A bookseller has hidden 25 children’s books in secret places all over the town and set a challenge to youngsters to get out there and find them.
Sarah Coulson, who runs a business called Born To Read, launched the treasure trail on World Book Day (Thursday 3 March) and has backing from local businesses to sponsor the idea.
Sarah said: “I am passionate about putting books into children’s hands to encourage them to read more. Starting on World Book Day until the end of the Easter holidays, I will be running a book treasure hunt within the Forres community.
“It’s a fun way to get children out in the fresh air and to get a bit of exercise too!.
“Reading with a parent creates a special bond and memories that last a lifetime. By creating those positive emotions linked to books you have given your child a priceless skill.
Developing imagination
“Reading builds vocabulary, spelling, writing skills, memory, focus and knowledge. It also develops cognitive skills and creativity, empathy and imagination, so it benefits a child, educationally, socially and it’s a great way to aid their mental health and relaxation … all benefits they will take with them for the rest of their life.”
She will be hiding books in and around Forres and clues will be given out on her social media page. The child who finds the book takes it home to read and then re-hides it.
She added: “Encouraging a child to enjoy reading opens up a world of possibilities. Their imagination can grow and take them to all sorts of places or adventures from the safety of their own home or garden.
“Books are easy and cheap to take with you when you travel.”
Sarah still has some spaces for businesses to sponsor individual books or blocks of books. Sponsor deals start at £5 for one book for an older child or five books for a younger child. Each sponsor gets a bookplate advertising their business and mentions on social media.
Businesses can contact Sarah on sarahcoulson75@gmail.com
The first clues are live on the Born to Read Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BornToReadForres