Dream Tree Bookshop is launching a new initiative to encourage more children to get outdoors and discover the joy of reading this summer. The project, devised by owner Lynsey Butcher, will see more than 240 books hidden across Wath, Manvers and Brampton during the school holidays, with support from local MP John Healey.
As part of the National Year of Reading, Lynsey has successfully raised £650 through sponsorship from 12 local businesses and John Healey to fund books for local families to find and read. Families who find a hidden book will be able to read and enjoy it before either hiding it again for someone else to discover or keeping it as part of their own collection.
Beginning on Saturday 18th July, the book hunt will be supported by a dedicated Facebook group that will help participants track down the hidden books. Clues will be shared online, and the hope is it will get young children and families out and about for free this summer and encourage a lifetime love of reading.
Lynsey recently met with the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP at his Wath office to discuss the project and the positive impact it could have on local families and young readers.
Lynsey Butcher said:
“With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, I wanted to use my teaching background to create something fun, free, and engaging for our community.
“My goal is to inspire a love of reading, help children become confident readers, and encourage families to enjoy books together.
“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of our local businesses, whose generous sponsorship has helped bring this idea to life.”
John Healey MP said:
“It was great to meet with Lynsey and learn more about her idea for our local area.
“Reading plays a vital role in every child’s development, and encouraging a love of books from an early age can have a lasting impact on literacy, vocabulary and confidence.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved over the summer, and I’m excited to see how this initiative develops and grows in the future.”