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Sara Pascoe surprises children on trains as free Summer Reading Challenge packs launch across UK rail network

Sara Pascoe surprises children on trains as free Summer Reading Challenge packs launch across UK rail network

Families can pick up free Summer Reading Challenge packs on selected trains and stations this summer.

Sara Pascoe reading to children on board LNER train

The Reading Agency

MadeForMums

Published: July 21, 2026 at 12:29 PM

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Comedian Sara Pascoe has helped launch a new initiative encouraging families to swap screen time for story time on train journeys this summer.

The comedian and host of the Weirdos Book Club podcast surprised children with pop-up reading sessions on trains travelling between London, York and Leeds to celebrate a new partnership between The Reading Agency and four major train operators.

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From this summer, families travelling with LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express will be able to pick up free Summer Reading Challenge activity packs on hundreds of participating services and at selected stations across the UK.

Free activity packs available on trains and at stations

The free packs are designed for children aged 4 to 11 and include a copy of Storytime Magazine, a sticker booklet, activity sheet, certificate and other reading-themed resources.

The packs will be handed out onboard participating trains and at stations stretching from Edinburgh to Margate and from Newcastle to London, making it easier for families to take part while travelling over the school holidays.

The initiative marks the first time all four rail operators have partnered together to support The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge, which has encouraged children to keep reading during the holidays since 1999.

Research highlights summer holiday pressures for parents

The campaign comes as new research commissioned by The Reading Agency suggests many families are looking for affordable ways to keep children entertained over the six-week break.

According to the charity's survey of 2,000 UK parents of children aged 4 to 11:

64% worry their children will be bored during the summer holidays.
51% struggle to keep children engaged and stimulated.
68% say the rising cost of summer activities puts pressure on family finances.
84% believe reading supports their child's mental wellbeing.
87% say reading helps children build confidence and emotional skills.
80% think books help children feel less lonely.
71% say their child is more likely to read if their friends are reading too.

Sara Pascoe says reading makes every journey part of the adventure

Sara Pascoe and some children next to a train

The Reading Agency

Sara Pascoe said travelling with a book has always been one of her favourite ways to pass the time.

“I’ve always loved reading when I’m travelling. It has a brilliant way of making the journey feel like part of the adventure rather than just the bit in between. It was such a joy to surprise children on the train, share stories together and see children getting excited about the books," she says. “It’s such a simple idea, but turning travel time into reading time is a lovely, easy way to keep kids entertained this summer and help them discover the fun of reading wherever they are.”

I've always loved reading when I'm travelling. It has a brilliant way of making the journey feel like part of the adventure rather than just the bit in between.

Sara Pascoe, comedian and host of the Weirdos Book Club podcast

Helping children keep reading over the summer

Karen Napier MBE, Chief Executive of The Reading Agency, said the partnership aims to make reading feel accessible wherever families are travelling.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is all about helping children discover the joy of reading in ways that feel fun and easy. By working in partnership with LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express, we’re reaching families where they are and turning every journey into an opportunity for imagination, creativity and shared family moments," she says. “It’s a powerful way to help more children enjoy reading, wherever the summer takes them.”

How families can get involved

Families can collect the free Summer Reading Challenge activity packs while stocks last on participating LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express services and at selected stations throughout the summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries across the UK and encourages children to continue reading for pleasure while school is out. Parents can also sign up for the Challenge through their local library, where children can track their reading and collect rewards throughout the summer.

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