YOUNG readers have been getting ready to tackle this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with author Leisa Mererid.

The children from Ysgol Twm o’r Nant in Denbigh have signed up for the Challenge, created by national charity The Reading Agency, which aims to keep kids reading over the summer holidays with events, activities and brilliant books – all available to access for free from local libraries.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers, celebrates creativity – from dance to drawing, junk modelling to music – there’s something for everyone.

At a launch event at Denbigh Library, Leisa got the class from off to a great start, by introducing her book Y Wariar Bach, with some yoga moves and breathing exercises.

Meira Jones, from Denbigh Library, said: “We are so excited to have the national launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge at Denbigh Library, Denbighshire. The Challenge encourages the children to read for pleasure throughout the summer, improving their reading skills and confidence. It’s all about imagination and creativity this year so there is something for everyone, come to your local library and join in the Marvellous Makers fun!”

Dafydd Davies, headteacher at Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, said: “Ysgol Twm o’r Nant is very pleased to be part of this launch at Denbigh Library. As a school we are very active in promoting reading for pleasure and are sure that being part of this launch will encourage our young learners to continue to read over the summer holidays.”

The annual Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency. It is supported in Wales by the Books Council of Wales, thanks to funding from Welsh Government. In partnership with local libraries, the scheme aims to prevent the "summer dip" learning loss many children experience over the holidays when they aren't in school. With libraries' support, it provides a free, fun way to keep young minds active.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “I know what a great pleasure it is to be truly absorbed in a book. The Summer Reading Challenge is a really fantastic way for children to develop reading skills, discover new authors and gain a lifelong passion for books.

“That’s why we are funding the scheme again this year to make sure all children have the opportunity to continue their reading during the summer holidays.”

Young readers aged 4–11 can sign up for the Challenge at their local library, or online, and unlock rewards, discover new reads, log their reading and enjoy a range of free activities. Find out more at your local library or at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk