Libraries’ summer challenge to young readers

LIBRARIES across Warrington are celebrating 100 years of storyteller Roald Dahl through their annual reading challenge.  
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is named the ‘Big Friendly Read’ in tribute to the author’s famous “The BFG”.
The free challenge will feature some of Dahl’s best-loved characters and the artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake.
It will encourage reading on a giant scale and each child’s collector folder will feature themes such as invention, mischief and friendship as explored in Dahl’s books.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a major literacy campaign which encourages primary school children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays.
Anyone aged five-12 can take part and they can complete the challenge by reading a total of six books by September 11.
There is also a separate challenge for under-fives who can win a cuddly BFG toy if they read all six books.
Children who finish the over-fives challenge will be presented with a medal and a certificate for their efforts and those who finish it before the end of August will be entered into a prize draw to win an exclusive tour of Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones stadium.
LiveWire libraries will also be running some Roald Dahl themed craft sessions as part of the challenge.
Chris Everett, senior LiveWire advisor for reading, said: “This year’s book collection reflects six popular themes in Dahl’s books which made his stories so irresistible: friendship, mischief, adventure, invention, langwitch (wordplay) and champions.
“We hope that lots of young children take part and continue their love of reading throughout the summer holidays.”