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Join the ‘Animal Agents’ this summer

Author: Nick Griffin

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Children across the borough will have the chance to join the ‘Animal Agents’ for a summer of reading related fun.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which is run in collaboration with the Reading Agency, encourages children aged from 4 to 11 to continue reading and developing their literacy skills over the summer holidays.

The challenge, which runs from 15 July to 23 September, is themed around ‘Animal Agents’ and sees the Reading Agency team-up with bestselling children’s author and illustrator, Tony Ross.

Children taking part can sign up and read whatever they choose - from stories and fact books, to poetry books, e-books or e-audiobooks.

As they read they are able to collect stickers, some with mysterious smells. By collecting these clues in their detective folder, young readers will help the Animal Agents find out what has really been going on behind the scenes.

As well as stickers, children will receive games, wristbands, medals and certificates as they read and unravel the mystery.

The aim of the challenge is to read six books over the summer break.

There are also a range of activities planned in Barnet libraries including a chance to try out Animal Agents arts and crafts, daring disguise making, code breaking, and clue hunts.

Events include the ‘Dave Pigeon - Creating Villains’ workshop with author and illustrator team Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey. Children aged 5+ can take part in an interactive storytelling and illustration workshop to create their own villains and exciting stories.

The Animal Detectives - Animal Handling Workshop will give children the chance to handle creepy crawlies, slithering snails, snakes and lizards, and there is also the 'Slip and Slide' make a snake puppet workshop.

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always a fun way to help encourage children to keep reading over the summer holidays.

“This year’s theme will no doubt capture the imaginations of our young residents and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and take up the challenge.”