Teaching and Learning 

Celebrating Book Week at Karoo Primary School

One of my favourite times of the year—every year—since I was a primary school student myself has always, without a doubt, been Book Week.

Book Week is so much more than a week of dress-ups and school activities. It is a celebration of stories, imagination and the joy of reading. It provides a wonderful opportunity to nurture a lifelong love of books, introduce children to new authors and ideas, and bring our school community together through a shared love of storytelling.

For those who may not be familiar with its history, Children’s Book Week® has been celebrated across Australia since 1945, when the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) began bringing children and books together. Each year, schools across Australia celebrate the wonderful work of Australian children’s authors and illustrators, while the CBCA Book of the Year Awards recognise outstanding books that promote quality literature for young Australians.

Celebrating Stories at Karoo PS

This week, Karoo Primary School once again burst with energy as we hosted our much-anticipated Book Parade. From our youngest Foundation students to our seasoned Year 6 students, the entire school community came alive to celebrate the enchanting world of books and storytelling.

As students arrived in their wonderful costumes and the morning unfolded, it was clear that the celebration was about much more than simply dressing up. The creativity and enthusiasm on display were a wonderful reminder of the power of imagination—and of the way stories can unite and inspire us, regardless of age or background.

Book Week also provides a wonderful launching pad for conversations about themes, plots, characters and the many different ways stories help us understand ourselves and others. Through books, children encounter different cultures, experiences and perspectives, building not only literacy skills but also creativity, empathy and an understanding of the wider world.

And, of course, it wasn't just our students who took centre stage! In true Karoo spirit, our teachers enthusiastically embraced the occasion, donning costumes and stepping into the shoes of some much-loved characters. It was certainly a sight to behold—and I'm not sure who was enjoying the day more, the students or the teachers!

The Celebration Continues

The magic of Book Week extended beyond the parade with a very special author visit from Fiona Harris, giving our students the opportunity to meet a published author and hear firsthand about the world of writing, storytelling and creativity. Fiona is an award-winning author, scriptwriter and performer with more than 20 years of experience across publishing, television and theatre, and has written an impressive 43 books for leading Australian publishers, including Affirm Press, Allen & Unwin, Scholastic and Echo Publishing. Her recent work includes The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks, The Rebound and the Sleepover BFFs series, with a further six titles due for release in 2026 and 2027. Fiona’s visit provided students with a wonderful insight into the creative process behind the books they love, encouraging them to think about their own ideas, characters and stories. Students also explored their creativity through our Book Cover Design activity, creating their own imaginative covers inspired by the stories they love. A special thank you to Janna Wright, our Library Technician, for her wonderful organisation and support in bringing these Book Week experiences to life. Janna’s passion for books and commitment to fostering a love of reading within our school community helped make this year’s celebrations so memorable. Experiences such as these remind us that stories can be brought to life through author visits, creative activities, conversations and imagination, helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Keeping the Love of Reading Alive at Home

While Book Week may come to an end, the joy of reading certainly doesn't have to. The most meaningful way we can build on the excitement of Book Week is by continuing to make books and reading a natural and enjoyable part of family life.

Focus on fun, not perfection. Book Week costumes don't need to be elaborate or expensive. Some of the most creative ideas come from transforming everyday items and materials into costumes. The same philosophy applies to reading—there is no single "right" way to enjoy a book. The most important thing is to find stories that spark curiosity and joy.

Read together. Sharing a book is a wonderful way to connect with your child. Whether it's a bedtime story, taking turns reading pages or simply talking about a favourite book, regular reading together helps foster a shared love of stories.

Create a cosy reading space. A dedicated book nook, a comfortable chair or even a favourite corner of the house can make reading feel special. Creating a welcoming space encourages children to slow down, explore a book and enjoy some quiet time.

Let children choose. Give children opportunities to select what they would like to read. Novels, picture books, comics, graphic novels, poetry and non-fiction all have a place in developing confident and enthusiastic readers. When children have ownership over their choices, reading becomes something they want to do rather than something they have to do.

Visit your local library. Libraries are wonderful places to discover new authors, genres and ideas. A regular library visit can become a simple family ritual and provides children with the freedom to explore books at their own pace.

Talk about books. Ask your child what they are reading and what they enjoy about it. Talking about characters, favourite moments, predictions and connections to their own lives can deepen comprehension while making reading a shared experience.

Model a love of reading. Perhaps one of the most powerful things we can do is let children see us reading. Whether it is a novel, newspaper, magazine or cookbook, children notice when reading is valued and enjoyed by the adults around them.

More Than a Week

Reflecting on Book Week, it is clear that the celebration was about so much more than costumes and activities. It was an opportunity to celebrate imagination, creativity, connection and the incredible world that opens up when we share a story.

The real success of Book Week is not measured by what happens during one week of the school year, but by the reading habits and enthusiasm that continue long afterwards. By continuing to read together, visit libraries, explore new authors and talk about stories, we can help nurture a genuine and lasting love of reading in our children.

So, as we move beyond Book Week, perhaps take a moment to think about the books that have brought joy, laughter, comfort or adventure to your household. Which stories have stayed with you? Which books would you recommend to friends and family?

After all, the best thing about a great book is being able to share it.

Here are some of my favourites :)

Happy reading, Karoo!

I look forward to seeing you all around our amazing school!

Best wishes,

Assistant Principal

Peta Phillips