Kids invited to join in The Big Friendly Read

As 2016 marks the centenary of Dahl’s birth, the event will celebrate his best-loved stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG.

Wonderfully illustrated by Quentin Blake, the books feature iconic characters and themes including mischief, invention, adventure and friendship.

The Big Friendly Read will launch in all Hertfordshire Libraries on Saturday July 16.

It aims to encourage children to read six books from the library during their summer holidays, then come back to the library and talk about them.

They can read anything from storybooks and factual books to talking books and e-books, which can be downloaded free from the e-library.

It is completely free to take part – all children need to do is visit their nearest library between Saturday July 16 and Saturday September 10 for a joining pack, while stocks last.

There are limited edition Quentin Blake collector cards up for grabs, and medals and certificates will be awarded to children who finish their six books.

Children who finish by September 10 are in with a chance of winning an invitation to an exclusive author event during October half term.

To support children with their reading, Herts County Council is recruiting an army of young volunteers aged 14 and over.

Volunteers can register by visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries and following the link to “Volunteer at your library” and selecting the link to the Summer Reading Challenge volunteer role.

Find out more about the Big Friendly Read at www.bigfriendlyread.org.uk