KIRKLEES library staff are hoping to send children wild for reading with a challenge.

The Big Wild Summer Reading Challenge, run through councils by the Reading Agency, aims to encourage four to 11-year-olds to read over the summer holidays.

Children are being challenged to read six books – and there are a series of incentives and activities at Kirklees libraries to help them on their way.

Each child taking part will be given a Big Wild Read folder, with stickers to collect during the summer.

The special scratch and sniff stickers have a range of pleasant and not-so-pleasant smells that the children will relish.

Libraries will also be offering children free packets of wild flower seeds when they join. They can plant them in the summer and watch them grow and flower through to autumn.

Library staff will encourage children in their reading and suggest interesting books for them to try.

Special Big Wild Read events and activities will involve them in lots of ways to learn about the environment and how to protect it.

The Big Wild Read website is at www.bigwildread.co.uk

It will capture children’s responses to the books they are reading and help them discover more about their favourite authors.

There will be games and activities, tips on how to make a difference and a link for children to submit book reviews.

The challenges has been linked to the BBC’s Breathing Places campaign, which encourages people to look after wildlife, and to the Woodland Trust’s Tree For All Campaign.

For every book a child reads as part of the Big Wild Read challenge they will receive ‘tree tokens’, which can be translated into new trees being planted in UK woods.

The aim is for up to 20,000 new trees to be planted in autumn because of the BIg Wild Read campaign.

Clr Liz Smaje, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Neighbourhood Services, said: “We hope as many children as possible will join in the Big Wild Read and enjoy a summer of reading.

“Parents and carers will find it’s a great way to connect with their youngsters’ reading and engage with nature in the long summer break!”

For more information on taking part contact Linda Smith, children’s reading development librarian, on 01484 226365.

Alternatively, you can call in to your local library and information centre or mobile library.