BookTrust promotes libraries with sticker book

Reading charity BookTrust is encouraging children to use their local libraries with a new sticker book, developed in partnership with Igloo Books.

The book, Bear’s Reading Adventure, is a story about a blue bear who visits the park, supermarket and the library. It has space for 10 stickers that children can pick up at their library – one for each visit. Once they collect all the stickers they can download a certificate online that contains tips on how families can have fun reading together.

Gemma Malley, author of the book and director of engagement and marketing at BookTrust, said: "Libraries are a wonderful resource, whatever your age. If you haven't joined your local library or visited for a while, then do take a moment to see what's going on.

"Reading with your child is fun, and a great way to spend time together. If a parent reads to their children every day they will be almost 12 months ahead of their age group when they start school.”

BookTrust created Bear’s Reading Adventure to help libraries achieve the aims of the Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians’ (ASCEL) Children’s Promise, to provide more opportunities for families to enjoy using libraries.

The book was illustrated by Jo Byatt, who said: “I was honoured to illustrate for such a wonderful project. My two girls have enjoyed BookTrust books in the past, so to be given the opportunity to recreate such wonderful characters to encourage children to use the library was a dream.”

BookTrust will pilot the scheme in selected libraries later this month.