Norfolk Summer Reading Challenge starts
Kids are being encouraged to get involved
Last updated 10th Jul 2021
Children across Norfolk are being encouraged to explore reading with their local library for this year's Summer Reading Challenge, launching on today (10 July).
This year the theme is 'Wild World Heroes'- helping kids between the ages of 4-11 to enjoy reading while learning about nature and discovering how they can make a difference to the environment. The Reading Agency have teamed up with WWF UK to create this year's nature-themed challenge.
The library service recommends reading around six different books, but children can set their own reading challenge. This recognises that children have different reading abilities and the library service wants to help everyone get involved.
During the challenge children earn stickers and, on completion, they will receive a certificate and a medal. There is also a mini-challenge available so that pre-school children don't miss out.
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said:
"The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun and engaging way to keep kids reading throughout the summer. I know that many of our library's biggest fans might have been unable to visit since last year so this is great opportunity to reintroduce them to the local library."
Every year the challenge is delivered with the support of public libraries and sees over 700,000 children take part nationally.
Anyone can register for the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library or mobile library. Each child will receive a free map of the fictional town of Wilderville. The aim of the game is to read two books, collect a set of stickers to put on the map and solve the clues.
Norfolk's libraries are hoping to make the Summer Reading Challenge even more fun, with free nature-inspired activity sheets available every week during the summer holidays that can be picked up from your local library.
There will also be a range of free online events with special guests. This includes Jess French, best-selling author, vet and Cbeebies TV presenter; Gill Lewis, award winning author and vet; and renowned storyteller John Kirk.