The Big Friendly Read – Summer Reading Challenge 2016

Libraries in Plymouth are getting ready to celebrate 100 years of the world’s greatest storyteller, Roald Dahl, with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – The Big Friendly Read.

Children can visit their local library and sign up from Saturday 16 July. It’s free and every child who signs up will be given a special collector folder to keep track of their Summer Reading Challenge reading journey.

Each child is asked to read six books over the summer holiday and tell us about them. They can read any books they like – novels, fact books, joke books, eBooks and audiobooks all count. Along the way there are special cards to collect that make up a set to complete their folder. Each card features an original piece of Quentin Blake artwork from a classic Roald Dahl tale, with fun activities on the reverse.

There are also prizes to collect and every child who completes the challenge will be presented with a medal at their library and a certificate during their school assembly.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always really popular and it’s a great way to get children reading during the summer holiday and help keep up their reading skills and confidence."

Last year more than 3,700 Plymouth children took part in the challenge.

Free activities including stories, crafts, films and coding will take place at libraries throughout the summer. Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge to find out more.

Children can also explore the Big Friendly Read website at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, where they can keep a record of their challenge progress.