At just 6 years old Summer-Reign Hopper has already developed a remarkable love for reading and storytelling.

The Grade R learner at Vredekloof Primary School in Brackenfell has been reading since age 3. Books were far more than something she simply enjoyed. They opened up a world of imagination, creativity and discovery.

As her love for reading grew Summer-Reign wanted to encourage other children to discover that same joy.

She wanted original stories that she could call her own.

This was the inspiration behind The Reading Reign her own storytelling initiative on YouTube aimed at encouraging children to develop a love for books, reading and literature.

“She wanted something different,” proud mom Jody said. “She wanted original stories that she could call her own. I began writing original stories specifically for Summer-Reign, creating a series called The Rainbow Adventures.

The stories are inspired by Summer-Reign herself, her imagination, experiences and the adventures of childhood. Through these stories she is able to see elements of herself reflected in the characters and adventures, which she in turn shares with other children.”

Rainbow adventures

The Rainbow Adventures has become an important part of The Reading Reign and gives Summer-Reign a creative platform.

“For Summer-Reign The Reading Reign is not only about encouraging other children to read,” Hopper said. “It is also a creative outlet for her.

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“We wanted to find positive ways for her to channel her curiosity, imagination and abilities.

“The Reading Reign has become one of those outlets. It allows her to be creative, learn, communicate and share something she genuinely loves with other children.

It is about giving a young child a positive and creative platform to express herself while using something she loves to inspire other children.

“I write the stories, but Summer-Reign is at the heart of the project. The idea came from her desire to share her love of reading and to have original stories that she could bring to life.”

The hope is that The Reading Reign will encourage children who may not yet have discovered the joy of reading to pick a book up and realise reading can be an exciting and imaginative, fun adventure.

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“The Reading Reign is about much more than a 6-year-old who loves books,” Hopper pointed out. “It is about giving a young child a positive and creative platform to express herself while using something she loves to inspire other children.”

Parents of little readers can follow along on YouTube. Her handle is @thereadingreign