Launching the Chapters Cool Kids Read Challenge
View(s):“Who is the character you would like to just walk right out of a book and spend some time with you?” asked Ms. Jill Macdonald from a group of young literary enthusiastsgathered at Chapters Bookstore on 20th July morning to launch the Chapters Cool Kids Read Challenge. “Sherlock Holmes”came a prompt reply from Janek de Silva – a child casually lounging on a sofa. “The more you read the easier things will be for you later on in school”emphasised Ms.Macdonald who has been a school Principal for many years.“The 
children who do well in life aren’t necessarily the children who spend a lot of time on homework but they are the children who spend a lot of time reading stories.You feel very confident when you know how words work and you can express yourself very well; that’s what helps you later & you always find great company in books” were the very encouraging words by Ms. Jill Macdonald, Principal of The Study who was the guest of honour at the launch of the Chapters Cool Kids Read Challenge.
There was nothing formal or formidable about this event for kids aged 8-12 years even though it was launching a formally structured challenge, at Chapters Bookstore, at #35 Staple Street Colombo 2. There were two enchanting book readings by Ms.Kimaya de Silva and Ms.Sahar Jamal who are part of the Challenge team. The books were chosen by requests from the very enthusiastic participants. Excitement grew as participants were invited to unveil the Cool Kids Read collection and they immediately dived into choose their five books to register for the challenge. The Challenge is to read five books from the list before the 31st of August and to record thoughts on the very interesting reading journal designed by Chapters.“This journal is a lovely idea” said Ms.Macdoanld“it’s like having a conversation with the writer” she explained that this is a great opportunity for the child to get involved in the conversation of the book – “in this creative journal you get to say your piece”.
Ms.Macdoanld described an important focus of this challenge – “Telling others why you think they should read a particular book is a 
great thing”.Influencing a friend’s reading by recommending a good book should be appreciated. Therefore children who submit the best reading journal with recommendations to friends stand a chance to win 20 books from the Cool Kids Read collection. For more detailsvisit www.digitalchapters.net/challenge or www.facebook.com/Chapters.SL
Reinforcing that Chapters bookstore sells only the best; the recorded best seller of the first week of the Chapters Cool Kids Read challenge is the world’s bestselling bookfor 8-10 year oldssince late last year, “The One & Only Ivan” byauthor – Katherine Applegate
The following book review was sent in by Chapters Cool Kid- AkheelEsufally;10 years. Since joining the challenge Akheel has taken a break from his ipad and has been reading avidly instead.
“The book ‘One and Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate is about a silverback gorilla who has been living in captivity for most of his life. He lives in his “domain” at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He spends his days drawing with his crayons and talking to his friends Stella, the elephant and Bob, the stray dog. The book is narrated by Ivan, which makes me realize how horrible his life is even though he seems quite satisfied with it. The book is sometimes humorous and sometimes sad but I found the story very fascinating. Ivan tries to accomplish a promise he makes to his friend Stella. I liked the book because it taught me that there is always hope no matter who you are. This story is based on a true story of a gorilla who lived at Zoo Atlanta in America.”
KATHERINE APPLEGATE is an award–winning author of numerous books for young readers.
Critical reviews
“Exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A beautifully written, intelligent and brave book. You will never look at the relationship of humans and animals in the same way again. Quite simply, this story is life changing. “PatriciaMacLachlan, Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.
“Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.”Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
Visit these sites for teaching notes & more information about this book.
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/One-Only-Ivan/
http://theoneandonlyivan.com
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