National Year of Reading 2026

Celebrate the National Year of Reading with Usborne

In the UK, it's currently the National Year of Reading. Explore exciting resources, activities and book recommendations to keep the passion for reading growing!

Hobbies can be a brilliant jumping off point to inspire kids to make reading part of their day. Encourage children to read anything and everything they want, including recipes, instructions, comics, puzzles and magazines!

ACTIVITY PACK: Butterflies

Explore a selection of butterfly-themed activity sheets including drawing, colouring, cutting and sticking.

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: Summer Puzzles
Changing times

People in your family will have lived through many changes. Ask them about the differences between their childhood and the way we live now.

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: Write Your Own Family History
Goal!

Trace the dotted lines, count the players and spot the differences in these football themed activities.

Age: 3-4 years
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View book: Wipe-Clean Football Activities
Invent it and Name it

Come up with your own pointless but fun invention and give it a memorable name.

Age: 7+ years
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View book: Inventions Scribble Book
Foody Fun

Doodle faces, discover facts and learn to cook delicious dishes!

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: Fabulous Activity Book
Pia's Pet Club Activity Pack

Design your own pet, answer Pia's quiz and more in this fun-filled activity pack!

Age: 7+ years
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View book: Pia's Pet Club: Puppy Problem
Make a fantasy map

Grab a cardboard box and design your own map!

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: What Can I Do with a Cardboard Box?
Make a Suncatcher

Create your own suncatcher with strips of tissue paper.

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: Summer things to make and do
Make a pretend poisonous potion

Follow these steps to find out how liquids separate into layers and how you can mix them together.

Age: 5-6 years
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View book: 365 Science Activities