Enter this summer’s creepy reading challenge...if you dare!

There’s a spine tingling adventure waiting for brave Plymouth youngsters who take on this year’s summer reading challenge.

The Council is inviting children aged four to 12 to join its gang of intrepid explorers as they discover the secrets of its ‘Creepy House’ by reading lots of library books. Along the way they will collect stickers (some are stinky) to complete a special Creepy House poster.

Children need to read six books to complete the challenge and receive a certificate and medal – and they will also be entered into a free draw to win a Lego Monster Castle, courtesy of Barratt Homes.

There are lots of exciting activities to join in with too. Special events this year include a performance at the Central Library by the Second Hand Dance Company on Tuesday 6 August and spooky storytelling sessions in the Victorian schoolroom of the Merchant’s House in St Andrew’s Street on the Friday 2 and Friday 16 August.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Children of all ages and reading levels will love being a part of Creepy House. The challenge lets them choose whatever they want to read over the holidays, so they often return to school with lots of new-found confidence in reading and a real enjoyment of books.”

The summer reading challenge is a national initiative co-ordinated by The Reading Agency and this year it is featuring one of Plymouth’s newest authors. Teacher Andrew Beasley from Stoke Damerel Primary School has had his debut novel ‘Ben Kingdom: The Claws of Evil’ included in the official Creepy House book collection.

“We’re delighted that Andrew’s book has been chosen as a suggested Creepy House read,” said Julia Hale from the Council’s library service. “It’s a swashbuckling tale of good versus evil set in an imaginary Victorian London that will have youngsters on the edge of their seats.”

Andrew will be appearing at Plymstock Library at 2.30pm on Wednesday 31 July and Plympton Library at 11am on Monday 5 August to talk about his book and sign copies.

Children can sign up for the Creepy House challenge, for free, at their local library from Saturday 13 July. Visit plymouth.gov.uk/creepyhouse for full details.