Reading & Libraries
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Published 12th November 2026
Home-educated children across Nottinghamshire are being invited to collect a free, special-edition book from their local library as part of a nationwide reading initiative launched by Her Majesty The Queen.
The Queen’s Christmas Present is a special project celebrating the National Year of Reading 2026, designed to inspire children to discover the joy of reading and encourage a lifelong love of books. As part of the initiative, every Year 6 child in England, along with children of the equivalent age who are educated at home, will receive a free special edition of Impossible Creatures by award-winning author Katherine Rundell.
While children attending schools will receive their books through their school, homeschooled children in Nottinghamshire can access their copy through their local Nottinghamshire library. Families who would like to claim a book can do so by completing our simple form below, or get in touch with their local library.
Once your request has been received, a copy will be sent to a library of choice. You'll be contacted when it is available to collect, and you can begin your new magical reading adventure!
Please note: Copies may only be distributed after Saturday 5 December so while you may complete the form before then, you will not be able to collect your book before then.
Impossible Creatures is the first book in Katherine Rundell’s award-winning fantasy series. It follows twelve-year-old Christopher Forrester as he discovers the magical Glimouria Archipelago, a secret world where mythical creatures, including dragons, unicorns and other extraordinary beings, still exist. The special edition has been created especially for the initiative and features a unique royal stamp on the cover, alongside a personal message from The Queen inside.
