For this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, let your children join the funniest team in town – the Silly Squad! It’s all about funny books, having a laugh, and putting smiles on young faces.

While libraries in Derby and across the country stay closed due to Covid-19, this year’s challenge is moving online and running from June to September to encourage children to keep reading over the summer, and support parents and carers with children learning at home. It launches nationally tomorrow, Friday 5th June, with the Let’s Get Silly day of daft online events supported by leading children’s authors and guest celebrities.

The challenge is aimed at 4 – 11 year olds, who can read anything that makes them happy, whether it’s a story, information about something they love, a picture book, a collection of poems or some side-splitting jokes! They will be encouraged to read six books as standard, but can choose their own target if they want to.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries. Derby Libraries are supporting the scheme by making a wide range of children’s books available digitally, as audiobooks and eBooks, for young library members.

Joining in with the Summer Reading Challenge is easy:

  1. If your child is not a member of Derby Libraries, sign them up for temporary membership here. This will give them access to the eLibrary and you can convert their membership to full when the libraries reopen.
  2. Sign them up for the challenge at here. It’s free, safe, and has a personal profile area to set reading goals, review books, view book recommendations and get rewards. There will also be themed activities, games and quizzes, as well as rewards and unlockable content with new things to enjoy each week. Everyone who completes their challenge receives a free downloadable certificate.
  3. Look out for Derby Libraries’ special free digital events during the summer, including storytelling, puppet shows and more. Keep an eye on Derby Libraries website for updates.

Silly Squad, Summer Reading Challenge 2020 officially launches on Friday 5th June with the virtual Let’s Get Silly programme running from the Summer Reading Challenge’s Facebook page.

The launch features special super silly readings and family activities from guest celebrities and authors, including CBBC’s Sam and Mark; readings and jokes from authors including David Baddiel and Konnie Huq; draw-a-longs with official Summer Reading Challenge Illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson, and Rob Biddulph; the unveiling of the official Let’s Get Silly theme song by Harry Baker and Chris Read, and much more.