Step into The Story Garden: Vale Libraries launch 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is encouraging children across the county to explore the magic of reading over the summer holidays for The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge.
The 2025 theme - The Story Garden - invites young readers to discover the wonders of nature through storytelling, fostering creativity and a deeper connection with the world around them.
From the 5 July, children of all ages can sign up at any library branch in the Vale of Glamorgan and take part in this fun and rewarding challenge.
The challenge aims to inspire children to develop their literacy and language skills outside of school while nurturing their imagination and love of books.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: "We are thrilled to see the Summer Reading Challenge return once again to Vale of Glamorgan libraries, and The Story Garden theme offers a wonderful opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of the natural world through books.
“We hope that every child in the Vale feels inspired to discover new stories through the Summer Reading Challenge and grow their love of reading in a fun and supportive way over the summer holidays.”
Among this year’s fantastic featured titles are The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi - a beautifully illustrated story that dives deep into the mysteries of the underwater world, BOING! A Bouncy Book of Bugs by James Carter - a lively and interactive read about the tiny creatures buzzing all around us, and The Edge of the Silver Sea by Alex Mullarky - an enchanting adventure full of mystery and magic where the land meets the sea.
For every two books read and returned, participants will receive stickers and a special folder to track their reading journey.
Those who read six or more books will be awarded a medal and a certificate of achievement.
For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, click here.