Introducing "My Feelings: A Reading Adventure" — our new reading challenge with the National Literacy Trust

We're beyond excited to announce a brand-new UK-wide reading challenge — and we'd love your school to be part of it.

At Mrs Wordsmith, we've always believed that the right book at the right moment can change everything. It can spark a conversation, help a child feel less alone, or give them the language to say something they'd struggled to put into words. That's why we're thrilled to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust on a reading challenge that brings together two of the things we care about most: the joy of reading and the power of emotional literacy.

Running from 21 April to 26 June 2026, "My Feelings: A Reading Adventure" invites primary school pupils across the UK — aged 4 to 12 — to explore their inner world through books. And we can't wait to see what they create.

Recent research from the National Literacy Trust has shown a real decline in children reading for pleasure. At the same time, we know that young people are navigating an increasingly complex emotional landscape. This challenge brings those two conversations together.

Reading for pleasure supports children's mental health and well-being — and when it's done together, it builds a sense of community too. "My Feelings: A Reading Adventure" leans into both of those truths. It's not a test. It's an invitation.

This challenge also lands during the National Year of Reading, when there's never been a better moment to celebrate what books can do for our children. We're proud to be part of that conversation.

The challenge runs for nine weeks (including half-term) and is wonderfully flexible — which we know teachers will appreciate. Every pupil is encouraged to read at least one book during that time, with reading happening individually, in pairs, in small groups, or as a whole class. The goal isn't competition — it's participation, connection, and celebration.

Each age group has their own activity tailored to where they are:

• Ages 4–7 use colour, drawing, or simple words to show an emotion from their book and connect it to their own life. 
• Ages 7–11 draw and describe an emotion, then make a personal connection to a character's feelings. 
• Ages 11–12 go a step further — offering advice to a character based on their thoughts and feelings, which works beautifully for exploring the big emotions that come with the transition to secondary school.

We've done the heavy lifting so you don't have to. Every participating school receives curated book lists featuring age-appropriate reads across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and poetry, with something for every reading ability. You'll also get digital resources including Mrs Wordsmith's Book of Big Feelings for younger pupils and emotion vocabulary from The Narrative Journey for older ones, plus four adaptable lesson plans designed to complement the PSHE curriculum in a way that feels light-touch and genuinely fun. Student templates and printable participation certificates are included too, because every child who takes part deserves to be recognised.

We'll be selecting first, second, and third-place entries from each age group, with winning schools receiving bundles of Mrs Wordsmith books and merchandise. First-place winners also get a free in-school workshop — including a visit from our beloved mascot, Oz.

But honestly? Every child who picks up a book and shares what they felt is already a winner.

The challenge runs from 21 April to 26 June 2026. Click the button below and get everything you need to get started. Best of luck!