Big Summer Read for kids

The Big Summer Read at Libraries Tasmania provides the opportunity to win prizes, share book reviews and be part of an online reading club over the summer holidays.

The Big Summer Read is an interactive and fun way for children and young people to read over the summer school holidays.

By joining the Big Summer Read, children and young people can:

  • track the number of books they read
  • write book reviews
  • complete a range of reading related challenges
  • win prizes!

Join in today

Registrations are now open for the Big Summer Read, which runs from Sunday 1 December 2024 to Sunday 2 February 2025.

To join, complete the simple registration form on the Readbooks.com.au site.

You can log your reading progress from 1 December 2024 as you aim to read at least 10 books over the summer break. You’ll join readers from across Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland as part of this fun reading challenge.

The Big Summer Read is a Public Libraries Victoria initiative to stop “the summer reading slide”, where children and young people lose literacy skills over the summer holidays.

Libraries Tasmania is joining this initiative and working with partners across the state to share the joy of reading.

A graphic promoting Big Summer Read.
Image credit: Big Summer Read

Tasmanian Ambassadors

The Big Summer Read will feature Tasmanian authors Lian Tanner and Tony Flowers, throughout the summer.

Lian Tanner

Lian Tanner is the author of middle grade books including the best-selling Keepers trilogy, Rita’s Revenge, Spellhound and Fledgewitch. Lian also wrote two picture books, When the Lights Went Out and Ella and the Ocean.

Her stories have won many awards including the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, the Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People, the Tasmanian Literary Award, and three Aurealis Awards for Best Australian Children’s Fantasy.

Tony Flowers

Tony Flowers is an award-winning illustrator/author with over 50 books to his name. His latest book, “Grandma’s First Tattoo” is a fun filled story that explores cultural identity and family tales.

Tony’s other books include ‘Vognox the Viking’ and ‘Samurai vs Ninja,’ which have been a hit with young readers. He is currently working on a graphic novel “Divi and Frey” that is part Indiana Jones, part Sherlock Holmes, and all awesome.

Overview

The Big Summer Read challenge

  • To complete the Big Summer Read challenge, you must register online and log 10 books.
  • Independent and non-independent readers can participate and log any book they read.
  • Books can include paper books read in person, listening to an audio book or watching and listening to someone reading a book.
  • Printed Reading Logs are available from your local library if you want to track your reading but do not want to register online. However, only participants who register online are eligible for prize draws.

When does it start?

Registration opens from November 2024, and books can be logged from 1 December 2024.

Register online through the readbooks.com.au website.

What are the prizes?

Weekly prizes

Each week, you can win one of 32 Prizes valued at approx. $20.

To be eligible for these prizes, you must have completed at least one of the following activities each week:

  • Logged a book
  • Completed a challenge
  • Submitted a book review

Major statewide prize

One statewide winner will be randomly selected from all eligible Tasmanian participants who have read 10 books. They will receive a beach bag filled with books, vouchers, merchandise and other book related prizes valued at approximately $500.

  • Make sure you have logged 10 books by 11:59 pm Sunday 02 February 2025.

Some libraries are offering an additional prize to participants who read and log 10 books on the Big Summer Read website. Check with your local library for more information and prize details.

Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions apply to participate in the Big Summer Read with Libraries Tasmania. Participants must:

  • Be registered as a Tasmanian participant on the readbooks.com.au website
  • Be 18 years old or younger and reside in Tasmania
  • Be available to collect a prize/s from their local library
  • Prizes will not be awarded to anyone who does not meet the prize eligibility criteria.
  • All winners will be notified via the contact email they used to register.
  • The prizes are randomly selected from all eligible participants and the decision is final.

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