Hemel children can sign up now for this summer's Silly Squad reading challenge

This year's Summer Reading Challenge is a virtual one
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Library buildings across Hertfordshire may be closed currently but children can still take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Due to the coronavirus, The Reading Agency had redesigned this year’s Summer Reading Challenge into a virtual one. As libraries are closed children can read books they have at home or borrow eBooks from Hertfordshire County Council's online library via BorrowBox.

Join the Silly Squad, an adventurous team of animals and celebrate books that make us happy and laugh, featuring bespoke artwork from award-winning children’s author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson.

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Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “It’s great that this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is still going ahead, and it really gives children and parents something to look forward to and get involved with over summer.

“The challenge is always hugely popular with over 21,000 Hertfordshire children taking part last year. We hope to get even more children picking up books and getting involved this summer, especially as everyone is spending more time at home.”

To help keep children reading over the summer and to support parents and carers with children already at home, the challenge will be starting earlier this year, on Friday, June 5.

This will kick off with a ‘Let’s Gets Silly’ virtual launch event for the whole the family to enjoy, with celebrity guests and authors taking part.

From the launch date, the digital challenge platform will be free for children and their families to join and use, providing a safe and secure sign-up process.

Children will be able to set up their own personal reading goals and keep track of their progress, unlocking virtual rewards as they work through their challenge.

As well as finding book suggestions from the Book Sorter, the Silly Squad website will include games, quizzes and downloadable activities.

To get involved visit www.sillysquad.org.uk​