The Planet Phonics reading system has been devised by experts - and successfully field-tested - to appeal to pre-school and reception-age children, their parents and their grannies. We hope our simple knitting patterns and straightforward knitting know-how section will tempt people to get together and have a go at this traditional, yet increasingly popular craft - and perhaps knit some Planet Phonics characters for their local school or playgroup. Planet Phonics Kniteracy features 21 cute knitted characters, each representing the 21 consonants of the English alphabet, and five similarly tactile vowel planets . The vowels are different from the rest of knitted characters in a bid to help children appreciate their role and vital importance to all words. Every letter has its own story, action, rhyme and easy-to-use knitting pattern. Planet Phonics characters are cuddly, durable, washable and rather old fashioned. They're also irresistibly appealing to children and adults alike. Planet Phonics Kniteracy is also a potential springboard for an inter-generational community project between experienced knitters - including, perhaps, isolated older people - and numerous potential knitting groups at schools, nurseries and community halls.