Libraries launch the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Wild World Heroes’ in branches and online

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Library Service is launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge for children from 10 July.

This year’s Challenge ‘Wild World Heroes’ will be a celebration of reading, nature and action for the environment. Developed in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, Wild World Heroes will inspire children to stand up for the future of our planet.

The Wild World Heroes live in Wilderville, a pretty cool place, but there are lots of things that they can do to make their town even better for the people and animals that live there.

The challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and is in partnership with local libraries across the UK.  It is open to all children, free of charge.

Children will receive a collector’s pack for joining, stickers as a reward for reading books and a certificate and a medal after completing the challenge of reading six books.

For the first time, children under four can take part in a special Mini Challenge, with stickers for reading books and a special golden sticker when they have completed.

The challenge can be joined online via www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/read, or in a library, from Saturday 10 July.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure and this can be a problem for schools to put right in the new term. The disruption of education for pupils caused by COVID-19 makes this challenge even greater.

“Our Libraries have lots of exciting events and activities planned to help get children reading over the summer holidays.  Get them involved by either coming to your local library or joining in on-line.  The Wild World Heroes are coming to a library near you this summer.”

Where possible some events will take place outdoors.  Events include the “Same Same … But Different” theatre show, Animals Takeover, Mama G, storytelling, crafts and treasure hunts.

Places can be booked for the physical events in the relevant library. You can book for the “Same Same … But Different” show and online events via www.ticketsource.co.uk/cwaclibraries. All events will be free, with more being announced soon.  All will be risk assessed and in line with any Covid-19 guidance.

The award-winning author of “The Boy At The Back Of The Class” and “Night Bus Hero”, Onjali Q Rauf, will be doing a special question and answer session via Zoom and bookable via Ticketsource. Children can submit their questions for her by emailing libraryevents@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, with those doing so being entered into a prize draw for her books.  Those joining Wild World Heroes will also be in with a chance to win tickets to the Bewilderwood Adventure Park, and bundles of the Bewilderwood books.

Children under the age of 12 are not charged late fees for books.

Pictured - Anna and Emily heard about the Summer Reading Challenge at school and can't wait to start.