The Summer Reading Challenge will launch in Northumberland’s libraries this weekend with the theme of Wild World Heroes.

The Reading Agency, which coordinates the annual challenge nationally, has teamed up with WWF for 2021, and the theme aims to inspire children to explore ways of helping save the planet. Children can receive a free pack from their library or online and join six fictional ‘wild heroes’, teaching them about the importance of the environment whilst helping to restore nature in the neighbourhood of ‘Wilderville.’

Cllr Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Libraries at Northumberland County Council, said: “We hope that lots of families in Northumberland will take part in the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge. Research has shown that literacy levels in young children have fallen during the pandemic and taking part in the challenge is a great way to encourage children to enjoy reading and be ready to return to school in September.”