The start of this month also saw the launch of The Reading Agency's online Winter Mini Challenge, available from 1 December 2021 – 16 January 2022. Warwickshire children can join the Wild World Heroes characters as they embark on an Arctic adventure. During the story children can find out about creatures that live in the arctic and the environmental issues facing this precious ecosystem - they might even spot a narwhal or two! The challenge follows the success of The Summer Reading Challenge from earlier this year, which saw thousands of children reading and exploring nature and action for the environment. To get involved in this online reading challenge, visit www.wintermini.org.uk

For younger children there is the opportunity to get involved in the free Warwickshire Book Bears scheme. Children under five collect a stamp every time they visit the library, and after six stamps they earn a certificate. If they collect all ten certificates then they will receive a soft Library Book Bear toy as a reward for completion. To find out more you can ask about the Books Bears scheme at your local library.