19 August 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was up early to head to the Edinburgh International Book Festival to launch the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.

She was joined in Charlotte Square by pupils from South Morningside Primary School who took part in a special workshop with children’s author and illustrator Alice Melvin.

The challenge is designed to encourage children to read for pleasure and develop a life-long love of books, with a list of up to 100 books being drawn up as part of a Scottish Government initiative.

It is supported by Scottish Book Trust, who will roll it out into schools for primary four to seven pupils across Scotland.

We can't wait to get the #FMReadingChallenge underway. Watch this space and @FMReadChallenge on 1 September… https://t.co/OAuSX4EzeI

— Scottish Book Trust (@scottishbktrust) August 19, 2016

The challenge is designed to encourage children to achieve their own reading goals, choosing from a specially-selected list of 100 books chosen by a special panel of academics, experts and teachers. There will be additional rewards for creative book reviews.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Some of my happiest childhood memories involve immersing myself in stories so I’m pleased to have the opportunity to encourage young people to also experience the joy of reading for pleasure.

“I hope this scheme goes a long way in encouraging Scotland’s young people to see reading as an important leisure activity as much as a school one.”

The scheme was backed by authors including Alice Melvin, who was helping the FM and pupils make books, and Lari Don. ALice added:

“Helping children discover the joy of reading for pleasure is one of the best gifts you can give them. Reading allows children to explore their emotions, expand their horizons, develop their empathy and above all to lose themselves in the drama of a great story.

“Feeling a connection with a book is a genuinely joyous feeling, and one of my greatest delights since becoming a mother has been watching my own daughter’s pleasure in stories.”

I hope #FMReadingChallenge will inspire lots of kids to start their reading journeys! @ScotGovFM @scottishbktrust https://t.co/AGuRb9iN33

— Lari Don (@LariDonWriter) August 19, 2016

You can read more about the scheme here.