Exploring Children’s Favourite Heroes for Book Week

Monday, August 14, 2023

Book Week is coming up in from August 19 – 25 presenting the perfect opportunity for educators to reflect on the profound impact that reading has on a child’s development. Reading not only opens up doors to imagination but also lays the foundation for language skills, cognitive development, and emotional growth.

With Book Week just around the corner, it’s also a time when many children get excited to dive into the world of their favourite book heroes and the Australian stories that celebrate them. Let’s take a refresher on just how impactful reading can be from an early age, and how to inspire children to get the most from Book Week in early childhood education settings.

Key benefits of reading in early childhood

Early childhood is a critical time for brain development, and reading plays a pivotal role in nurturing young minds. When children are given the opportunity to read books and engage with stories early u life, they are able to experience benefits including:

Language development:

Reading exposes children to rich vocabulary, helping them expand their language skills and vocabulary.

Cognitive development:

Books stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills as children explore different plots, characters, and scenarios.

Imagination and creativity:

Books can transport children (and adults!) to magical worlds, sparking creativity and nurturing imaginations.

Emotional development:

Stories featuring relatable characters and situations help children understand emotions, empathy, and social interactions, including supporting inclusivity.

School readiness:

Early exposure to reading prepares children for formal education by enhancing their listening skills, attention span, and literacy foundation.

Classic must-read Australian children’s books

Our literary landscape down under has a wealth of books and characters to explore throughout Book Week. From classics to newer favourites, there are countless Australian books that feature beloved heroes and are perfect for celebrating Book Week.

‘Bluey: The Beach’

This lift-the-flap book was Winner of the 2020 ABIA Book of the Year and for good reason — children absolutely adore Bluey, and this interactive book takes you on a beach adventure with the blue heeler family. This picture book captures the essence of family bonding, friendship, and the joy of exploration.

‘Possum Magic’ by Mem Fox

This is a quintessential Australian children’s book that follows the journey of Grandma Poss and Hush as they travel through Australia to reverse Hush’s invisibility. A must-read for every child and adult alike!

‘The Rainbow Serpent’ by Dick Roughsey

In this beautifully illustrated book, children are introduced to the Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent — a creator spirit that shaped the land, waterways, and animals. This book offers a unique opportunity for early childhood educators to introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people.

‘Do the Propeller’ by The Wiggles

Another lift-the-flap book, this time featuring The Wiggles. In this book, the renowned groups bring their timeless energy to the pages with interactive elements that encourage children to dance, sing, and have fun.

‘Who Sank the Boat?’ by Pamela Allen

‘Who Sank the Boat?’ is an engaging and very funny tale about morning row in the bay with a cow, donkey, sheep, pig and tiny little mouse. It not only entertains young readers but also offers valuable lessons about teamwork, cause and effect, and critical thinking.

Plenty of opportunities for Book Week fun

Book Week is a celebration of literature and imagination. A favourite pastime for many is the exciting Book Week event of dressing up as your favourite book characters.

This not only adds an element of fun but also encourages a deeper connection with the stories they adore. Children might like to explore Hush from Possum Magic, Bluey and her family, classics like the Very Hungry Caterpillar or any special character they love from a book.

Aside from costumes, Book Week can also be a chance to incorporate more interactive reading sessions, storytelling events, and creative activities centred around books. These activities create a dynamic learning environment where children’s enthusiasm for reading can be nurtured.

Embrace Book Week in your early childhood setting

Book Week is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the magic of reading and the heroes that inspire children’s imaginations. As early childhood educators, let’s embrace this journey into the world of children’s literature and cultivate a lifelong love for reading.