Enjoy a wild summer reading challenge

Young readers are being invited to take up the Summer Reading Challenge and enjoy at least six different books during the school holidays.

The theme for this year's challenge is Wild World Heroes, a celebration of reading, nature and taking positive action to protect the environment.

Children can join in the fun by picking up free enrolment packs, subject to availability, from any of Wolverhampton's libraries or by registering at www.wildworldheroes.org.uk, where people can download a free copy of The Secret Explorers and the Rainforest Rangers and find a list of other recommended reads.

Summer Reading Challenge titles are available to borrow from libraries – please note that browsing sessions must be booked in advance – or via the BorrowBox eBook service. Pre-selected bags of themed books can also be requested through the Select and Collect service.

Everyone completing the challenge will receive a certificate, as well as picking up goodies along the way.

To compliment this year’s theme, libraries will be running a series of stories and activities. The first events took place yesterday (Monday) with Animal Magic sessions at Central and Warstones library, during which youngsters were able to get up close and personal with a range of cuddly – and not so cuddly – creatures.

Central Library hosts a Rainforest Romp next Tuesday (3 August) from 2pm-3.30pm, while on the same day Warstones Library is holding a gardening challenge, Perfect Pots!, from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Meanwhile on Wednesday and Thursday 18 and 19 August children will be able to go In Search of Unicorns at story time sessions taking place at Pendeford, Whitmore Reans, Bilston and Spring Vale libraries. And, whenever they want, people can join John Kirk for interactive Rainforest and Countryside stories on Wolverhampton Libraries' YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/tC75Ok7RJQ0.

For a full list of what’s on offer go to www.yowolves.co.uk. As Covid-secure measures remain in place, booking for all events is essential as numbers are strictly limited. To book, please contact Central Library on 01902 552025 or the host library.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Reading not only helps children to develop their imagination but gives them essential skills for adulthood.

“We have been supporting the Summer Reading Challenge for well over a decade and it is always very popular with young bookworms and their families, so grab your packs and give it a go."

It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries. For more information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and encourages children to read books throughout the summer holidays.