Books for summer for Close siblings

‘‘It helps to prevent the 'summer slide' in reading which can happen during the long break ... butmost of all the programme is fun.’’

Three Kapiti siblings did not stop reading just because it was holiday time.

Alexis Close, 12 and her brothers Cooper, 10 and Ostyn, 7, all participated in the Kapiti Coast District Council’s Summer Reading Programme over the summer holidays.

The trio read between eight and 12 books during that period, despite only four being needed to complete the programme.

Participants report in the books they have read, and were rewarded with prizes like movie vouchers, beach balls and tote bags.

Alexis said the favourite books she read over summer were by Morris Gleitzman, while Cooper enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Ostyn liked Zombiefied.

Kapiti Coast District Libraries youth services coordinator Pam Coleman said 265 children participated in the programme this year.

‘‘The programme is designed to encourage a love of reading and to sustain good reading habits over the summer holiday break.

‘‘It helps to prevent the ‘summer slide’ in reading which can happen during the long break and can help prevent children losing some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

‘‘But most of all the programme is fun.’’

The programme wrapped with a finale party at Waikanae Pool last week, where participants were awarded a book and certificate each.