Young people in North Tyneside have been challenged to pick up a book this summer.
Organised in partnership with The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge rewards children aged four to 11 and their families for reading as many books as possible.
Supported in North Tyneside by Wallsend author, Chris Callaghan, the challenge aims to keep children reading over the summer holidays.
Dubbed ‘The Big Friendly Read’, this year’s theme focuses on books by world-renowned author Roald Dahl, with libraries in the borough stocking up on the writer’s work from The BFG to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Linking up with the 100th anniversary of Dahl's birth, this year's book collection reflects six popular themes in his books which made his stories so irresistible: friendship, mischief, adventure, invention, ‘langwitch’ (wordplay) and champions.
The books were selected by children's librarians, industry professionals and children in Chatterbooks groups, from titles submitted by a wide range of independent and corporate publishers including our children's publisher partners.
Youngsters taking part will be given a collectors’ folder to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.
As they read their books, each child will receive cards that make up a set to complete their folder. Some cards feature fun ‘scratch ‘n’ sniff’ smells for young readers to discover.
Each card features an original piece of Quentin Blake artwork from a classic Roald Dahl tale, as well as some fun activities on the reverse. On completion of the challenge children will receive a certificate and medal.
Children can sign up for free at any North Tyneside library from Saturday, July 9.
For more information on the challenge, call or visit any North Tyneside library.
The Reading Agency is a national charity organisation that aims to encourage more people to read by offering programmes to support and keep people reading through innovative reading activities developed with libraries, publishers, authors and other partners.
ENDS