CHILDREN’S reading charity BookTrust has written and produced a sticker story book to encourage more children to visit their town library in 2016.

The new book, called Bear’s Reading Adventure, was developed in partnership with Igloo Books after librarians reported that families need more encouragement to visit libraries. It is free from libraries for families with children aged up to five.

Hampshire County Council will, as part of the pilot scheme, make the book available at Bordon library, as well as Aldershot, Elson, Leigh Park and South Ham libraries.

The story follows the 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.

Author of Bear’s Reading Adventure and director of engagement and marketing at the BookTrust Gemma Malley 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 is 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 headstart over those who are read to less often.”

When children have collected all 10 stickers they can download a certificate from bookstart.org.uk/bearsadventure, which has tips for families on how they can have fun reading every day.

From January, the storybook has been piloted in selected libraries across England.

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.”