Closing the book on the 2025 Premier's reading challenge

Young Victorians across the Education State celebrated 20 years of the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, with more than three million books read during this year’s quest. Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday 6 October congratulated the more than 76,000 young Victorian readers who took part along with the 741 schools, over 1000 early childhood services and 1700 home-based readers who participated. This year’s theme was ‘20 Years of Words and Wonder’ which captured the excitement and sense of adventure that comes with reading, and among the popular titles were books from Australian authors including ‘Anzac Ted’ by Belinda Landsberry, ‘A Leaf Called Grief’ by Kelly Canby, and ‘The Truck Cat’ by Victorian author Deborah Frenkel. From March to September, students in years three to 10 were challenged to complete 15 books or more over the six months, while younger participants in Prep to Year Two were encouraged to read or experience 30 books. Children attending early childhood services could also participate by reading or experiencing 40 books with the help of their families. The challenge is designed to nurture literacy, spark imagination, and instill a love of learning in young students, strengthening Victoria’s reputation as the Education State. More than 4.7 million students and children have participated in the reading challenge since 2005, reading more than 66 million books. The Allan Labor Government is further supporting young Victorians to develop a lifelong love of reading – investing more than $1.2 million to provide a bag full of free, engaging, and fun books for prep students starting school in 2026. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the challenge would go 'a long way' in a child's education journey. “I want to congratulate every parent and carer who has supported their child’s learning and love of reading as part of this challenge," Mr Carroll said.

Closing the book on the 2025 Premier's reading challenge

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