THIS summer has been record breaking for libraries across Devon Over 12,000 children are taking part in the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge across the county – that’s an increase of over 20% on 2013. 

This is also the first year that children across the whole county joining the Summer Reading Challenge have received a free ‘Active Summer’ bag including a Frisbee, UV wristband and other goodies.

The bags have been very popular with families and the library service is looking forward to doing it again next year with continued support from Devon Public Health.

Libraries have held dozens of summer events for children including craft activities, storytelling, animal visits and performance and over 140 young volunteers have supported libraries during the holidays in all kinds of ways - from promoting and helping with library events, to talking to children about their reading.

Children have had the chance to take part in The Giant’s Story, bringing together the myths and legends of South West England with dance, film and digital technologies.

The Giant’s Story www.stepintoabook.org.uk features a digital game where children encounter mystical lands, dance and stories inspired by local legends.

Over 100 budding young writers and illustrators took up the challenge to write a story about a mythical creature.

The winning four stories are now available to borrow from the Devon Libraries eBook service and Kids eReading Room – www.devon.gov.uk/ebooks

The standard of entries was very high and deciding the winners very difficult. Thank you to all the children and young people that entered.

The winning entries in no particular order are:

The Awongalema’s Mix Up, by Daisy Guilor from Tavistock

Gnome Askape, by Naomi Smith from Crediton

Shadow Warriors, by Fleur Russell from Barnstaple

The Adventures of Ninja Mouse and the Revenge of the Evil Eagle, by Henri Poole-Birrell from Newton Abbot

Cabinet member for Libraries, Councillor Roger Croad says; "The Reading Challenge has always proved popular and I'm pleased to hear it's still going strong. I'm also glad to see such enthusiasm for writing amongst Devon's youngsters and want to thank everyone for getting taking part and congratulations to all our winners."