Marin Kids Summer Reading Challenge
Remember earning a personal pan pizza for summer reading as a kid? We're in Marin — so naturally, this summer it's a butter croissant.
Four Marin businesses have teamed up to launch the Marin Kids Summer Reading Challenge — a passport-style adventure that gets kids reading, exploring local shops, and earning a croissant from Madrona Bakery in Mill Valley after they have read up a storm.
Here's how it works: kids pick up a free passport card at any of the four participating locations. They read 25 books (or 25 pages if they're just starting out — books read to them by a parent count, too). Along the way, they collect signatures from three out of four local businesses. When the card is full, they bring it to Madrona Bakery for a free butter croissant.
The four participating locations are the Phoenix Used Bookshop in Larkspur, Social Klub in Sausalito, Mystic Art Supplies in Mill Valley, and Madrona Bakery in Mill Valley.
The challenge runs June 22 through August 22, 2026, with cards redeemable through August 31. Stops can be visited in any order except Madrona, of course, which is always the final stop for croissant redemption (and maybe a coffee for a patient reading companion!)
The Phoenix Used Bookshop — Marin's first used bookshop just for kids and teens — dreamed up this challenge as a way to get families reading while also exploring local kid friendly businesses all summer. Think of it as the Personal Pan Pizza of Marin, but with better pastry.
Passports are available starting June 22 at all four locations. No sign-up required — just grab a card and start reading. Books build community!
Participating locations:
- The Phoenix Used Bookshop — 501 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur
- The Social Klub — 2650 Bridgeway, Sausalito
- Mystic Art Supplies — 31 Sunnyside Avenue, Mill Valley
- Madrona Bakery — 17 Madrona Street, Mill Valley
Disclaimers: Passport will be redeemable for a butter croissant or pastry of equal value at Madrona Bakery while supplies last, must exchange card for item. One per completed card. Card must be redeemed by August 31, 2026 and expires thereafter. One card per child, per summer.
