THE BIG SUMMER READ

For some of us reading is a hobby that we love to do all year round but for a lot of us our enthusiasm to read begins in summer, quite similar to our compulsion to play tennis and drink Pimms the moment we are graced with a flicker of sunlight. For our younger generation, however, it’s quite the polar opposite. As soon as schools break up for summer, books are left to gather dust and their brains are left to dwindle until they are dropped back into class at the start of September.

The Big Friendly Read 2016 is an initiative that aims to keep children reading over the summer break. It encourages kids aged 4 to 11 years to create their own profile, engage in online games and receive prizes by taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. The website offers a way for both kids and parents to track their progress. Get started with the Summer Reading Challenge here: http://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Keeping your kids reading over summer is a great way to make sure their brain stays active, but buying a selection of books for both yourself and your children can become rather expensive. Shopping for pre-owned books is a lot cheaper and can leave you with a little bit extra cash, just about enough to justify a leisurely lunch and a glass of vino. There’s also the chance of finding hidden gems that you’ve always hoped to stumble upon.

FARA shops are supporting the initiative by offering 3 for 2 on children’s books at all of our shops. And so you grown-ups don’t feel left out, we are offering 3 for 2 on all other books too until the 31st July! So whether you’re on a beach in the South of France, relaxing at a rooftop bar in Barcelona, or watching the world go by in a picturesque London park, make sure you have a great selection of books to keep both you and the kids occupied through the summer months.