Mischief Makers, the Summer Reading Challenge 2018, is inspired by the much loved iconic children’s title The Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

The reading challenge, which kicked off on Saturday, July 14th, encourages children aged four to 12 years old to borrow and read books and collect special stickers as they take part in the Beano town treasure hunt. Children taking part this year will follow clues to explore their colourful collector’s map of Beano town; meeting Dennis, Gnasher and friends along the way, as they search for the mysterious buried treasure! Successful hunters can enter a prize draw to win a giant craft box.

All of the libraries across Herefordshire, including Ross Library, are taking part in this year’s challenge, with plenty to keep the kids entertained over the summer. Entry is free and you don’t need to be a library member to join in.

There’s also a themed art competition for four-12 year olds to create their own larger than life cartoon, and there is a bumper pack of art materials up for grabs to the winner, with paper and drawing materials available at each library so everyone can take part.

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ over the summer if they don’t have access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure, and this can have a negative impact on their work once they return to school. The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is for children to read at least six books over the summer holidays. As an extra incentive, they will receive special stickers for every book they read to complete their collector Beano poster – a fantastic memento of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, which runs until September 8th, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/src