Jevaunie Morgan (left) and Eisheca Gordon, both of Spanish Town Primary School, read stories as they browse through books at the Jamaica Library Service National Reading Fair at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library last Saturday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Photographer

IF THE saying 'reading maketh the man' is to be taken literally, the national champions of the National Reading Competition staged by the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) are well made.

Lavandra Brown, champion in the six-to-eight age group, said the preparation for the competition was fun.

The aspiring lawyer, who praised her mother as being instrumental in her preparation for the competition, said, "When I won the competition, I was overwhelmed with joy."

Tchakamau Ra, winner in the 12-14 age group, said preparing for the competition was serious work.

However, she said her mother helped her by preparing questions relevant to the books she had read.

A smiling Charolette Gentles, who attends the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha), said, "It was fun practising."

Aspiring author, journalist

Gentles, who wants to be an author and journalist, said one of her favourite books was From Harvey River, written by acclaimed writer Lorna Goodison.

The winner in the 15-20 age group was rewarded with a trip to a Caribbean island of her choice, $25,000 and a day at the spa.

While lauding the number of young people who participated in the competition, Patricia Roberts, director general of the JLS, said there was a need for more adult involvement.

She said, however, there had been a "significant improvement" over the last three years, of the number of adults who entered.

"The quality of the reading continues to improve and encourages individuals to maximise their potential," said Roberts.

She urged individuals to sign up with their local library and enjoy the fun reading brings.

The annual National Reading Fair, hosted under the theme 'Read A Page At Any Age', was held on the grounds of the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library last Saturday.

Persons who turned out were treated to a spectacular musical prelude by the Tivoli Gardens Drum Corps.

There were also performances by 2009 Rising Star, Cameal Davis, and D'Oro Dance Ensemble.