BUDDING bookworms in Hampshire are urged to dive into worlds full of giant peaches, chocolate factories and witches this summer.

Libraries across the county want more children to sign up to this year’s summer reading challenge.

In a tribute to the popular children’s author Roald Dahl, who was born 100 years ago, Hampshire County Council’s libraries want more children to take up the Big Friendly Read.

Run by the Reading Agency, the challenge invites children four to 11 to read any six library books up to Sunday September 18 at their own pace over the long holidays. 

Last year, 16,000 children completed the challenge in Hampshire and education chiefs hope they can smash that target.

Councillor Andrew Gibson, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “The summer holidays are a great time for children to maintain and even improve their reading ability with great initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge. 

“This year’s theme is the Big Friendly Read, in tribute of well-loved British author Roald Dahl’s story The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), and also marks 100 years since Dahl was born. 

“The Summer Reading Challenge harnesses the creativity and sense of adventure found in children’s books by inspiring young people to read any library book for fun and enjoyment. 

“We wish all the best to the children taking part, and look forward to seeing them at the ‘finish line’ in September.”

For more information about the challenge visit www3.hants.gov.uk/srchants16

Volunteers are also needed to help librarians get children reading this summer. For more information visit www3.hants.gov.uk/library/library-about/library-volunteer.htm.

Reading lists for four to seven year olds, and for eight to 11 year olds, are already online. 

A spokesman from Hampshire libraries said the lists were “purely suggestive”, and are “a great starting point”.

It includes much-loved books by other popular authors including Good Dog Lion by Alexander McCall Smith, The Bolds by Julian Clary and David Roberts, and The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan.

There are also lots of rewards up for grabs as the challenge progresses, including cards for each book read, and a medal and certificate given to each child who finishes the challenge.