Little Helmet Reading Challenge 2026

Would you like to take part in a little reading challenge? You are in for discoveries and surprises! This year, you can look for a book with a blue cover, a book about collectors or a book about a circus, a garden or someone who goes into hiding.

The reading challenge is a fun way to find new reads and get inspired. Choose the books you want to read.

For the Little Helmet Reading Challenge, we have selected sections of the Helmet Reading Challenge which you can complete by reading children’s and young adult literature. The Little Helmet Reading Challenge is also suitable for adults who would like a slightly easier challenge.

Ready, steady, read!

A skilled reader thrives. Reading helps you to understand different texts and discover words to use when telling your own story. You grow to understand different emotions, other people and history and learn about different eras, places and customs. 

It is never too late to grow your reading skills. If you find it difficult to focus at first, don’t worry – the more you read, the easier it gets. What you repeat sticks, so keep practising to become a better reader. Choose books that feel right for you. Finish the Reading Challenge and become stronger one page at a time.

Little Helmet Reading Challenge 2026

  1. British classic
  2. The title of the book contains the word ‘star’
  3. The book contains words or phrases in another language
  4. The book features collecting of something
  5. You think the cover or the title of the book is beautiful
  6. The book is set in autumn
  7. A book by an author you’ve never read before
  8. The book features a circus or amusement park
  9. A travelogue
  10. The book features a garden
  11. The book features dancing
  12. The main character’s parents are missing or otherwise absent
  13. The book features a birthday celebration
  14. The book features a robot, a drone, or another similar device
  15. The cover or the title of the book contains a bird
  16. The cover or title of the book contains a castle
  17. The book features someone hiding
  18. A book you’d like to discuss with others after reading
  19. The title of the book references a part of a house
  20. You would like to be one of the characters in the book
  21. The book features a visit to a museum
  22. The main colour of the book cover is blue or the word ‘blue’ appears in the title of the book
  23. The latest book from your favourite author
  24. The book was published in 2026
  25. The book was recommended by a teacher or library employee

Resources

Printable illustrated version of the Little Reading Challenge (PDF)

Printable version of the Little Reading Challenge without pictures (PDF)

Diploma for completing the Little Reading Challenge (PDF)

Tables for following up with the Reading Challenge

Text and item selection: Marjukka Peltonen and Heliminna Hakala, Espoo City Library; Heli Haaro, Vanttilan koulu; and Henna Ylihärsilä.