‘Marvellous Makers’ theme unveiled for Summer Reading Challenge 2024

The Reading Agency has announced the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge as ‘Marvellous Makers’.  

Developed in partnership with charity Create, this year’s challenge aims to “fire up children’s imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading,” the Reading Agency said.

The annual challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries, and is free to take part. From June to September, children taking part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ can discover new stories, join in with free activities at the library, and explore their creativity – from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting. This year’s bespoke illustrations are created by Natelle Quek, celebrated illustrator of titles including Wild Wild Wood (Puffin Books) and I Am Nefertiti (Five Quills).  

“Blue Peter” will also be encouraging primary school children across the UK to join this year’s Summer Reading challenge on CBBC and iPlayer with creative activities and features from the show’s Book Club. The Summer Reading Challenge launches on 22nd June in Scotland and online, and 6th July in England and Wales. 

“Taking place in libraries and online, the Summer Reading Challenge provides the perfect opportunity for active minds to explore, imagine and create in a supportive and engaging environment,” the Reading Agency said.

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to harness creative thinking skills and build confidence in young readers during the school holiday and encourage children to read for pleasure.

“This year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme will inspire children’s inner storytellers, motivating them to be curious and to tell their own stories through various creative outlets,” explained the Reading Agency. “The partnership with Create aims to allow children to understand and appreciate creativity through reading. The partnership will provide a range of exciting activities and resources that bring reading and creativity together, empowering children to become ‘Marvellous Makers’ themselves.” 

Karen Napier, c.e.o. of The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is all about inspiring children’s creativity and imagination through reading. Developed in partnership with the fantastic charity Create, this year’s theme will spark children’s inner storytellers and makers. We are delighted to be working with ‘Blue Peter’ to encourage even more children to take part this year.”