The Beano backs the reading challenge

‘MISCHIEF-MAKING’ was the order of the day as the Guille-Alles Library launched the latest summer reading challenge.

The annual summer reading challenge has the backing of The Beano, which is celebrating 60 years this year. Joining Dennis the Menace and Gnasher were Guille-Alles Library staff, left to right, Jodie Hearn, Kate Knivett, Kirstie Prevel and Cornelia James, while the face of Dennis is Isla Ogier, 5. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 22016835)

The nationwide event is aimed at getting children reading throughout the summer holiday.

‘We are very excited that the theme this year is mischief-making to tie in with the 60th anniversary of The Beano,’ said children’s librarian Cornelia James.

Youngsters are encouraged to read six books during the period and for each one they get a sticker they can add to their Beano Challenge packs.

Other incentives include a gold medal if they complete the challenge and a swimming voucher courtesy of Beau Sejour.

The 2017 challenge was entitled Animal Agents and had a spy theme.

‘We had 1,400 children sign up, of which 900 completed it, which was a brilliant result,’ said Mrs James.

The Beano has got together with the Reading Agency and libraries that are putting the challenge on.

David Walliams, J.K Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson, Danny Wallace and Simon Cowell have been signed up as celebrity ambassadors to help encourage reading and literacy.

Petra du Plessis said her two boys, Peter Lydall, 10, and Philip Lydall, 7, who both go to Forest School, were taking part in the challenge for the fourth and third years respectively.

This year’s title struck a chord with Peter.

‘I like The Beano because it is always very funny and has jokes in it,’ he said.

n A comic strip courtesy of the Beano and further information about the challenge can be found on the library’s Facebook page.

Alternatively, call 743635.