CHILDREN in East Sussex are being encouraged to express themselves through creativity and reading as they take on the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

East Sussex libraries are calling on children aged four to 11 to read six books over the summer months as part of The Reading Agency’s Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge 2024.

The theme of this year’s challenge has been developed in partnership with leading arts charity Create and aims to fire up children’s imaginations, unleashing storytelling and creativity through the power of reading.

Over the summer children taking part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ will be able to discover new stories and join in with free activities at all East Sussex libraries as they explore their creativity – from junk modelling and music to dance, drawing and painting.

Six fictional Marvellous Maker characters, who make amazing things inspired by their favourite books, will be brought to life through activity sheets as young readers are encouraged to become Marvellous Makers themselves.

Youngsters taking part will receive special Marvellous Makers stickers and other rewards. After reading six books they will earn a certificate and a medal.

Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said: “Keeping children reading over the long summer break is so important.

“Reading sparks imagination and creativity and we hope this year’s Challenge will inspire children’s inner storytellers and encourage them to express themselves through creativity and reading.

“Last year over 7000 East Sussex children took park in the reading challenge – I hope even more children across the county will sign up this year and help us beat that total.”

Children can read any library book of their choice including fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers. eBooks, eAudiobooks and books on CD also count towards the challenge.

A Marvellous Makers Book Collection full of amazing stories about creativity and imagination is also available to encourage children to explore their creative side as they read.

The Summer Reading Challenge starts on Saturday, July 6 and runs until Saturday, September 7 in all East Sussex libraries. For more information on the challenge, to sign up, and to book events visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/src.