Could Suffolk siblings George and Esmie Grimwood be two of Britain’s most avid young readers?

East Anglian Daily Times: Bookworms George and Esmie Grimwood who have read almost 1500 books between them with the help of Woodbridge Library.Bookworms George and Esmie Grimwood who have read almost 1500 books between them with the help of Woodbridge Library.

While many of us would admit to reading less than we might like, these brother and sister bookworms, from Debach, near Woodbridge, devour at least one book a fortnight.

Their amazing capacity for reading came to light when a member of staff at Woodbridge Library pointed out to their mum, Emma, that George had clocked up a total of more than 1,200 books on his membership card - all before his eighth birthday, which he celebrates today.

With the children often sharing their library card, much of that total has also been borrowed by six-year-old Esmie, who also has her own card boasting 222 book loans.

Mrs Grimwood and her husband, Andy, signed the children up to the library when they were babies – since when they have been visiting at least once every two weeks.

“They love bedtime stories and reading,” said nursery nurse Mrs Grimwood.

“They have really developed a love of books and it helps them to learn new things.

“We began taking them to the library for Tot Rock [music, song and action rhymes for toddlers]. It’s a great place for them to socialise too.

“Last summer, George really got into the Tom Gates books [by Liz Pichon]. Now he’s reading a lot of the Horrible Histories.

“Esmie is a typical girl and loves books about princesses and animals.”

The children, who both attend Kyson Primary School, Woodbridge, also have a shared love of gardening, and George is very keen on Lego as well.

With all that reading, it’s surprising that George and Esmie have only ever been charged about two pence for overdue books.

On their last visit, George was presented a card and letter of congratulations for his eighth birthday.

Both children are taking part in the Suffolk Libraries summer reading challenge.

Krystal Vittles, Suffolk Libraries innovation and development manager, said: “George and Esmie’s mum contacted us to highlight how many books her children have read and considering they are only eight and six, 1,470 books between them seems a fantastic amount.

“It shows the benefit of getting children into the habit of reading for pleasure and visiting the library from an early age.

“We’re really pleased to recognise their reading achievements and their example will inspire other children to get reading.”