A LOCAL youngster has been congratulated for completing a challenge, to read 100 books from Crediton Library.

Raphael has just been awarded his Gold Badge and certificate after successfully completing the Book Track scheme.

He was encouraged by his older sister, who recently completed Book Track herself and who helped Raphael find books that he would enjoy.

Raphael first got into reading independently with the Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon.

His favourite title from the 100 books he read is in this series and is called “Family, Friends and Furry Creatures: My School Project”.

His mother told staff at Crediton Library that Raphael could be heard laughing out loud to himself as he enjoyed these books. He especially enjoys books with humour and also loves the Horrid Henry series by Francesca Simon, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books by Jeff Kinney and the Bad Guys books by Aaron Blabey.

Inspired by Tom Gates, Raphael is a keen cartoon artist - but he loves all kinds of drawing and design.

He has started formal drawing lessons on Zoom, enrolled on a 3D design course using SketchUp and started learning Calligraphy.

He is also getting ready to take his Grade 1 in piano and in his free time he enjoys robotic engineering. 

Raphael was Home Schooled until this year and now attends Brampford Speke Primary School. His favourite subjects are Maths, Science and Geography. 

Raphael took two years to complete the Gold Book Track and wanted to quit a few times but said he is now very glad he kept going.

Raphael said: “I was six when I started and now I am eight and this was a really great experience. I would recommend Book Track to everyone who likes books and reading (and likes gold badges!).”

Although Raphael has now completed Book Track he very much plans to keep on reading! 

Book Track is a reading scheme offered by Devon Libraries, and children work towards reading 100 books, and chat to members of library staff and collect badges as they progress towards their target.

For more information on taking part, drop in to the library to see the staff or telephone Crediton Library 01363 772578 or email via: [email protected] or visit: https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/children-booktrack . There is an option for children to complete Book Track digitally, too, if this is their preference.

Crediton Library is currently open weekdays (except Wednesday) from 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm. It is also open on Saturdays 10am-12 noon.

It also has a Choose and Collect service for those who do not wish to enter the library at this time.

Crediton Library is managed by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries. Book Track is just one of the activities in the wide Libraries Unlimited cultural offering.

For further information visit the web page https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/creditonlibrary . Find more on Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/CreditonLibrary/ .