This year Dorset Council libraries are offering something a little bit different for the Summer Reading Challenge.

Children aged four-11 can visit any of the 31 libraries (including eight community managed libraries) to meet the Gadgeteers and to get involved in a science and innovation themed challenge.

Through taking part in the challenge, with free materials from Dorset Library Service and online via the Challenge website, children will be able to join six fictional Gadgeteers.

The characters – brought to life by children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford – use their curiosity and wonder to understand the science behind a whole range of interests, from fashion and technology to cooking and music.

Through an exciting book collection and accompanying activities, the Gadgeteers will help spark children’s curiosity about the world around them, and encourage them to feed their imagination over the summer holiday.

They will be boggled by brilliant facts, gaze at the stars, and be inspired by tales of creativity and invention.

With plenty of great options across picture books, early readers and middle grade books, there’s a lot to keep children busy.

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “We’re delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, innovating, and sparking their imaginations this summer.”