This week, public schools and preschools across New South Wales marked Book Week 2024 with vibrant celebrations. Students and teachers alike donned costumes representing their favorite book characters, bringing beloved stories to life.
At Petersham Public School, kindergartners were treated to a special surprise: a visit from Emma Watkins, the ARIA Award-winning entertainer and former Yellow Wiggle, now known as Emma Memma. Watkins, who expressed her love for Book Week, read her book “Hello, Emma Memma” to the captivated children.
“I wish we had Book Week when I was at school,” Watkins said. “It’s wonderful for children to see their favorite book characters as role models. Our philosophy at Emma Memma is to integrate visual communication into reading, giving children various ways to engage with books. Reading to children in person provides valuable feedback for future books.”
In another display of Book Week spirit, Edgeworth Public School preschoolers participated in a special collaboration that allowed them to embody characters from beloved stories such as “Cat in the Hat,” “The Gruffalo,” and Disney princesses. They joined over 700 teachers and students from kindergarten to Year Six in a colorful parade around the school grounds, showcasing their creative costumes.
This year’s theme, “Reading is Magic,” chosen by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, was celebrated with classroom activities, competitions, storytelling sessions, and the popular school book parades across New South Wales. Assistant Principal Clair Callinan emphasized the importance of Book Week for young children, noting, “It encourages children to explore different genres, discover new authors, and engage with stories and their imagination.”
Speers Point Public School in Lake Macquarie took the lead in the Hunter community with one of the region’s longest-running Book Week parades. Staff, students, and community members, dressed in costumes inspired by the “Reading is Magic” theme, paraded over two kilometers along Speers Point’s Main Road. Principal Chris Payne highlighted the school’s growing tradition of community involvement. “On our route, we connect with local businesses and the wider community, including the Speers Point library, Lake Macquarie Council, and Great Beginnings Preschool,” Payne said. “It’s a marvelous way to promote a love of reading, which aligns with our goal of improving literacy for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Kellyville Ridge Public School in Western Sydney welcomed a special guest for their 20th-anniversary Book Week celebration: Lawrence Thomas, the Western Sydney Wanderers goalie and Socceroo. Thomas read “Gymnastica Fantastica,” one of the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s shortlisted books, to the students before engaging in a lively Q&A session. Though he admitted to not being an avid reader, Thomas revealed his fondness for the Harry Potter series, eliciting cheers from the students. “Reading is something I should do more,” he said, adding with a smile, “I was more of a gamer, but I tell the kids to read more books and game less.”
At Yowie Bay Public School, classic storybook characters made a comeback as students dressed as figures from “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins,” and more. Teacher librarian Leanne Heffernan noted that the Book Week parades and dress-ups foster imagination and highlight the joy of reading. “With so much technology available, it’s crucial to help children develop a love of literature and reading,” she said. Principal Bronwyn Jeffree shared that students had been reading and voting on books shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, with “Gymnastica Fantastica” and “Timeless” emerging as favorites among different age groups.
Engadine West Public School also embraced the festive spirit, with staff members dressing up as characters from the “Little Miss” and “Mr. Men” series, continuing their tradition of full participation in Book Week. Principal Sue Roach praised the school’s inclusive environment, where everyone, including student teachers and visiting staff, joins in the fun. Engadine West students also engaged in virtual learning sessions with the State Library and Dart Learning, met children’s author Richie Cotton, and participated in visual literacy lessons and book readings. Popular books this year included “Incredibilia,” “If I Were a Horse,” and “That Bird Has Arms.”
Book Week 2024 in New South Wales has once again proven to be a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring magic of reading.