Children become ‘Wild World Heroes’ in Summer Reading Challenge

Bookworms across Carmarthenshire are being challenged to enjoy stories and help save the world over the school summer holidays.

Carmarthenshire libraries take part in the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge, and book shelves and reading spaces are being transformed into jungles and rainforests as staff get on board with this year’s wildlife theme.

This year’s challenge is being run in partnership with WWF with award-winning writer and broadcaster Dara McAnulty and award-winning explorer, presenter, and writer Steve Backshall, as ambassadors for the scheme.

Children aged four to 11 can visit any of the Carmarthenshire County Council run libraries to become a ‘Wild World Hero’ for free.

They will be given a collector poster to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey and receive special stickers, games and more as they read more books.

Library teams are also hosting various activities, events and film shows throughout the summer.

By taking part children will not only improve their reading skills but gain knowledge about environmental issues, from plastic pollution and deforestation to wildlife decline and nature loss, joining story characters to help solve some of these threats.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, the council’s  Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is free and fun and will help inspire children to read over the holidays, making use of our fantastic libraries and mobile library vans that travel to rural parts of Carmarthenshire.
“We are committed to supporting children and families to improve their literacy, and this year’s theme ties in well with our mission to tackle climate change. We hope to see as many children as possible signing up and becoming ambassadors for environmental issues whilst enjoying books over the summer.”

Steve Backshall, Summer Reading Challenge ambassador, added: “Wild World Heroes will spark conversations about the issues facing our planet, from plastic pollution to wildlife decline, and will show how we can all work together to look after our world. By taking part in the challenge, children will unlock the benefits of reading for pleasure – it’s never been more important for young people to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays.”