Blue Peter Book Badge Initiative Launched for October Half-Term with Shared Reading and Derby Libraries

Derby Book Festival’s Shared Reading Project and Derby City Libraries have announced a new initiative for October half-term. Children aged 5-7 can join a free reading session where Shared Reading volunteers will be on hand to help them apply for their very own Blue Peter Book Badge.

The interactive reading sessions are the ideal half-term activity as they’re taking place indoors at three libraries across Derby: Mickleover, Normanton, and Riverside (located within Derby City Council House).

During each session, Shared Reading’s trained volunteers will read poems from the book ‘Poems Aloud’ by the former Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho. Children will also be encouraged to create a drawing inspired by the front cover of the book.

They will then learn how to create a short review at home, which is the last step before applying for their very own Blue Peter Book Badge. Parents will have the opportunity to ask the volunteers questions about the application process.

Each session will last for approximately an hour and is free to attend. However, spaces are limited, so booking is essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult and full details of how to book are included below:

• Mickleover Library – 29th October – 1-2pm – call 01332 647 884 to book
• Normanton Library – 31st October – 2-3pm – call 01332 642 640 to book
• Riverside Library – 1st November – 1-2pm – call 01332 641 702 to book

Blue Peter launched the Book Badge initiative in 2023 to inspire young readers. The badge was launched on International Literacy Day in 2023 and has been designed by renowned illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake.

Rose Braisby, Shared Reading’s Strategic Lead, commented: “This initiative is all part of our commitment to reaching the community and highlighting the joy of reading together. Research continues to show that encouraging children to read from a young age can have a lasting positive impact, and we hope to inspire children with a new approach to Shared Reading this October half-term.”

Catherine Mitchell, Derby City Council Stock Librarian – Performance and Management, said: “The partnership between Derby Book Festival and Derby Libraries is an exciting opportunity to inspire a love of reading in children. Through Shared reading we can bring stories to life for young readers, giving them a chance to talk about their favourite books and have fun in a creative way.”

“As part of the collaboration, children can find out how to earn a Blue Peter badge, adding even more excitement to their reading journey,” she added.

Find out more information about Shared Reading by visiting the website here: https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/community/shared-reading

More information about the services Derby Libraries offers are available here: https://www.inderby.org.uk/libraries