Superhereos and myths and legends are among the inspiration for hundreds of Swansea children developing a love of reading.
A set of 30 collectable cards split into six different sets devoted to imaginative themes is at the fingertips of children who visit Killay Library to borrow books.
All a child has to do to collect a set is read five books and 200 children have already taken up the challenge by thumbing through over a thousand books between them.
Some of the other themes of the card sets include sport, science fiction and magic. A special horror set has also been made available for older readers.
Different authors based on the genre of the set are included on the back of the cards to support reader development.
The Book Trumps scheme lasts until July and has been endorsed by all primary schools in the Killay area as well as celebrities such as Welsh comic Rob Brydon and Hollywood actor Michael Sheen.
Swansea Council is behind the Book Trumps idea.
Michael, who’s starred in hit films including Frost/Nixon and The Queen, said: “Reading is a gateway to all kinds of possibilities; it frees our minds and gives us immense riches. Libraries have the ability to empower all of us – irrespective of our backgrounds and circumstances.
“They’re one of the most powerful tools we have and I completely support Killay Library with its Book Trump initiative. I think it’s a fantastic way to get children more involved with reading.”
Rob said: “This is a great idea and I hope it will encourage local children to get involved and start reading as many books as they can.”
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “It’s important to continuously think of different ways to encourage children to read and this is a fantastic initiative.
“It’s already proven a huge success and the scheme should attract several more hundred young readers by the summer.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries for more information on the Swansea Library Service or call Library Line on 01792 636464.
