love the idea of the programs in Australia and overseas, where school children read aloud to dogs, to help them gain confidence and a love of books. 

Ask your child to read to their pet, and let us know how they go!