3 March 2016
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon celebrated World Book Day 2016 by launching a competition for children aimed at nurturing a lifelong love of books and reading.
The children, aged between primary four and seven, will be encouraged to read as many books as possible each year. They will record their progress in a reading passport and to write a short review of the books they read. Prizes will be awarded to children and schools following a judging panel, chaired by the First Minister.
The First Minister announced the Reading Challenge with the help of pupils from Brunstane Primary School, Edinburgh, where she revealed her childhood favourite, Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton:
Five On A Treasure Island is @NicolaSturgeon's favourite childhood book #WorldBookDay @BrunstanePS @ScotStoryCentre pic.twitter.com/txKTya0KwA
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 3, 2016
The First Minister shared her favourite books and told children in the Scottish Storytelling Centre:
Some of my happiest childhood memories involve immersing myself in the adventures of the Famous Five so I’m pleased to have the opportunity to encourage young people to also experience the joy of reading for pleasure.”
She added:
There is nothing better than reading.”
FM @nicolasturgeon announces #FMReadingchallenge & takes questions from @BrunstanePS @ScotStoryCentre pic.twitter.com/5d5LRVM3Yp
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) March 3, 2016
Ben Cairns, from Brunstane Primary School, shares his favourite book, dressed as a character from The Magic Key series:
Author Lari Don, author of The Fabled Beasts Chronicles, treated the children to a reading and hosted a Q & A with the First Minister:
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) March 3, 2016
