Up to a million four to 12-year-olds are expected to join in this nationwide reading challenge in libraries by picking up a personal folder, in which to collect cards designed by children’s illustrators. It opens out to display the cards on one side and a series of fun activities on the other and there is space to draw or write what they think about the books. On completion, they get a certificate card. Details from the co-ordinators, library development agency LaunchPad, 0181 488 2694.

UNTIL AUGUST 11.

HOMELANDLESSNESS.

Artwork produced by children caught up in the Balkan conflicts in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosova is on display at the London International Gallery of Children’s Art, 255 Finchley Road, NW5. Details: 0171 433 3968.

UNTIL AUGUST 22.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

JULY 17-25.

RHYTHM STICKS.

JULY 24-AUGUST 15.

BLITZ 99.

Summer fun for all the family at the Royal Festival and Queen Elizabeth Halls, London SE1. Every weekend, al fresco theatre, music and dance from Spain, France, Italy, Norway and the UK will spill out onto the walkways, roofs and riverside of the South Bank and at the Rhythm Sticks festival of percussion and drumming from around the world, there will be more than 40 performances and children’s workshops, including samba drumming and dancing on stilts from Xirriquituela. Many events are free.

Highlights of Britain’s biggest free dance festival will include: Columbian and African dance days, a percussive tap day, Welsh dance and culture, and a tribute to Black arts history with Les Ballets Negres. Details: 0171 960 4242.

JULY 12-14.

SOUTH WIRRAL ARTS FESTIVAL.

JULY 23-25.

WOMAD MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Multicultural festivals at South Wirral High School and Reading respectively. The first involves more than 600 students aged 11 to 16 and culminates in a variety show, July 14, 7.30pm, tickets pound;1-pound;2, with South African dance theatre, Sikh storytelling and “dub” poetry. The second brings together over 50 performers and offers children’s activities in Quiet and Loud tents, including instrument and mask-making, and Japanese drumming. Tickets: pound;65 weekend (includes free camping); day tickets start at pound;17; concessions available (children under 14 free). Details: 0118 939 0930.

JULY 15.

APPEAL: 1998 GCSE SCIENCE (DOUBLE AWARD).

The Independent Appeals Authority for Schools Examinations will hear this appeal at 29 Bolton Street, London W1, at 10am. Open to the public. Details: 0171 509 5348.

JULY 26-31.

SOLAR ECLIPSE FOCUS.

Find out how the Sun, Moon and other celestial bodies have featured as objects of worship, mystery, science and magic for 10,000 years through free gallery talks and family activities at the British Museum, London WC1. Children aged four to 14 can try out art activities which combine solar myths and astronomy and explore the Eclipse with models and demonstrations. Viewing of the Eclipse will take place in the front courtyard, August 11. Details: 01171 323 85118854.

AUGUST 2-6.

WRITE ON.

Children’s novelist, Malaika Rose Stanley, is leading 90-minute children’s creative writing courses at 13 Rosslyn Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, 9.45-11.15am (ages eight to 11) and 11.30am-1pm (ages 12 to 16). The workshops will cover how to startend stories, dialogue, character and plot. Fee: pound;40.Details: 0181 892 1811; e-mail: writeon.nationwideisp.net.