Books change lives.

I'm lucky to own quite a few. But some people have very limited access to books. Book Aid International is working to support libraries and readers across Sub-Saharan Africa, not least by supplying books, all sorts of books, from picture books to university text books, to communities who might not otherwise have access to books.

I witness the power of books to bring happiness, hope and comfort everyday. I regularly see books inspire and excite. And barely a day goes by when I don't learn something new from a book, a new fact, a new idea, or a new understanding.

Of course I want to share these wonderful experiences! I do what I can via my blog, Playing by the book, but Book Aid does something much bigger than I can do, something I really believe in and wish to support.

Last year Book Aid provided 516,138 new books to over 2,000 libraries last year alone. Each book costs Book Aid about £2 to get into the hands of a new reader in Sub-Saharan Africa. All I'm trying to do is get 125 new books out there. I'd be delighted if you could help me achieve this goal, by donating here today.

If you make a donation here to Book Aid, please do then leave a comment on my blog here http://bit.ly/wbd12, and you'll be in with a chance of winning an amazing, original illustration by Katie Cleminson, one of Booktrust's Best New Illustrators 2011.

Two further people who leave a comment on my blog will be picked at random on March 15th to receive a signed copy of a book from Katie Cleminson.

I'll be happy to send the illustration and books anywhere in the world.

Just to reassure you, donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the charity, your details are safe, and they don't hassle you with unwanted emails.

So please, let's spread our love of books and reading. Books have changed our lives - let's help books improve the lives of others.