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Lancashire reading trail

Join the quest today to take part in the Lancashire Reading Trail

We invite children across Lancashire to read regularly and enjoy stories. After each book, they can share what they thought with us.

The aim of the trail

We want children to:

  • read often

  • enjoy stories

  • share their opinions about what they read

How the trail works

There are three levels:

  • bronze

  • silver

  • gold

Each time a child reads a book and tells us about it at their library, they move one place forward on the enchanted Lancashire map. Each step earns a sticker to show their progress.

Children can choose any books they want to read. They can use books from home, school or the library. They can also choose ebooks or e-audiobooks through our BorrowBox app.

The more books they read, the more characters they unlock. These characters form a card game with secret missions to enjoy.

When children finish a level, they receive a certificate. Children who complete the whole trail earn a special gold prize – they can choose a book signed by its author.

The trail also highlights interesting places to visit around Lancashire. Many of these places are home to the trail’s colourful characters.

How to tell us what you’ve read

There are different ways to let us know about each book:

  • write or draw a review

  • tell a librarian about the book

  • leave a review on the library catalogue by adding a rating and comment next to the book

How to play the reading trail game

Game rules

  • your Lancashire Reading Trail map is the game board. Each player places a counter on space 1

  • use the cards you have collected as your playing deck. If only one person has cards, divide them evenly

  • at the start of each round, all players take the top card from their deck

  • one player chooses a category: magic, planning, cunning, speed or toughness

  • the player with the highest number in that category wins the round. They move forward the number of spaces equal to the difference between the highest and lowest numbers. For example, if scores are five and three, the winner moves two spaces

  • if there is a tie, the next player chooses the category

  • all players place their cards at the back of their decks and start the next round

  • the first player to reach the final space on the map wins

Optional rules

The map board

You can choose to play on just the bronze, silver or gold parts of the map, or join them together to make a larger board.

Keywords

Each card has a keyword with a special rule for that round. Read your keyword before a category is chosen.

Special sticker spaces

If your counter is on a sticker space, add +2 to the matching category. For example, if your card has magic 4 and you are on a magic sticker space, your magic score becomes six.

Information for parents and carers

The Lancashire Reading Trail encourages children to read regularly. Children who enjoy reading often find learning easier and may achieve more at school.

Children can choose any book they like, including library books, ebooks or e-audiobooks. It is not a race. Choosing books at the right level helps build confidence. Books should be challenging but still achievable.

We invite you to support your child as they explore stories and enjoy reading through the Lancashire Reading Trail.