Children invited to join The Big Friendly Read at Kent libraries

Kent’s libraries are calling for children to sign up to read six books this summer as part of The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016.

The Summer Reading Challenge asks 4-11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. It has a new theme each year and in 2016 the Challenge is delivered in collaboration with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate to celebrate 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller.

Throughout 2016, there will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100, focusing on Roald Dahl’s gloriumptious stories and characters and delivering a year packed with squiffling surprises and treats for everyone.

The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016 will feature some of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters and the amazing artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. It will encourage reading on a giant scale.

To take part in the Challenge, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library. They’ll receive a special collector’s folder and as they borrow and read at least six library books over the summer, they can collect six special cards to complete it. The cards all feature original Quentin Blake illustrations and explore some of most popular themes in Roald Dahl’s books such as invention, mischief and friendship.

The Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge launches in libraries across Kent on 16 July and runs until 17 September.

There’s a whole programme of events and activities planned at Kent libraries for families over the summer to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. Contact your local library to find out how to take part.

“It helps me read faster than usual with excitement! It was a very fun challenge and maybe next year could be based on sweets” (Quote from 10 year old who took part in last year’s challenge)

Sue Wilkinson, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is developed and delivered in partnership with librarians across the country. 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. This year we hope Roald Dahl’s fantastic characters, and Sir Quentin Blake’s brilliant artwork, will inspire more children than ever to take part and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.”

Families can also unlock some digital magic when they download the free Summer Reading Challenge App, which this year will include rare recordings of Roald Dahl sharing his writing tips and reading aloud, all triggered by augmented reality as children collect the cards.

Created by Reading Agency sponsor SOLUS, the app will also provide a convenient way to access the Book Sorter, a unique crowd-sourced database of books in user friendly categories that children  themselves have rated and added.