Thousands of children will be taking a free Summer Reading Challenge over the next few weeks, this year inspired by The Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

 

Children will explore a map of Beanotown “to find mysterious buried treasure and become ultimate mischief makers”.

Thousands of families all over the country take part in this annual reading event which is run by The Reading Agency and local libraries.

Over 2,500 Southampton children took part in last year’s challenge, Animal Agents, with 761,758 participating nationally.

Emma Scott, CEO at Beano Studios, said: “We're delighted to be the Summer Reading Challenge's creative partner for 2018, Beano's 80th year. Funny adventures and mischief have been at the heart of Beano's storytelling for the past eight decades, from the comics to the annual and now online on Beano.com.

“With the Summer Reading Challenge now reaching three quarters of a million participants each year, we're looking forward to working together to help children become a little more mischievous in their reading adventures."

To take part, pick up a Mischief Makers collector’s map at your local Southampton library from Saturday, July 14, and read six books over the holidays.

Participants collect rewards along the way, and a certificate and medal too.

This year’s challenge runs until Saturday, September 1.

There’s more information on the Summer Reading Challenge website.

Photos:  Dale Cherry for The Reading Agency with thanks to Idea Store Watney Market