Sourcebooks Celebrates a Decade of Imagination with 'How to Catch Challenge'

For ten years, the How to Catch series from Sourcebooks has captivated young readers with its imaginative tales and vibrant illustrations. Now, to celebrate this significant milestone, Sourcebooks is launching the 'How to Catch Challenge,' inviting families and classrooms to share their love for the series and potentially win some truly unique prizes.

This initiative not only honors the enduring popularity of the books but also encourages creativity and engagement within the reading community. For parents, teachers, and students, it's an opportunity to connect with a beloved series in a new, interactive way, fostering a deeper appreciation for storytelling and imaginative play.

A Decade of Delight: The Enduring Appeal of How to Catch

Since its inception, the How to Catch series has become a staple in children's literature, known for its blend of adventure, humor, and educational themes. According to Sourcebooks, the series encompasses picture books, board books, graphic novels, and activity books, making it accessible and engaging for a wide range of ages and reading levels.

The books are celebrated for their:

• Zany and adventurous plots: Each story presents a fun challenge, often involving clever traps and elusive creatures.
• Fun characters: Readers are introduced to a memorable cast of characters that add charm and humor to the narratives.
• Bold and colorful illustrations: The artwork is designed to capture attention and spark imagination.
• Rhyming text: The rhythmic language makes the books enjoyable to read aloud and helps with early literacy development.
• STEAM topics: Many books subtly introduce concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving skills.

The series' latest title, How to Catch a Bookworm, released in April, continues this tradition by inviting readers to embark on a quest to catch a mischievous bookworm. This focus on engaging storytelling and educational value aligns perfectly with efforts to support young learners, much like how platforms such as COSMIQ offer free voice-driven AI tutoring to help K-12 students explore a wide array of subjects and concepts.

Unleashing Creativity: The 'How to Catch Challenge'

The 'How to Catch Challenge,' which kicked off on August 19, 2026, is designed to be an interactive celebration of the series' 10th anniversary. Sourcebooks is encouraging participants to create and share content that showcases their enthusiasm for the books. The challenge is open to teachers, classrooms, and families, making it a community-wide event.

How to Participate

To enter, fans of the series are asked to create a 10-60 second vertical video or a photo that demonstrates their love for the How to Catch series. Sourcebooks encourages participants to be creative, suggesting a variety of ideas for entries:

• Kids or a classroom sharing why they adore How to Catch.
• A teacher or parent discussing why the children in their lives connect with the series.
• A classroom trap, creature, or project inspired by the books.
• Student artwork or classroom activities featuring How to Catch themes.

Entries will be judged based on passion, creativity, enthusiasm, and their connection to the How to Catch series. Participants should upload their video or photo to Instagram by October 26, 2026, tagging @HowtoCatchSeries and @SourcebooksKids, and using the hashtag #HowToCatchChallenge.

Prizes That Inspire

The 'How to Catch Challenge' offers a slate of exciting prizes, designed to further engage and reward the series' most dedicated fans. According to Sourcebooks, these include:

• Being featured in the dedication of a future How to Catch book, a truly unique honor.
• A virtual visit and "Draw Along" session with illustrator Andy Elkerton, where the winner gets to keep the drawings created during the session.
• Two full sets of How to Catch books – one for the winner and another for a classroom or library of their choice, promoting literacy and access to engaging stories.
• A set of How to Catch swag, and more.

There will be one Grand Prize winner and five Finalists, with announcements slated for STEAM Week in November 2026. This challenge not only celebrates the series but also provides tangible rewards that can inspire continued reading and creative pursuits in educational settings and at home.

Beyond the Books: Resources for Learning and Fun

Sourcebooks also provides additional resources for families and teachers interested in extending the learning and fun. According to the organization, educator guides and activities related to the How to Catch series are available on their website. These resources can be invaluable for incorporating the books into lesson plans, encouraging hands-on projects, and fostering a love for reading and STEAM concepts.

Engaging with beloved book series like How to Catch can be a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build foundational learning skills. For students looking for extra help or to delve deeper into subjects inspired by these stories, free resources like the COSMIQ practice hub offer tailored support across various grades and subjects.

Conclusion

The 10th anniversary of the How to Catch series and the launch of the 'How to Catch Challenge' represent a wonderful moment to celebrate children's literature and the power of imagination. Sourcebooks deserves commendation for fostering a love for reading and creativity in young minds through a series that consistently delivers engaging stories and educational value. This challenge is a testament to the lasting impact of well-crafted children's books and the vibrant community they inspire.