The theme for this summer’s reading challenge is Read to the Beat, and in conjunction with Arts Council England and The Reading Agency, I’ve been working with Hampshire County Council to deliver workshops across the county to celebrate the rhythm and music in poetry.
Offering workshops designed for 4-7 and 8-11 year olds in Aldershot, Basingstoke, Borden and Farnborough libraries over the summer holidays, the project has inspired and engaged children (and their grown-ups) to read and write using performance, props and the willingness to come up with as many disgusting words as possible (and make them rhyme).
This project was created with accessibility at its heart and in co-ordination with the Council’s HAF scheme.
© The Reading Agency 2026 read – The Reading Agency Ltd • Registered number: 3904882 (England & Wales)
Illustrations by Harry Woodgate and © The Reading Agency 2026
