📖 Read to the Beat: Summer Reading Starts Here!
This summer, we are delighted to invite all our children to take part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat!
Organised by The Reading Agency and supported by libraries across the country, this much-loved national initiative encourages children to build a lifelong love of reading—and this year there’s an exciting musical twist!
Launching on Saturday 4 July 2026, the challenge invites children aged 4–11 to explore the powerful link between stories and music, discovering how both can spark imagination, creativity and joy.
🎵 What is Read to the Beat?
This year’s theme, brought to life by illustrator Harry Woodgate, celebrates how rhythm, sound and storytelling come together. Children can enjoy a wide range of books—from stories about musicians to books exploring rhythm, culture and creativity.
[SRC Inform…compressed | PDF]Whether a child loves fiction, comics, audiobooks or non-fiction, everything counts—because the focus is simple:
👉 reading for pleasure
🌟 How the Challenge Works
Taking part is easy (and completely free!):
- 📚 Children sign up at their local library (or online)
- 🎯 The goal is to read six books over the summer
- ⭐ Children collect rewards along the way
- 🏅 Those who complete the challenge receive a certificate and medal
Reading together at home counts too—perfect for family time and shared stories!
💬 Why It Matters
The Summer Reading Challenge is more than just fun—it makes a real difference:
- Helps prevent the summer reading ‘dip’
- Builds confidence, enjoyment and reading skills
- Encourages children to develop positive reading habits for life
Research shows that reading for pleasure is one of the biggest factors in a child’s future success and wellbeing.
🎶 A Message for Our St Peter’s Families
At St Peter’s, we believe in Love, Learn, Shine—and this challenge truly brings our vision to life:
- ❤️ Love: sharing stories together as a family
- 📚 Learn: discovering new ideas, cultures and creativity
- ✨ Shine: growing in confidence and enjoyment as readers
📍 Join In This Summer!
Last year, thousands of children across North Yorkshire took part—and we would love to see even more of our St Peter’s children joining in this year!
👉 Pop along to your local library from Saturday 4 July
👉 Sign up and get started
👉 Encourage your child to read, explore and enjoy
Let’s turn up the volume on reading and make this summer one to remember!
