Wellbeing & Inclusion
at Willy
Willy Kids are Readers - Book Week and the Power of Reading
This week we have been celebrating Book Week. Australia's Children's Book Week 2026 takes place from Saturday, 22 August to Friday, 28 August 2026. Organised by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), the official 2026 theme is "Symphony of Stories" with promotional artwork created by award-winning author-illustrator Briony Stewart.
Book Week is the perfect time to talk about why reading matters for more than just literacy.
Research shows that regular reading does wonders for children's wellbeing. Just ten minutes of reading can lower stress levels and heart rate, giving children a calm, quiet space away from screens and the busyness of the day. Stories also build empathy. When children step into a character's shoes, they practise understanding other people's feelings and perspectives, a skill that pays off in friendships and playground problem-solving.
Reading together builds connection too. A shared bedtime story or a few pages on the couch is a lovely way to bond, and it helps children associate reading with warmth and security rather than "schoolwork."
This Book Week, we encourage families to:
- Read together for just 10 - 15 minutes a day
- Let your child choose their own books. Their interest matters more than the "level"
- Visit the library or swap books with friends
- Come along to our Book Week dress-up parade tomorrow!
Did you know that Hobson’s Bay Libraries gives you access to Story Box Hub? You and your children can listen to and watch hundreds of picture story books being read by famous Australians. There are also many craft activities linked to the books for more fun times after reading! All you need is your library card number and the pin you use to access the online catalogue. Click the image below to login.
Kind regards,
Lisa Leydin Anna Swan
Assistant Principal Learning Specialist
Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader