Children invited to join the ‘story garden’ summer reading challenge
Shropshire Council’s library service and the Reading Agency are inviting children aged 4-11 to join this year’s summer reading challenge and get involved in this year’s theme: Story Garden – adventures in nature and the great outdoors.
From 19 July [2025] children aged 4-11 are invited to step into the magical world of Story Garden to uncover stories that celebrate the great outdoors and the power of imagination. The beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola invite young readers into an enchanting garden full of stories, creatures, and outdoor adventures.
With free activity packs and nature-inspired events available at libraries, the Challenge offers children a fun way to stay curious, active, and engaged with reading over the summer break.
The summer reading challenge invites children to visit their local library, discover new books, and explore the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world. Children set their own summer reading target and are rewarded with stickers, as they progress through the challenge and a medal and a certificate if they are successful in reaching their target.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure said:
“Having taken part in and completed the summer reading challenge myself back in 2003 in Oswestry library, I am delighted to promote it to families and children this year. When I completed it, the theme was ‘Reading Maze’ and I remember reading all the books, collecting the stickers and getting a certificate at the end (that I still actually have). It had such a positive impact on my reading, and it’s truly wonderful that it can continue to do so for so many others this year.”
Annabel Gittins, library support manager, said:
“The summer reading challenge is a key part of our summer programme in libraries with free activities for families to help keep children entertained through the summer. The launch day of 19th July is also a chance to celebrate 100 years of Shropshire Libraries and we look forward to making a big splash at the start of the summer holidays.”
Now in its 26th year, the summer reading challenge is completely free to join. It aims to inspire a passion for reading outside the classroom. In 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and helped spark over 100,000 new library memberships.
Visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries to discover all the family activities on offer in libraries across the county.
If you would like to share any memories of previous Summer Reading Challenges or ways that Shropshire Libraries have helped you in the past, please get in touch by emailing libraries@shropshire.gov.uk or completing the form.
To find out more about how to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge or to find your local participating library, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or visit Shropshire Libraries’ website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries
