Roger, thank you for your input.

I ended up purchasing some Letterland items: namely the Letterland ABC Book, the flashcards and also the music CD's.

The book is a delight for all 3 of my children (3.5, 2.5 & 15 months). The CD's are a regular favourite, partticularly in the car. And for Olivia, she and I regularly have fun with the flashcards. She is reading & writing as a result of our fairly easy going approach.

Even my husband spells things out using Letterland characters!

I think, for us, the "little and often" habit is what has worked.......we use it simply as another form of play.

I hadn't checked the 'Reading Readiness', but I just Googled it, and she is definately ready......

Thanks for your input Roger. We are totally sold on the concept. I am glad to read it was so successful for you in schools........