Alderley Edge Library is 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 to 11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. It has a new theme each year and the challenge is delivered in collaboration with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate to celebrate 100 years of one of the world's favourite storytellers.
The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016 will feature some of Roald Dahl's best-loved characters and the artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake to encourage reading on a giant scale.
To take part in the challenge, all children need to do is sign up at the library where they will receive a special collector's folder. 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 launched in libraries last month and runs until 3rd September.
Janet Haley from Alderley Edge Library said "Children, in Alderley Edge have been very keen to take part in this years Summer Reading Challenge, 64 children have enrolled and 3 children have already completed the challenge. Children taking part in the challenge at Alderley Edge Library, can also join in the treasure hunt to find the Roald Dahl characters around the village. All correct entries will be entered in a prize draw."
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 many more children to take part and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond."
Luke Kelly, MD of The Roald Dahl Literary Estate and Roald Dahl's grandson, said: "Roald Dahl was passionate about making children into enthusiastic readers for life and that's exactly what the Summer Reading Challenge does.
"We are delighted to be joining forces with this year's reading event which, based on past performance, will engage almost a million children. In the Roald Dahl 100 year, to have The Big Friendly Read happening in libraries throughout the UK is quite literally a dream come true. My grandfather would have been so proud and so supportive of this event."
