Primary school pupils across the area are being encouraged to put pen to paper as part of a new nationwide reading competition offering thousands of pounds’ worth of prizes.
The ‘Bitesize Bookworms’ challenge has been launched to mark the National Year of Reading 2026, inviting children to sum up what they love about their favourite book—in just 25 words.
Open to pupils across the UK, the competition offers a top prize of a £200 gift card for each winner, along with £4,000 worth of books and stationery for their school. Runners-up will also receive prizes, including vouchers and additional resources for their classrooms.
Entries will be judged across three age categories, ensuring younger readers and older primary pupils alike have an equal chance of success. In total, three winners and nine runners-up will be selected by a panel featuring well-known figures from education and broadcasting.
The competition forms part of a wider push to encourage reading as a daily habit, with the National Year of Reading aiming to reshape how books are viewed—less as a chore, and more as a social and enjoyable activity linked to personal interests.
Recent polling of schoolchildren suggests that reading is already a significant part of many young lives, with children aged five to 12 spending an average of nearly seven hours a week reading. Of that, almost four hours is dedicated to reading for pleasure—outpacing time spent gaming, socialising and even playing outdoors.
Organisers hope the competition will build on that enthusiasm, encouraging children not only to read more, but to share their recommendations and spark conversations with others.
The research also highlighted the enduring popularity of well-known literary characters, with familiar names continuing to dominate children’s imaginations. Classic authors remain firm favourites too, suggesting that traditional storytelling still holds strong appeal alongside newer titles.
Those behind the initiative say the simple format—just 25 words—aims to make the competition accessible while encouraging creativity and clarity of thought.
Entries are open until Friday, June 5, with schools and families able to submit responses online.
For local schools, it presents an opportunity not only to win valuable resources, but to celebrate reading in a way that puts children’s voices front and centre—one carefully chosen sentence at a time.
