The Reading Bug Egg was found by Tamworth Family Support staff member Kim Smart in her garden, who researched the rare find only to discover it thrived on small children reading stories to it. 

For three long months from June through to August, the egg’s stamina couldn’t be beaten, as Mrs Smart transported it to playgroups, schools, preschools, learning centres, libraries, shopping centres, festivals and fun events in a bid to feed its “habit”.

Mrs Smart’s cracking good idea to take it on the road worked a trick, as children read more than 250 books to the bibliophilic hatchling during that time.

“This week in Tamworth, we had all the tests conducted by Newcastle University medical students and are very excited to announce that the egg is finally ready to hatch,” Mrs Smart said.

“We just hope the Reading Bug comes back to lay some more eggs very soon. 

“It is just so important to read and tell stories to children every day from the moment they are born. 

“That way they will grow up with a love of books, broaden their general knowledge and they’ll most likely be really great at spelling.”