LITERACY levels traditionally dip over the summer holiday, when many children don't pick up a single book.

But reading for pleasure is a vital life skill. It has been well documented that many children are leaving primary school in Bradford with below standard reading abilities. And with poor literacy skills linked to under achievement in education and employment, as well as confidence and self esteem issues, the consequences are felt in adult life.

But last year, more than 4,200 youngsters took part in the Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at getting primary schoolchildren to continue reading out of the classroom. And more children joined the library to do the challenge in Bradford than any other Yorkshire authority.

Delivered by libraries across the country, in partnership with the Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at maintaining reading levels over summer, getting children to read for pleasure, and providing a platform parents to encourage the reading habit.

The Challenge was founded in 1999 and last year 800,000 children took part.

This summer's event starts on Saturday and the theme is the 'Big Friendly Read', celebrating the centenary of the birth of Roald Dahl and the new Stephen Spielberg-directed film of his book, BFG. Libraries districtwide are putting on more than 170 fun events.

The challenge is for children aged four to 11 to read six books of their choice. Every child taking part will receive a fold-up wallet with six limited edition collector cards by children's illustrator Quentin Blake. There are also bookmarks, door hangers, rainbow glasses and wristbands to collect. Every child who reads six books will receive a certificate and medal, complete with presentation wallet featuring Quentin Blake artwork.

Christinea Donnelly, Development Officer for Young People at Bradford Libraries, says participation has risen over recent years.

"The reading challenge can make a real difference to children’s literacy attainment, as well as developing a passion for reading,” she says. “Research shows that the challenge improves children’s reading range, confidence and motivation, and helps prevent the summer dip in literacy skills.

“Bradford is doing better and better each year, but there are still thousands of children who could benefit from reading over the summer to keep their reading skills up and at the same time discover reading for enjoyment."

Bradford Libraries work with schools on the scheme, sending out resource packs which include information for parents who are encouraged to take their children to libraries over the summer holiday.

“The aim is also get children and their families using libraries over the summer, and hopefully continue afterwards,” says Christinea. “Every child who takes part will get their own library card - that’s empowering for children.

"We're also offering the school with the highest percentage of participants in the challenge and the school with the highest percentage of completers, a free author event at their school."

This year's book collection reflects popular themes in Dahl's books - friendship, mischief, adventure, invention, wordplay and champions. The books were selected by children's librarians, industry professionals and children.

The titles include The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), Joseph Coelho's Werewolf Club Rules and Other Poems and John Hegley's I am A Poetato, as well as new writers, including Stewart Foster, Chris Callaghan and MG Leonard.

The list for younger children includes Cressida Cowell's How to be a Viking, Ted Rules the World by Frank Cottrell Boyce, Quentin Blake's The Five of US and The Bolds by Julian Clary and David Roberts.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, will join youngsters from three schools for the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge at Shipley Library on Tuesday, July 19, when there will be a performance of The Twits by storyteller John Kirk.

"This year we have 30 Summer Reading Challenge Young Ambassadors aged 13 to 17, all volunteering to help younger children enjoy the challenge," says Christinea. "They will be in libraries across the district presenting positive role models as well as making libraries 'cool places for teenagers."

Events include a 'Brilltastical Dahl did-you-know-athon' with 'Word Wizard' presented by author Andrew Newbound and Explore Learning, running a fun-filled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired writing workshop, followed by a chocolate-making and design activity. Suitable for six to 11-year-olds. There are also Roald Dahl crafts and the Big Friendly Read - ZooLab, offering the chance to discover some of Dahl’s favourite animals and handle some exotic creatures. Suitable for 4 to 12-year-olds.

* For more about the Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge Events visit bradford.gov.uk/libraries or bigfriendlyread.org.uk