PICTURE books are among the most popular children’s titles borrowed from the Hive in Worcester.

Illustrated stories account for six of the top 10 reads for youngsters, according to a list released to your Worcester News in time for World Book Day today.

The Octonauts and The Frown Fish – the tale of a crew of eight adorable animals who explore the ocean – is so far the most borrowed children’s book, having been issued 48 times since the £60 million library opened in the heart of Worcester last year.

Jane Stephens, library customer adviser at the Hive, said books linked to TV shows were also popular.

She said: “We get a lot of pre-school children in who are very enthusiastic and older children as well. The quality of illustrations in the picture books is amazing.

“Some of these titles are ones which tie in with TV series – Sizzles Is An Extreme-ly Clever Dog is from Charlie and Lola.

“There are plenty of books that don’t have that tie-in but certainly some of the children do get attached to the characters and then want to read the books.

“The classics such as Winnie the Pooh are not as popular as they once were but there’s always a steady flow for the Thomas the Tank Engine books.

“Jacqueline Wilson and Liz Pichon are also popular and both came to the Beeline festival here, which brought them to new readers.

“Liz presented the awards for our summer reading challenge as well and has designed the new children’s library card which launches today.

“It’s always great to be able to ensure kids try reading and to encourage as many as possible to read books and share stories.”

Family activities will be taking place at the Hive today and Saturday to mark World Book Day, as well as at other libraries across the county.

 

Top 10 children's books borrowed from the Hive:

1 The Octonauts and The Frown Fish, by Meomi – borrowed 48 times
2 Double Trouble, by Matt Buckingham – borrowed 47 times
3 Topsy and Tim Go For Gold, by Jean and Gareth Adamson – borrowed 46 times
4 Emerald Star: Hetty’s Search for a Happy Ending, by Jacqueline Wilson – borrowed 46 times
5 Charlie and Lola: Sizzles Is An Extremely Clever Dog, by Lauren Child – borrowed 45 times
6 This Little Monkey, by Lucy Lyes – borrowed 45 times
7 Supermarket Zoo, by Caryl Hart and Ed Eaves – borrowed 44 times
8 The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, by Liz Pichon – borrowed 43 times
9. Peter Rabbit: Tickle Tickle Peter!, by Beatrix Potter – borrowed 43 times
10 My Granny is a Pirate, by Val McDermid and Arthur Robins – borrowed 43 times

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