WIRRAL Council’s libraries have issued their annual literary challenge to children.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2014 was launched at Bebington Children’s Library with pupils from St Andrew’s and Church Drive Primary Schools listening to stories of monsters and myths, presented by storyteller and puppeteer Fiona Angwin, "The Yarn Spinner".

This year’s theme comes in the form of the mysterious Mythical Maze, which challenges children to journey through a labyrinth full of fantastical creatures from legend and mythology.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries.

Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture said: “Last year’s Summer Reading Challenge was a huge success and encouraged children across Wirral to pick up books during their summer holidays.

"Every year we see a great response from children, parents and schools. Reading is so important for children’s development.

"Rewarding children for successfully finishing books, whatever the genre, helps to instill a love of reading at an early age. Good luck to everyone taking part in this year’s challenge.”

This year’s theme was developed following feedback from children who took part in 2013’s challenge, and is illustrated by artist Sarah McIntyre.

Children are encouraged to read six books of any genre during their summer holiday, and each time they finish one they receive stickers and rewards, with a certificate for all those who take part and a Mythical Maze medal for those children who complete the challenge by visiting the library six times over the summer with at least one book read each time.

The Summer Reading Challenge is now in its 16th year, and reaches more than 750,000 children around the country annually.

  • For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge 2014 visit the Mythical Maze website at mythical-maze.org.uk or ask at your local library.
  • For more information about Summer Reading Challenge events, visit the Wirral libraries website at wirral.gov.uk/libraries