School is out for the summer but there is something mysterious afoot at the library.

Enfields libraries are asking four-to-12-year-old children to read six library books by Saturday September 16 as part of their summer reading challenge.

Readers gather clues as they finish their stories to help Animal Agents – this year’s theme – solve a mystery at the library.

Junior ‘detectives’ need to register with their nearest library, and ask for a collector folder to record their findings.

Children traditionally read less when on their summer holidays.

A certificate and medal await those who complete the challenge.

Meanwhile, the school with the most pupils completing the reading challenge wins a trophy.

Illustrator Tony Ross created this year’s exclusive artwork.

Mr Ross is the UK’s best-selling children’s illustrator and created the Little Princess books, and worked on Francesca Simon’s Horrid Henry series.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, councillor Ayfer Orhan, said: “During the challenge, children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice in the summer holidays collecting rewards along the way as they read each book.

“There is a certificate and medal for every child who completes the challenge.

“We’re committed to promoting fairness for all, and encouraging children from all walks of life to get involved in this wonderful free initiative.

“We want to encourage children to love, cherish and devour books when they are young as reading is a tremendously rewarding and enriching activity.

“This is all about making reading fun and establishing a good habit for life.”

The Reading Agency CEO Sue Wilkinson said: “At The Reading Agency, we believe that everything changes when we read and we know from our research how much fun families and children have when taking part in the challenge.

“This year we hope the wonderful characters created for us by Tony Ross will inspire more children than ever to take park and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.”

Visit new.enfield.gov.uk/services/libraries/ to find out more about library services.