TO INSPIRE young readers during this year’s annual reading challenge, children of all ages are invited to join workshop events at libraries across the county this August.

East Sussex libraries are calling on children aged four to 12 to read six books over the summer as part of The Reading Agency’s Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021.

In keeping with this year’s environmental theme, inspired by the work of the World Wildlife Fund, ecological themed events are taking place in libraries countywide, from Battle to Uckfield.

Events include Tree Fellas, an interactive storytelling workshop, and a Wild World Summer Reading Challenge Tour with children’s poet, performer and illustrator Ed Boxall which includes a fabulous mix of songs, poems and stories.

Youngsters also have the chance to meet two award-winning authors, Tony De Saulles and Rob Lloyd Jones, at special author events.

Tony is the illustrator of the highly successful Horrible Science books as well as the author and illustrator of the Bee Boy series. Children will be able to draw along with Tony at events at Lewes and Seaford libraries and learn great cartooning tips as they create their own mini masterpieces to take home.

Best-selling author and Egyptologist Rob Lloyd Jones will visit Hastings and Bexhill libraries, and take children on a fascinating journey from how he started writing to the real-life treasure hunt that inspired his new novel. Rob’s book Jake Atlas and the Tomb of the Emerald Snake was shortlisted for the East Sussex Children’s Book Award in 2018.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and the environment, said: “The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to inspire children to read for pleasure over the summer.

“The fantastic events taking place at East Sussex libraries in August will hopefully encourage children to visit their local library during the holidays.

“I would encourage families to take part in this year’s challenge and to see what events are on at their local library over the next few weeks.”

All the reading challenge events are free but places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance online.

People can find out what events are happening at their local library, book a place or to sign up to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2021 at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/src.

For each library book read, youngsters will receive a sticker and other prizes. After reading six books they will earn a certificate and a medal.