Croydon’s ever-popular summer reading challenge is back. Running from 15 July to 16 September, the scheme challenges young readers aged 4 – 11 years to finish six books over the summer holidays.
Children can sign up at their local library and it’s absolutely free.
This year the theme for the challenge is Animal Agents.
The book collection comprises 70 must-have reads for children aged 4-11, with something to suit every young reader. Many of the books in the collection are new titles which will be published this summer and will be displayed in libraries during the challenge.
There are two lists – one for younger children and one for older children – representing the best in contemporary children’s fiction, fact and puzzle books, poetry, picture books and graphic novels.
There is also a creative writing competition for 7 – 11-year-olds.
Stories can be as short or long as people like, but all have to be detective thrillers, include a main character of either Bart the Blood Hound, Bernice the Bear, Daisy the Rabbit or Slip and Slide the snake twins, and start in the same way:
“It was dark and very cold and [character] was looking into the gloomy night. There was nothing moving among the shadowy trees, when suddenly…”
“This annual challenge always draws in hundreds of young readers and it’s a great way of showing children that reading can be fun and rewarding. The new competition will let older children have a go at exploring their imaginations. Who knows, maybe this will inspire the next JK Rowling.”
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
For more information visit the libraries website or pop into your nearest branch.
