TODAY, The Sunday Mail launches a unique campaign to champion the importance of reading to build a smarter Australia.
Raise a Reader is an initiative of News Corp Australia, publisher of The Sunday Mail, and online learning provider Literacy-Planet to inspire families to act on Australia's falling literacy standards. Campaign ambassador Jackie French, the incumbent Australian Children's Laureate and author of more than 170 books, said high standards of literacy were crucial. 
"Reading is the gateway for the future of our children and the planet," said Ms French, the 2015 Senior Australian of the Year.
As part of the campaign, News Corp Australia will donate 10,000 books to the Smith Family to distribute to children in their reading support programs.
News Corp Australia managing director for metro and regional publishing Damian Eales said with more than 3.5 million students returning to school,   February was a critical month on the national literacy calendar. "It is also the perfect time for parents and caregivers to start forming new habits about reading and writing in the home," he said.