The Summer Reading Challenge, presented by The Reading Agency and funded by Arts Council England, encourages children aged 4 to 11 to set themselves a reading challenge to help prevent the summer reading 'dip'.

Each year the Challenge, delivered with the support of public libraries, motivates over 700,000 children to keep reading to build their skills and confidence. Never has such support been needed than during the current lock down when the 'summer slide' is likely to have an additional impact on confidence and mental health for both children and parents alike.

This year, Silly Squad, the Summer Reading Challenge 2020, will celebrate funny books, happiness and laughter. Children taking part in the Challenge will join the Silly Squad, an adventurous team of animals who love to have a laugh and get stuck in to all different kinds of funny books!

The 2020 Challenge will feature bespoke artwork from award-winning children's author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang; Evil Emperor Penguin; I Don't Want Curly Hair).

The Silly Squad summer campaign will see us working with ambassadors to promote a new digital challenge platform to reach children across the nation. With children already at home, the 2020 Challenge will run from June to September, launching with a week of activity from Monday 1 June and culminating in an official launch day of curated events on Friday 5 June 2020.

Sign up at sillysquad.org.uk from Friday 5 June to join the Squad!

RNIB

RNIB Library makes a selection of Summer Reading Challenge books available in accessible formats for blind or partially sighted children, and for children with a print disability who cannot read standard print.

Audio books can be sent on DAISY CD, memory stick or downloaded via www.rniboverdrive.com. Their Kids and Teen page has a list of some of their most popular titles if you're not sure what to read next.

Contact RNIB Library for help choosing books at 01733 375333 or by email at LibraryInfo@rnib.org.uk

Not yet registered with RNIB Library? Find further information and an application form here.

Get involved

• If you're a parent or carer, join us on our Facebook page for all the latest news
• If you're a teacher, take a look at our Information for Schools guide and visit our Resources page to download free materials to help you support children's reading for pleasure.
• Measure the impact of the Summer Reading Challenge where you are, using the Reading Outcomes Framework Toolkit