THE children’s reading charity, BookTrust, has a new sticker storybook written to encourage more children to visit their local library in 2016. Bear’s Reading Adventure was developed after librarians reported that families need more encouragement to visit libraries. It is free from libraries for families with children aged up to five years.

The new book was developed in partnership with Igloo Books and will be available in Hampshire and West Sussex Libraries in a pilot scheme across England, although availability is limited, so check with your local library.

Children can collect stickers for the free book every time they visit a library and put them in special sticker book to take home.

The story follows BookTrust’s blue bear mascot on his reading adventure, which takes him to the park, supermarket and, of course, the library. But there are 10 objects missing from bear’s adventure which children are tasked with finding. Children will earn a sticker of the missing object every time they go to the library, which BookTrust hopes will encourage families to visit the library regularly and read together every day.

Gemma Malley, author of Bear’s Reading Adventure and director of 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.

“Even reading to them three to five times a week gives them a six-month head-start over those who are read to less often.”

When children have collected all 10 stickers they can download a certificate which also contains more tips for families on how they can have fun reading together every day.

Go to www.bookstart. org.uk/bearsadventure

The book was illustrated by popular children’s illustrator Jo Byatt. who said: “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.”