Letting young minds blossom with Summer Reading Challenge

The popular Summer Reading Challenge is back in libraries to keep children reading over the summer holiday.

To kick off the summer of reading and celebrate the end of term, our Jubilee and Hove libraries will welcome children’s author James Carter on Wednesday 30 July.

As a part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, young readers will get a chance to grow their imagination with a magical theme Story Garden– Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.

Through reading, children will uncover magical creatures, curious plants, and enchanting landscapes, inspiring curiosity, creativity and connection to the natural world.

Developed by The Reading Agency, the challenge is a wonderful opportunity for children to discover new stories, join free activities, and explore their creativity while gaining reading confidence.

Author event - meet James Carter

Wednesday 30 July

11am to 12 noon at Jubilee Library, 2pm to 3pm at Hove Library

Come along to Jubilee or Hove Library to meet children’s author James Carter. James is a poet and nature enthusiast who will be reading a selection of poems from Boing! a bouncy book of Bugs, Zim, Zam, Zoom and A Ticket to Kalamazoo, accompanied by music and creative activities. No need to book a place, but please arrive in good time if you want to join in the activities.

Join in on the fun

To take part in the challenge, a child aged 4 to 11 years or their caregiver should visit their local library during staffed hours and ask to sign up.

One of our librarians will then give them a special Story Garden collector’s poster, where they can track their progress and set a reading goal.

Participants can choose to read any book in any format, printed or online, picture books or text, comics or audio books.

Each time they finish a book, they can visit the library and collect special stickers to add to their posters. When they complete the challenge and achieve their reading goal, they will receive a certificate.

Those that aren’t able to visit the library can follow the challenge online with digital rewards, including a virtual medal and certificate upon completion.

There is also a mini challenge for children aged 3 and under so that they can join in the fun of enjoying stories and collecting stickers.

Children can learn more about this year’s books and explore more fun activities, games and competitions at the Summer Reading Challenge website.

The Story Garden book collection

The official Story Garden book collection features 59 captivating titles for different reading levels, including picture books, early readers, and titles for primary age readers.

With a mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, the collection has been carefully curated to engage young minds with the wonders of the great outdoors with the input of reading specialists and an expert reading panel.

You can further explore the collection on Summer Reading Challenge website.

The Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is a programme created for children across the UK to help improve their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays.

As a part of the programme, children are challenged to read books over the summer and encouraged to enjoy reading for fun.

Since its inception in 1999, the Summer Reading Challenge has helped start 15 million reading journeys and with the help of local libraries it’s provided a fun, free activity accessible for all.

Reaching close to 600,000 children in 2024, the Challenge helped start over 100,000 new library memberships and contributed to 13.3 million books being read and logged over the summer.

Inspiring adventure and discovery

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that the ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge is back in our libraries to inspire and entertain our young readers during their well-deserved summer holiday.

“This year’s carefully curated selection of books is particularly special as it encourages young readers to connect with nature, adventure, and discovery."