LIBRARIES LAUNCH FUN-FILLED READING CHALLENGE FOR DEVON CHILDREN - 📚
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Children across Devon are set for an exciting literary journey this summer, as Libraries Unlimited launches its very own reading challenge - The Summer Book Quest. Running from 12th July to 6th September, the brand-new initiative promises to make reading fun, active, and inspiring for five to twelve-year-olds across the county.
Based on the charity’s popular Secret Book Quest, The Summer Book Quest invites children to join beloved characters Pip, Zena and Libro as they embark on The Deep Sea Adventure. The challenge encourages youngsters to visit their local library, read what they love, and complete themed activities – all earning stickers along the way. Once all tasks are completed, participants are rewarded with a finisher sticker, a keyring, and a certificate.
The activities range from drawing a sea creature, real or imagined, to trying a water activity like swimming or rock pooling, and even sharing an underwater fact with a library staff member. Children can track their reading either by counting how often they read for ten minutes or more, or by the number of books they complete – making it more inclusive for all abilities.
The story behind The Summer Book Quest was specially written by Devon children’s author Dan Metcalf, with vibrant illustrations by Emily Fox, the artist behind The Secret Book Quest and Libro’s Friends.
Libraries Unlimited has also teamed up with Active Devon, Surfers Against Sewage and Surfing England to offer additional activities, prizes, and resources. Local sports centres including Mid Devon Leisure and Fusion Lifestyle will be offering free or discounted swim sessions to participating families.
Sophie Crofts, Reading Development Manager at Libraries Unlimited, said: "It’s an exciting moment for us to launch our own summer reading challenge and a natural progression for our year-round reading activities. Reading for pleasure plays a crucial role in children’s cognitive development and future success. As Devon is a coastal county, our underwater theme connects with local communities and highlights the importance of looking after our oceans – and who doesn’t love a ninja starfish?"
Taking part in The Summer Book Quest is completely free. Families simply need to visit their local library to pick up a starter pack and set sail on their very own Deep Sea Adventure!
For more information, visit librariesunlimited.org.uk
( Images courtesy of Libraries Unlimited 📸 )