If a young son or daughter is finally reading thanks to Harry Potter, keep the momentum going. Here are 10 tips for motivating children to develop a strong reading habit.

1. Encourage them to read aloud. Children of all ages enjoy reading aloud to their parents and peers. It lets them show off their ability and allows parents to spend quality time with them.

2. Go on trips to the bookshop and the library. Take time out to browse through a shop and allow children to pick out their favourite book. Point out books that might be interesting to them.

3. Keep books in the car or tucked in backpacks. Children can read while travelling. In a car, on a bus, sailing on a boat, or flying in a plane, a book makes the perfect companion.

4. Encourage the reading of a series. When children fall in love with a series, their next book is easy to find. By the time they are through with a series, they are reading better and have begun to form the habit of reading. Challenge them to get through a new series.

5. Connect reading with their favourite activities. Find books that match your children's interests, whether it is building model cars, playing with doll houses, dancing or skateboarding. They will connect reading to these favourite activities.

6. Location, location, location. Encourage children to read where they are comfortable. A good book knows no bounds, whether it's on the balcony, in the garden or under the bed.

7. Books make great gifts. The next time your're asked what your child might like for a birthday present, suggest a book token.

8. No lights out! Don't give your children a lights-out time at night. Let them read in bed if they want to. They'll feel grown up, and reading before bed could turn into a lifelong habit.

9. Relax a little. Try not to over-commit your children to too many activities. They may be too tired to sit down and relax with a book. Let them know that lying on the bed reading a book is not a waste of time.

10. Show your children that you value reading. Parents should spend time reading. Take out the newspaper or open a geography book while the family is watching TV to learn about and discuss a far-away place.