Coral Rumble’s ‘Jakub’s Otter’ selected for Summer Reading Challenge 2025

“Hey there intrepid explorer!

How do you fancy journeying into an enchanting world to meet all kinds of creatures? Or how about a rip-roaring adventure in the great outdoors?”

This is The Reading Agency’s invitation to young people, to help them get inspired for their very own reading adventure with this year's official Summer Reading Challenge book collection – the Story Garden collection!

We’re thrilled that Coral Rumble’s heart-warming novel Jakub’s Otter has been selected as one of the Summer Reading Challenge’s middle grade books. The novel tells the story of a young boy, Jakub Polanski, who is offered a rare chance to take a summer holiday – rare because Jakub is the main carer for his single mum Maria, who has multiple sclerosis. The weight of responsibility has made Jakub almost forget that he’s a child. But then, in Italy, Jakub befriends a wise old woodsman, who teaches him about otters, especially one injured otter called Piccolo. You can find out more at www.troikabooks.com/jakubs-otter

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK's biggest reading for pleasure programme for primary school children in libraries. Parents, schools and libraries around the country are invited to encourage children to take part – just sign up, read books and earn rewards!

Best of all, the Challenge is completely free to join, all children are welcome and there’s a raft of online resources for parents, carers, libraries and schools available to view and download – so what are you waiting for – join the Challenge at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk