A TRAVELLING library of Mr Men and Little Miss books will be stopping off in Bradford next week as part of a national tour encouraging children from all backgrounds to read more.

The Mr Men Bookmobile will be in City Park in the city centre from 10am on Wednesday, August 29.

It will be giving away thousands of books to local children to provide them with more reading opportunities ahead of the start of a new school year.

The tour, which also visits London, Manchester, Nottingham and Peterborough, has been organised in partnership between Mr Men and Little Miss, and national children’s vitamins brand Haliborange.

A total of 10,000 books will be handed out throughout the tour, along with free vitamin supplements to keep children healthy both mentally and physically.

The aim of the tour is to support the development of children’s reading skills and cognitive development, and also to help parents and children spend more time reading together over the summer holidays.

The tour comes after research revealed the impact a child’s reading habits can have on their happiness and wellbeing.

The study, by the National Literacy Trust, revealed 78.2 per cent of children do not read with someone at home, and of those who do read with someone, it makes them feel happier and calmer.

Children who read accompanied by someone at home are also more likely to say they enjoy reading, compared to those who do not.

One of the most concerning findings was that only six in ten children say they enjoy reading.

It is hoped by carrying out this tour, more children will enjoy reading and be encouraged to read more outside of school.

Attractions at the event include the chance to meet a life-size 3D Mr Strong, who can be brought to life using augmented reality technology.

There will also be a number of other interactive activities at the Bookmobile for children to take part in throughout the day.

Shona Wilkinson, a children’s wellbeing expert, said reading is key to help children de-stress and develop their skills.

She said “We know reading really helps children and is very beneficial.

“It improves their vocabulary and imagination, and is also good for cognitive development.

“We want to focus on how reading can help reduce stress levels. You think of adults living stressful lives but children also live in a stressful and fast-paced environment, so sitting down with a parent or grandparent and having a bit of quiet time and calmness helps increase the connection between parent and child.

“The connection will be especially strong with Mr Men and Little Miss because a lot of parents will remember reading the books themselves when they were young, which makes reading even more fun.

“When children read and are read to their brain cells are activated and connections grow stronger. We have partnered up with Haliborange as Omega-3 improves brain function and they will be handing out samples at the Bookmobile.”

Mr Men and Little Miss books were created by Roger Hargreaves, from Cleckheaton, in 1971.

The books have gone on to become one of the most successful children’s book series in the world, selling 250 million copies worldwide, with a book currently being sold every 2.5 seconds.

The books have a cast of more than 90 instantly recognisable characters who have brought laughter and enjoyment to generations over the past 47 years.