"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel you've lost a friend."
Paul Sweeny

For all you young moms and dads out there - read to your babies everyday!!! Kids whos parents read to them everyday know more words by the age of two than children who have not been read to. its a wonderful shared activity which can continue for many years...before the computer takes over...:) And reading becomes a habit for life. What a lovely thing to gift a child!!

Dick Francis

Dick Francis, the author of 42 books - many of which were mysteries that centered around the equestrian world - passed away today. He was 89 years old. Francis was born in Southwest Wales in 1920. He served in WW II as a fighter and a bomber pilot. Like many of his main characters, Francis was a champion jockey. His books have been translated into over 30 languages.