PARENTS and carers of Southampton toddlers will be voting for their favourite book to share in a special award scheme this summer.

From the beginning of May six children's books which appeal to under fours will be in all city libraries and on the Bookbus for parents and carers to read with their children.

The shortlisted books will also be available for pre-schools and parent and toddler groups to borrow.

The scheme is being organised by Southampton City Council's family learning team and the library service to try and encourage more adults and children to read together.

The award scheme was launched yesterday at Sure Start Weston.

Voters have until the end of July to choose their favourite book. The winner will be announced in the autumn.

The shortlisted books are: One Bear One Dog by Paul Stickland, A Turtle in the Toilet by Jonathan Emmett and Caroline Jayne Church, Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt, Hold Tight by John Prater, If You See a Kitten by John Butler and Emergency by Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe.