I find it interesting that you dismiss Rowling, who has helped millions of children want to read and taught them to enjoy nonpicture books. Is this the world's best writing? No. On the other hand, I and many others find Rushdie's work completely unreadable despite the plaudits of the reviewers.

Dahl is fun. The rhythms of poetry appeal to the interest of children and teach them that the written word can be more than just flat words in a row.

By the time a kid reaches 5 or 6, a bright kid is looking for something more than Spot the dog. That's the time to give them Mark Twain and Rowling. The stories are accessible to them.