Hello readers!
Increased number of smiles is a sign that it’s here. The summer finally came, and we hope you’re enjoying it to the fullest.
We have so many exciting things to share with you in this blog! We are pleased to announce that this year the Summer Reading Challenge will start on 10 July.
The Challenge motivates children aged 4 to 11 to keep reading to build their skills, confidence, and to help prevent the summer reading ‘dip’. This year’s theme is Wild World Heroes and has been developed in partnership with WWF UK, the world’s leading independent conservation organisation. Wild World Heroes will inspire children to stand up for the future of our planet.
To complete the Challenge, children must read six books and they collect exciting rewards along the way! The books can be in any format, for example audiobooks, eBooks, and graphic novels all count towards the total – all reading is good reading! Children who complete the Challenge become a Wild World Hero and receive a gold medal and certificate!
This year, we are also running a Mini Challenge which is suitable for children aged 3 years and under. It is a great way to encourage families with younger children to regularly borrow and read books over the summer, especially if older siblings are taking part in the main challenge. The challenge comes with a range of activities to engage young children.
Both Challenges are open to existing and new library members free of charge.
We will also be running related events throughout the summer so keep an eye out in branch and on our social media pages for more information!
We have been asking our young customers to review their favourite books. Here is a compilation of some of their reviews. These might be a good choice for the Summer Reading Challenge. It is best to reserve the books online as the books are fly off the shelves during the Challenge. It is free to reserve any junior stock using a junior library card!
Did you know that today is also a Harry Potter Book Night? We are giving out gorgeous colouring sheets at Dorking library. You can join the colouring competition if you return your entry by Thursday 2nd July to Dorking Library for a chance to win a prize!
Sheila’s Cockerel’s Choice recommendation
Another book I’d like to recommend for Cockerel’s Choice is The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell.
Initially drawn to this by the front cover as I was setting up a display of “True” Animal Stories. After all, who can resist a Penguin?
This enchanting book is based on a true story and does not disappoint although you might occasionally wipe away a tear or two!
Set in Argentina in the 1970’s it follows the path of Tom a young man setting out on an adventure – a new life in a country relatively new to tourism and it takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a penguin from a beach blackened with tar from an oil slick. Overcoming many logistical obstacles he and his new-found penguin friend embark on a catalogue of adventures, making new friends and discovering new experiences at every turn. (My favorite chapter was the swimming pool one – you can probably guess what happens in that chapter!)
The overriding theme however I think, is how much we can learn from animals – they are so empathetic – and about how much they contribute to our lives. There is a hidden power in the love they have for us and we for them.
This thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming yet poignant book would make an excellent film. In the meantime it is an excellent choice for a book group as it provokes a lots of ideas for discussion about us and our values.
I would recommend it, 5 stars! Also available as an audio book narrated by Bill Nighy. – Sheila
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