[A]fter months of reading and debating, children from Cumbria’s primary schools have chosen their favourite book. The winning title is ‘Julius Zebra,’ by Gary Northfield, a “brilliantly fast-paced, funny and utterly bonkers adventure,” set in Ancient Rome against a back-drop of Roman history, emperors and exotic animals.
Spellbinding – the name given to Cumbria’s Primary Schools Book Award – saw thousands of pupils sift their way through a shortlist of ten books chosen by Cumbria County Council’s Library Services for Schools team.
Rachel Perry, Schools Services Officer from Cumbria County Council, said:
“The Spellbinding Book Award, now in its tenth year, creates enthusiasm and excitement about books. It widens pupils reading choices by giving pupils the opportunity to try out new authors and also brings a sense of achievement especially for those pupils who may not have been interested in reading before.
“We incorporate an I.T. element as pupils post comments about the books they read and vote online for their favourite book. Approximately 2,500 children aged 9-11 have taken part which has been a fantastic response and each year these numbers keep growing.”
Julius Zebra is available to read and borrow from all Cumbria Libraries alongside thousands of other titles for children and younger readers. For further information on Cumbria Libraries, visit http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries or call 01228 606060
