Rutland libraries are encouraging children to read six (or more) books this summer as part of Silly Squad Summer Reading Challenge 2020.

The Summer Reading Challenge, produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries, asks children aged between four and 11 to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.

The theme for the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge is "Silly Squad" – a celebration of funny books, happiness and laughter, featuring bespoke artwork from award-winning children's author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson.

This year, with the disruption caused by Covid-19 and the impact of social distancing on schools and public libraries, the all-new digital aspect of the Summer Reading Challenge was launched on 5 June to keep children reading over the summer and support parents and carers with children already at home.

This summer, children will meet the Silly Squad; a loveable bunch of animals who run a fantastic fun house. But beware: a mysterious baddy is waiting to spoil the fun! Children taking part online will find out more about the fantastic characters and will unlock digital rewards, activities and video content as rewards for their reading.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "As a former teacher, I can't stress enough just how important reading is for children and young people. It's essential to help develop literacy skills but is also a wonderful way for children to relax, explore their imagination and foster creativity.

"We've seen normal school timetables disrupted considerably because of COVID-19, which makes this year's Summer Reading Challenge more important than ever. So much of this year's Challenge can be accessed online and we are fortunate that Rutland has extensive digital services that mean you don't need to borrow or buy books to take part. I hope as many children as possible will join in with this year's Summer Reading Challenge and add to their enjoyment of reading."

The Summer Reading Challenge website at sillysquad.org.uk is free to access and a place for children to rate and review their books, as well as work towards their reading goal. It will also feature video content, games, quizzes, and digital and downloadable activities to incentivise and encourage children and their families to take part in the Challenge at home.

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For the digital Challenge, children can read any books including their own, and ebooks are also available from Rutland Libraries via the Borrowbox service.

Visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries for links to more information on the Summer Reading Challenge and Rutland's digital library services.