Book synopsis: James's aunts call him names, beat and starve him and make his life a misery. If only his parents hadn't been eaten by an escaped rhinoceros, he wouldn't be in this mess. But one day he meets a man who gives him a bag of magic crocodile tongues and so begins the adventure of his dreams.

Ball reveals: "It is essential to start reading at an early age. Children's books, like James and the Giant Peach, can really get a child to use their imagination in a way which sitting in front of a TV or games console can never achieve. As you become older, reading can be a great way to relax and unwind."

For more information on the Premier League Reading Stars scheme, click here