The Winter Reading Challenge 2026

 

Saturday 10 January to Sunday 22 February

 

 

 

 

Meet the Pawfessionals!

 

Paws at the ready for the Winter Reading Challenge 2026! This year's challenge is all about our six animal friends, the Pawfessionals! They all have fun and exciting jobs around Essex, and can't wait to tell you all about them.

 

What is the Winter Reading Challenge?

 

Aimed at children aged 0 to 12, this free challenge is a way to enjoy reading and creative activities in a new way!

 

How does it work?

 

Complete six fun challenges from a choice of twelve and collect stickers of each of The Pawfessionals to add to your challenge sheet. Mix and match Blue Book Challenges and Red Craft Challenges, the choice is yours!

 

Once you've completed six activities, you'll earn a certificate and get the chance to enter our Big Prize Draw for a chance to win some amazing goodies!

 

The Prize Draw

 

When you get your certficate, you can scan the QR code to enter the prize draw to be in win the chance of winning:

• A family ticket to Colchester Zoo
• Kids Kindles
• Themed play sets, to become a vet, firefighter, or coffee shop owner!
• Animal plushies: rabbits, pigs, or mice
• £20 book tokens for Red Lion Books

 

Click here for the prize draw terms and conditions.

 

What else?

 

Hunt for the Pawfessionals in your library to discover the secret word. Collect the letters on their uniforms to spell out a mystery word!

 

Join in with Winter Reading Challenge themed activities in your local library, including crafts, the chance to interview a Police Officer, and more!

 

 

To sign up to this free activity, visit your local library and collect your challenge sheet.

 

 

Winter Reading Challenge 2026 is made possible through the Essex Year of Opportunity.

 

 

 

Adult Reading Bingo

 

Hey adults! You can join in too, with the Winter Reading Challenge 2026 Online Bingo challenge. Choose from 16 inspiring reading prompts to get Bingo and be in with a chance of winning your own incredible prizes!

 

Join in using the link on the Pawfessionals Challenge sheet or follow the link above.

 

 

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