I MUST apologise to Helen Dewsbury (Letters, July 30). The word "rotter" did not appear in my letter, it is either a misprint, or interpretation by the printers. My complaint is of the quality of the writing, undemanding fare for an uncritical readership.

Long before age ten, our generation read Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels and authors like Milne, Graham, Crompton, Orczy, progressing to Conan Doyle, Edgar Wallace, Thurber and Runnion. All these books were well written, exciting and ideal for both child and adult.

After age 12, we were obliged to read a book a week and log it in a notebook, with comment and criticism, but that was in the days of Grammar Schools. I eschewed the likes of Noddy, the Famous Five and Biggles, and left Rupert behind at six or seven for the same reason, simplistic as I find Rowling.

A final comment, unfortunately I didn't keep the figures but a survey found that the number of children reading for pleasure has fallen considerably during the last five years, despite (or because of?) Harry Potter.

Perhaps it is the "in thing" to be seen buying the books, but how many read and enjoy them?

Mick Snowden,

Manor Farm,

Amotherby, Malton.

Updated: 09:25 Wednesday, August 03, 2005