While Thailand didn't celebrate the International Children's Book Day with much aplomb this month, the large crowds at the recent National Book Fair pays testament to the fact that the number of young Thai readers continues to grow.

Thanks to the annual event and its relentless campaigns to promote reading, more and more little bookworms are turning to literature.

Since Thailand became a member of the International Board on Books for Young People in 2001, there have been concerted efforts by various organisations to encourage young children to pick up books.

Thailand's Books for Children Foundation has been involved in a range of activities promoting reading among children across the country. And one of its most laudable projects, the Bookstart, which was launched three years ago, has proved to be successful in urging parents to introduce books to children in their infancy.

In the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's mobile libraries have also been instrumental in encouraging the public to read more.

Apart from the continuous endeavours by both state and non-governmental organisations, a steady development in private schools towards early learning has also played an important role. In addition, an influx of international schools has inspired teachers to overhaul the pre-school system.

In response to this receptive market, publishing houses have also been paying more attention to young readers. Many upmarket bookstores, which provide a special corner for youngsters, have sprung up around the city, indicating an interest in childhood reading. Some local publishers have gone a step further by franchising bookstores that target specific age groups.

The burgeoning industry has in turn prompted many publishers to focus on producing good-quality books. Until recently, most books in this genre were less than inspiring, particularly in terms of illustration. Over the past few years, however, a number of literary prizes have helped boost the market, giving some promising illustrators a better outlet.

Still, compared to the award-winning international books, the Thai children's books industry has a long way to go. Most parents with access to bilingual schools agree that illustrations, which play a primary role in children's literature, still remain weak in local publications.

But while everybody acknowledges that fostering a reading habit from childhood is the key to producing a new generation of bookworms, a disparity in income still remains a crucial obstacle.

Siriporn, a teacher from BMA's Surao Thabchang School, says that though there has been a tremendous effort by schools to promote reading, parents are key to nurturing a love for reading in children.

"Most [state] nurseries these days are aware of the importance of reading. Schools try their best to help children enjoy reading. However, since most parents are working class, it is difficult for them to spend time on reading with their young children," she says.

Siriporn, who always frequents the annual National Book Fair, is enthusiastic about finding new ideas and materials to instil reading in her young students, adding that other government teachers hope to do the same.

"I think we all have this sort of spirit to bring out the best in our students. We are as efficient as teachers in the private sector. But the difference is that parents of kids in prestigious schools have a higher level and have more resources to find the best in education for their children," she explains.

Visit www.ibby.org to check on contemporary books and updated information on award-winning children's literary works. To contact Books for Children Foundation, e-mail info@thaibby.in.th or call (02) 954 9571-2. Those interested in Thai publications can visit www.plan-forkids.com. Plan for Kids Co publishes and distributes children books to its members. For more information, call (02) 591 8033.

Duangporn Bodart

The Nation