Young Ross-shire Readers Rewarded

One hundred and forty four young readers from across the Highlands met up in Dingwall on Thursday evening to be presented with certificates and medals by well known and loved children’s author Mairi Hedderwick.
 
Over the summer months all the children took part in The Big Wild Read Challenge, borrowing and reading up to six books from Highland libraries, collecting stickers for each book they read.

This national reading summer challenge, for young people aged 4 to 11, is run in libraries throughout the UK and is supported by leading children’s publishers.  Its aim is to encourage primary children to come into the library during summer holidays and to widen their eyes to the choice of books available.

Every year the challenge is based around a different theme.  This year’s challenge, The Big Wild Read, actively encouraged children to make a positive difference to their environment. Children were asked to “Take the challenge – change your world” and in taking part they helped to plant 20,000 new trees in UK regional woods.

During the award ceremony held at Dingwall Academy, Mairi Hedderwick, author of the popular Katie Morag stories presented certificates and medals. The following day she presented a further one hundred young readers with their awards during another ceremony held on Friday afternoon in Inverness Town House.

Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie was encouraged by the high number of children who had taken part.  He said:  “This is an excellent scheme to get children into their local libraries over the summer months where there is a wide range of great books for all ages to enjoy. Our library staff are always happy to give advice and help readers select books by new authors, as well as old favourites. I would like to congratulate everyone who took part and hope they continue to enjoy reading books for many years to come.”