YOUNG readers will be transported to gloriumptious new worlds this summer as the Roald Dahl-themed reading challenge takes over Glasgow's libraries.

Summer Reading Challenge – The Big Friendly Read - will phizz-whizz around the city to encourage youngsters to pick up a book.

And this week unsuspecting Human Beans were treated to much-loved characters jumping straight off the pages and into the Mitchell Library to launch this year’s Challenge in Glasgow.

From Fantastic Mr Fox to the BFG, library visitors were treated to performances from the Vivace Theatre School, as they professed their love of a good book and the importance of reading in a mix of Glaswegian and Gobblefunk.

Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “This year’s Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge offers a fantastic opportunity for young people and their families to explore the magical world of books and experience the real joy of reading.

“Last year more than 3000 young Glaswegians took part in the challenge and this year promises to be even bigger, with libraries across the city creating fantastic opportunities for young people to engage with reading throughout the summer holidays.

“I’m sure all our children will enjoy reading books packed full of wonderful new words like snozzcumber and hornswoggle - I would urge all young Glasgow residents to visit their local library to take part in this year’s challenge.”

Run by charity The Reading Agency, in partnership with library services and Tesco Bank, this year’s challenge - The Big Friendly Read - urges young people to explore books packed full of adventure, invention, mischief and good old friendship.

Eager readers keen to take up the challenge are invited to head to one of the city’s 33 libraries this summer, sign up and read six books of their choice during the school holidays.

And with special stickers, rewards and prizes on offer there’ll be loads of reasons to keep reading all summer.

Free ‘Dahl-inspired’ activities will be delivered in libraries across Glasgow, including storytelling events, action-packed workshops and craft sessions, with library staff on hand to support children, helping them to discover new authors and explore a wide range of different types of books.

This summer Wee Write! takes-over the Kelvingrove Bandstand for the first time on Saturday, July 9.

Wee Write! will see Macastory bring stories inspired by Roald Dahl in Giants and Peaches with Witches and Beasties, a Booster Cushion Theatre event featuring Big Goldilocks and Nick Toczek present his Million-miles-an-hour show.

For more see www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries