In a bid to encourage reading, Hitchin Library have teamed up with Nub News for a 'Countdown to Christmas' list with a daily recommendation of a festive book favourite.

Library boss Rebekah Nicolas will offer a daily book choice for the festive season.

Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a wide range of words. This helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their understanding when they listen, which is vital as they start to read.

Learning to read is also about listening and understanding, as well as working out what's printed on the page.

So, read on for Hitchin Library's festive favourite for today, Tuesday, December 1.

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December has arrived, and with it comes the countdown to Christmas.

While many will be looking forward to the end of this year if not Christmas itself, books offer a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit.

We'll be recommending a festive picture book to share and enjoy each day from now until Christmas Eve.

Our first recommendation is Peter Rabbit Christmas is Coming.

A new publication for Christmas 2020, this beautifully illustrated chapter book offers a Peter Rabbit story to be read across 25 days, with the final chapter to be enjoyed on Christmas Day.

This book offers a lovely alternative or addition to a daily advent calendar as in addition to the daily chapter, there is a Christmas activity for each day, from making festive baubles to a list of things to spot on a Christmas walk to a recipe for mince pies.

This is a book to delight in year after year.

Book featured: Peter Rabbit Christmas is Coming (Puffin Books)

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The much-loved library on Paynes Park is currently open for returns, collection of 'Ready Reads' packs, reservations and pre-booked computer use.

Hitchin Library's 'Ready Reads' collecting times are as follows:

Monday – 1pm-5pm

Wednesday – closed

Friday – 10am-5pm

Sunday – closed