Young readers find delight in Summer Reading Challenge author events

The Books Council of Wales have been running some exciting author events in Welsh public libraries this summer to inspire and entertain young readers!

Young readers in Wales have been delighted by author events presented by Leisa Mererid, Sophie Zalayet and Ian Brown to promote this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Events kicked off in Denbigh, where young readers from local school Ysgol Twm o’r Nant prepared to tackle this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with author Leisa Mererid at a launch event at Denbigh Library on 10th July. 

The author got the class from Ysgol Twm o’r Nant off to a great start, by introducing her book Y Wariar Bach, with some yoga moves and breathing exercises.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers, has been celebrating creativity – from dance to drawing, junk modelling to music – and there has been something for everyone.

The Challenge was created by national charity The Reading Agency, and aims to keep kids reading over the summer holidays with events, activities and brilliant books – all available to access for free from local libraries.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “I know what a great pleasure it is to be truly absorbed in a book. The Summer Reading Challenge is a really fantastic way for children to develop reading skills, discover new authors and gain a lifelong passion for books.

“That’s why we have funding the scheme again this year to make sure all children have the opportunity to continue their reading during the summer holidays.”  

Events also took place in Caerphilly and Awen Libraries, with author Sophie Zalayet talking about her new children’s book, published by Rily, Look out! Look out! There’s a Litter Bug About’ – it’s a fun, light-hearted story endorsed by Keep Wales Tidy and perfect for teaching little ones about keeping our environment clean and healthy.

Sophie’s career began in Denmark where she worked as a designer for LEGO, and has also worked in the children’s toy and fashion industry in New York. She has since moved with her young family back to Wales, and settled in Cardiff.

After enrolling in creative writing classes at Cardiff University and attended children’s book writing and illustrating classes, she has built up a collection of her own tales and illustrations, including her new book Look out! Look out! There’s a Litter Bug About which is also available in Welsh Dyna Fe! Dyna Fe! Sbwrfilyn y Dre.

“Doug loves two things… fun afternoons at the fair and eating a bellyful of sweets! When mum promises both, he thinks it’s his lucky day! Or is it… Come on a bright, bold, and big-hearted adventure with Doug and his new friend, as he learns a very important lesson.”

Sophie held Summer Challenge events in the following libraries:

• Wednesday 21st August –  Rhymney Library Hub
• Wednesday 21st August –  Deri Library
• Wednesday 28th August – Bridgend Library

Children attending the events were able to listen to Sophie reading from her book, and create their own litterbug creation.

Sophie said:“During the visit we read the story, tested our litter knowledge with a quiz, and sorted through ‘Douglas’s bag of litter’ helping him to put the types of litter into the correct bin.

“However, as the clientele were a lot younger in Bridgend, I added a fun game – to throw ‘litter’ into the Litter Bug’s mouth! This went down a treat with the younger kids as they enjoyed trying to feed the Litter Bug!”

Watch a Facebook video clip of the author reading from her new book.

You can read more about Sophie in a recent Libraries Wales Author of the Month feature.

Ian Brown is the creator of the charming Albert the Tortoise series published by Graffeg. During this year’s Summer Reading Challenge events, Ian visited Swansea Libraries and read from his latest books, sharing the adventures of Albert and his friends along with lots of fun tortoise facts, props, stickers and even a replica Albert!

Ian is a London-based writer and producer for television, and has written or produced for Pierce Brosnan, Harrison Ford and Michael Caine among many other famous names! The Albert the Tortoise series are Ian’s first book titles for children, with illustrations by the talented Eoin Clarke. Titles include Albert and his Friends, Albert Upside Down and Albert and the Pond.

The books are full of comical, charming illustrations, and timeless adventures show the power of working together, helping others, thinking creatively and how even the smallest amount of assistance can make a very big difference. Also included in the picture books are fascinating facts about the real Albert the tortoise – Albert is based on the writer’s own pet, who is more than 80 years old and has been in Ian’s family for more than 50 years!

Ian held Summer Challenge events in the following libraries:

• Tuesday 27th August – Gowerton Library
• Tuesday 27th August – Townhill Library

You can read more about Ian Brown and Eoin Clarke on the Albert the Tortoise webpage.

More information here about the Summer Reading Challenge, and the work of Books Council Wales.