In March 2011 The Education Review Office identified a gap in early literacy teaching and learning. Their report highlighted the importance of early literacy as the foundation for children’s later learning. The Ministry of Education has been given a directive to address this gap with both pre-school educators and parents. Barbara Morris has researched and produced a book for parents and early childhood educators to help them address this gap. Her book “Leading to Reading the easy way (Fun ways to get your child ready for reading)”, suggests easy ways to prepare pre-school children for learning to read and write before they go to school. >It is not a manual on how to teach children to read. >It is not about flash cards or worksheets. > It is a book full of fun ways to get children ready for reading. The ideas suggested are low cost, lots of fun and easy to adapt to each child’s interests and imagination. “Parents, teachers and anyone interested in children, will find this book full of practical ideas assisting children to discover the wonderful world of literacy. Language, reading and writing are essential tools for success and Barbara Morris provides common sense information, based on sound research and practice, to assist literacy development through fun everyday interactions.” (Dr Margaret Nicholls, former chairperson, School of Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Waikato.) This book contains practical , low cost, fun ideas and activities for pre-school educators and parents to do with their children. These ideas cover all the pre-reading skills required for reading and writing at school. If children are equipped with these skills they will have a more confident start to literacy when they go to school. The emphasis is on doing fun things together while preparing for reading and writing. The author, Barbara Morris, has a background in new entrant and remedial reading. She is very clear throughout the book that the activities suggested should be fun and that adults should take their lead from the children. By following the ideas in “Leading to Reading the easy way” parents and pre-school educators can help children learn the pre-reading skills needed for a confident start to their literary journey. Success in reading and writing is a major contributing factor to success in life.