Summer Reading Challenge

Here in the UK, libraries host the Summer Reading Challenge with a different theme every year. This involves children between the ages of 4 and 11 signing up at their local library to try and read six books over the summer. They receive a record sheet with stickers to add to it every time they read two books. When they complete the sheet and have read all six books they get a medal.

My children have participated in the reading scheme practically every year since they became old enough. They read plenty of books anyway, so don't need much encouragement, but they do  enjoy the recognition; the extra activities in the libraries and collecting the goodies along the way. We have various fridge magnets, mobiles and pencils from previous summers :)

This year's theme is Mythical Maze and if you pop down to your local library they are very likely to be running associated events. Participants can also keep track of their reading here.  They can create a profile, give and receive book recommendations, play games, watch author interviews and enter competitions :) And there's even a Facebook page to like.

Children can read any kind of book they want for the challenge, fiction or non-fiction, chapter book or picture book. Why not combine the Summer Reading Challenge with Picture Book Explorers? Which books would your child recommend to other young readers?
I'd love to know in the comments below ;)

Blog Reader's Choice

This month sees the release of a new Picture Book Explorers pack which is written to accompany the title suggested by winner of the giveaway, the lovely Jax of Liveotherwise. She suggested one of the Cedric the Seahorse titles written and illustrated by the husband and wife team, by Jim and Miggie Wyllie.
The gentle story follows a day out to a Norman castle in Suffolk, East Anglia. The loving relationship between a grandfather and his grand-daughter, Polly, is evident in his willingness to join in her games that involve her imaginary friend, Cedric the Seahorse. The story relatesthe mishaps that he encounters on their day trip.
The study pack includes over 20 suggestions and instructions for hands-on activities that cover geography, history, science, literacy, numeracy, art and technology.  All necessary printables are included.
Cedric's Day at the Castle is available direct from the publisher's at Skycat Publications, along with the other titles in the series.
Colouring sheets and literacy activities to go with the first book, Cedric the Seahorse, are available at the author's own website.