Rutland Libraries are encouraging children to go wild this summer by taking part in the 2021 Reading Challenge.

Launched in time for the school summer holidays, this year's theme is Wild World Heroes.

In partnership with the Reading Agency and the WWF, local libraries are inviting children aged from four to 11 years to take-up the challenge and be inspired to read and explore ways of helping to save the planet.

With ideas from WWF, the Challenge focuses on action for nature and tackling real-world environmental issues, from plastic pollution and deforestation to wildlife decline and nature loss.

Free packs are available through Rutland libraries and online. Children who take part will be able to join six fictional characters - 'wild heroes' - to help solve some of these threats, learning about the importance of the environment while helping to restore nature levels in the neighbourhood of 'Wilderville'.

Children will be able to sign up for free in all Rutland libraries and start collecting folders, bookmarks, fridge magnets and many other rewards including a chance to win special Summer Reading Challenge prizes. All they need to do is to read six books throughout the summer to help the 'wild hero' characters and their animal friends save Wilderville and protect our planet.

Robert Clayton, Head of Culture and Registration at Rutland County Council, said: "This summer's Reading Challenge is an ideal opportunity for our young people to have fun, enjoy reading and spark even more conversations about the issues facing our planet - showing how we can all work together to look after our wider world as well as our local environment."

Rutland libraries are also holding free events throughout the summer, these include Storytelling with Tom the Tale Teller (Tuesday 3 August) and a live animal session with Lion Learners (Tuesday 17 August). Booking is essential - details are available from Oakham library.

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For more information, visit www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 01572 722918.