The Brunel Shopping Centre is hosting an interactive trail from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, giving youngsters the chance to solve riddles and collect clues.
The shopping centre has joined forces with Swindon Story Shed and the National Literacy Trust to bring the fantasy world created by award-winning author A.F. Steadman to life.
Children will begin their adventure at Swindon Story Shed, located upstairs in The Brunel, before setting off around the shopping centre to complete five challenges.
Each riddle will be linked to one of the magical elements featured in the books, with participants collecting a card for every correct answer.
Those who successfully gather all five cards can return to Swindon Story Shed to claim a free Skandar book or stationery pack.
Prizes will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
The popular fantasy series follows Skandar, a young boy who dreams of riding fierce, winged unicorns in a world where riders possess magical powers linked to Fire, Water, Air and Earth.
His journey takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his unicorn is connected to a mysterious fifth element known as Spirit.
A spokesperson for The Brunel Swindon said:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Swindon Story Shed and the National Literacy Trust to bring such an imaginative and exciting experience to The Brunel this October half-term.
“The Skandar series has captured the hearts and minds of so many young readers, and we cannot wait to see families explore the centre, solve the riddles, dive into a world of elemental magic, and be rewarded with a really great prize.”
Debi Phillips, of Swindon Story Shed, said:
“The team have loved the Skandar series since the very first publisher proof of Book One, with all of its colourful characters, elemental magic, and bloodthirsty unicorns – the island was definitely calling us!
“We are so excited to be part of this unique quest, and we look forward to meeting all the new unicorn riders this October half term.”
The event has also received the backing of author Annabel Steadman, who hopes it will encourage more children in Swindon to discover a love of reading.
She said:
“What an absolute joy to see the world of Skandar brought to life in Swindon this half-term.
“It’s so important to meet children where they are – and with the incredible dream-team of Swindon Story Shed, the National Literacy Trust, and S&S Children’s Books, alongside the enthusiasm of Brunel Shopping Centre, this treasure trail really will inspire so many new readers in the area!”
Since the first book was released in 2022, the Skandar series has sold more than 650,000 copies in the UK and over 1.5 million worldwide.
The books have been translated into 48 languages, while Steadman was named Author of the Year at the 2026 British Book Awards.
Earlier this year, publisher Simon & Schuster Children’s Books donated 30,000 Skandar books to the National Literacy Trust in support of the National Year of Reading.
The free trail will run throughout the October half-term holiday, with families able to start their adventure at Swindon Story Shed upstairs in The Brunel.
