2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers

Launching in Kent libraries on Saturday 6 July “Marvellous Makers” will be a celebration of the creative arts, inspiring children to express themselves in creative ways, tap into a world of imagination and storytelling, and of course to read. When they join Marvellous Makers, children aged four to 11 will be introduced to brand-new characters for this year, brought to life by the brilliant children’s illustrator, Natelle Quek.

The challenge runs for nine weeks beginning Saturday 6 July until Saturday 7 September with a variety of free and fun events taking place in libraries across the county.

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for children aged four to 11. Produced by the Reading Agency and delivered annually in partnership with libraries. Across Kent last year, 18,143 participants took part in the Summer Reading Challenge including 2,911 children who joined the library to take part. While it’s a fun, free activity for children across the county, it plays an important part in overcoming the summer reading dip and ensuring children are ready for school in September.

Children aged four to 11 can sign up through their local Kent library and receive a collector’s poster. They are set a reading goal and borrow books of their choice during the summer, collecting special stickers and incentives along the way.

Library staff and volunteers help children to discover new books that suit their interests and reading level and run a programme of free themed activities in libraries. Children who complete the six-book challenge are presented with a certificate and medal.

Children can take part online, too! Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website for more information.

The Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way to support children’s reading habits and to encourage reading for pleasure during the holidays, ensuring they return ready for a great start to the new academic year.

For more information please email summerreadingchallenge@kent.gov.uk or visit your local Kent library.