Book Week competition good for mind and body

BOOK Week started on Monday, which means school children will dress up as their favourite literary heroes, as they celebrate the joys of reading.

GOOD READING: Makayla Osborne is encouraging her fellow students to register for the MS Readathon. It promotes literacy and raises money for people like her mum Leah, who has multiple sclerosis.

BOOK Week started on Monday, which means school children across the Darling Downs will dress up as their favourite literary heroes, as they celebrate the joys of reading.

The week also marks the midway point of the MS Readathon Fundraiser.

St Joseph's School Stanthorpe student Makayla Osborne encouraged her fellow students to get involved.

The 13-year-old is raising money for her mother Leah Osbourne, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for 13 years.

"It is a great fundraiser to do because you read all the time, so you may as well raise money while you're doing it," she said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 43per cent of Australians aged 15 to 60 have low literacy competency, with many children struggling in learning their ABCs.

The MS Readathon runs to August 31. Register individually or with your school.

Originally published as Book Week competition good for mind and body