Kids invited to read their way through summer

Denbighshire libraries are calling for children to sign up to read six books this summer as part of Mischief Makers, Summer Reading Challenge 2018.

The Summer Reading Challenge asks 4-11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.

The theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Children will explore a map of Beanotown to find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks and become ultimate mischief makers.

As children read library books for the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells.

By adding these stickers to their map, young readers will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and discover the treasure, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

To take part in Mischief Makers, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library for free where they will be given a colourful collector’s map of Beanotown to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.

Mischief Makers runs throughout the summer until the end of September and several young people will be volunteering in their local library to help younger children take part in the challenge.

In Wales the Summer Reading Challenge is fully bilingual and supported by Welsh Government through the Welsh Books Council.

Sue Wilkinson, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “At The Reading Agency, we believe that everything changes when we read and we know from our research how much fun families and children have when taking part in the Challenge. Mischief Makers offers intergenerational appeal and we hope this family friendly, accessible theme will inspire more children than ever to read over the holidays and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond."

Councillor Richard Mainon, Cabinet Lead Member for Developing Community Infrastructure, said:  “The Summer Reading Challenge is great fun and helps children discover new books and authors for themselves. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to their local library again this year - last year over 3,000 children took part.”