A SPECIAL jungle-themed theatre performance will be part of Dudley libraries’ National Bookstart Week celebrations next week.

A series of events with a tropical feel, including stories and activities, will take place at libraries across the borough between June 8 and 14.

Free copies of a special Rumble in the Jungle booklet of the popular Giles Andreae story will be given out to families, while Rattle and Rhyme story time sessions will also be taking place.

The special theatre performance by the Booster Cushion Theatre for Children, takes place at Stourbridge Library on Friday, June 12, between 10.45am and 11.30am.

Bookstart Week aims to encourage parents and carers to share books with their little ones to inspire a love a reading from an early age.

Dudley Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Sharing a book with a member of your family helps encourage children to read and do well at school. It can also help you to unwind after a day at work.”

For more information about National Bookstart Week – an annual celebration of the Book Trust’s flagship reading programme – visit www.bookstart.org.uk