09 July 2018
Jersey’s libraries are calling for children to sign up to read six books this summer as part of Mischief Makers, the Summer Reading Challenge 2018.
Last year, more than 2,200 Jersey children took part, and they are expecting even more to join in this year.
Mischief Makers launches in Jersey’s Libraries on Friday 13 July 2018, and runs until Saturday 8 September.
The Summer Reading Challenge asks 4-11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. The theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Children will explore a map of Beanotown, which they receive when they register for the challenge.
As children read library books for the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their map, young readers will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks, becoming ultimate mischief makers!
Mischief Makers starts on Friday 13 July, with a medal and certificate awaiting those who complete the challenge by Saturday 8 September. Mischief Makers gives children a fun-filled summer which impacts positively on their reading habits and literacy levels.
Children’s Librarian Linne Omissi said: “We are always excited about the Summer Reading Challenge! We all love talking to children about their favourite books, and we all love the Beano, so this should be a super summer. Children love books, and they love receiving medals and certificates in the autumn term to reward them for their reading achievement. And with rumours that the Beanotown Yeti might be seen at Jersey Library, what could possibly go wrong?”
Children can take part in Mischief Makers at the Town Library, Les Quennevais Branch Library or on the Mobile Library, all that is required is a Jersey Library card. Story and information books, audio books and ebooks downloaded from Jersey Library’s website can all be enjoyed as part of the Challenge.
With a dedicated website which includes a Book Sorter to help children find their next read, plus lots of games and competitions, there’s plenty to enjoy even from home.
Parents and carers love the challenge, not only is it free but they can see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their children’s reading.
Programme of events:
To celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge, there’s a whole programme of free events and activities for families planned at the libraries over the summer, including:
The Story Beast
Tues 24 July, 6pm – “grown up” show, Jersey Library
The Story Beast: This Is Bardcore
Back in this dimension the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominated Story Beast returns to Jersey Library with a comedy set filled with new wyrd poetry and prog-rock. (Recommended for ages 12+)
Weds 25 July 11am – children show, Jersey Library
The Story Beast: Myths Monsters & Mayhem
The Story Beast returns to Jersey Library with hairy and ever-so-slightly scary tales for kids. Expect poems and songs brimful with Bears, Evil Little Sisters and Dragons galore! (Recommended for Ages 6+)
Nick Cope
Weds 1 August, 11am - Jersey Library
Weds 1 August, 1pm – Jersey Library
Nick Cope is a professional singer and songwriter, and has over 20 years of experience in music, including international success as lead singer and songwriter with The Candyskins in the 1990s.
For the last 8 years Nick has been writing, performing and recording music for children and their families and has established a fanatical army of little people and their parents. His five CD’s of original songs have become a must have for thousands and thousands of young families all over the world.
Heather’s House of Stories
Sat 4 August, 11am - Jersey Library
Following the enormous success of ‘Sara’s Dress’ Heather's House of Stories returns to Jersey with a new story inspired by the Island.
'Peter, Sally and The Sea' was written and performed for the Jersey festival of Words 2017 and on August 4th at 11am Heather will be sharing the story for us all in the Jersey Library. Heather is a captivating storyteller, she keeps the children absolutely rapt and there’s always something for the grown ups too.
Every child will leave with a souvenir of the story to inspire new stories of their own
Eco-active activity
Weds 8 August, 2pm – Jersey Library
Details to follow
The Mischief Makers: Poetry Workshop
Friday 17 August, 11am – Jersey Library
Details to follow
The Story Pot
Weds 22 August, 11am Les Quennevais Library
Weds 22 August, 2pm – Jersey Library
Cassandra Wye has been telling stories round the globe since 1991. She will weave tales of Mischief, using a magnificent array of textile tactile props and lots of interactive action for families of children aged 2-6 (and older and younger siblings)
Steven Butler
Weds 29 August, 11am – Jersey Library
Weds 29 August, 2pm – Jersey Library
Steven is the Roald Dahl Funny Prize shortlisted author and writer of The Dennis the Menace books, The Wrong Pong series (Puffin Books), The Nothing To See Here Hotel series (Simon and Schuster), and the Dog Diaries series in collaboration with International best-selling author, James Patterson (Random House). He's also an experienced actor and voice artist. His Primary school headmaster was the fantastically funny author Jeremy Strong.
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