Swindon’s 100 favourite children’s books are revealed

Children and families voted for the titles they wanted to see included in Swindon’s 100 Reads.

A list of Swindon’s top 100 children’s books has been published this week, after being voted for by children and parents across the town.

Swindon’s 100 Reads has been created as part of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Swindon, known locally as Swindon Stories. The list features books for children of all ages, from babies through to teenagers. Lots of universally popular titles, such as Harry Potter and Peter Rabbit, made the list but it has also uncovered a taste in Swindon for more diverse reading material, including anime such as Rosario + Vampire by Akihisa Ikeda, and books based on children’s television such as Bing: Looking After Flop by Stella Gurney.

Swindon’s 100 Reads aims to encourage more children in Swindon to enjoy reading, and read more widely, by inspiring them to try books that have been recommended by their peers.

Local residents were invited to share their favourite children’s book through a submission form on the Swindon Stories website and by using #SwindonStories on social media, and suggestions were also accepted from schools. The printed list can be collected from libraries across the town and a downloadable version is also available at swindonstories.org.uk.

The books have been ordered by recommended reading age, but this is only intended to be used as a guide. Children are encouraged to try any book they feel comfortable reading.

Most of the books can be borrowed for free from libraries across Swindon. Information on joining the library can be found by visiting swindon.gov.uk/libraries or calling 01793 463238.

Anish Harrison, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Swindon, said: “It’s been such fun seeing the suggestions that have been made by children across the town. There are lots of new titles on the list, but some classics always prevail! It’s great to have a list of books tailored to the local area; we are always asked for recommendations and it’s really nice to introduce children to books that their peers have enjoyed.

“We hope the list will inspire hundreds of local children to discover new books and fall in love with reading, which will help them to succeed at school and lead happy lives.”

Swindon Stories was launched by the National Literacy Trust and Swindon Borough Council in February this year, supported by WHSmith. It encourages the whole town to make reading, writing and talking a priority, with a range of projects and initiatives to give young people the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.