Encouraging the joy of reading through dress ups. Book Week is held annually to celebrate reading and engage children in literature, it is an opportunity to engage children and to bring stories to life through play and costume.
Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.
The Children’s Book Council of Australia is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature.
Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating Children’s Book Week. During this time Schools, Libraries, Booksellers, Authors, Illustrators and children celebrate Australian Children’s Literature. Throughout Book Week you will see Children’s Book Character Parades and talented librarians creating amazing displays. Teachers and librarians dress up as story book characters from featured books and children get to celebrate their favourite characters in costume.
Generally, the Book of the Year winner’s announcement is the third Friday in August, and Children’s Book Week commences the following day and runs from Saturday to Sunday. Each year Book Week carries a new theme, in 2025 that theme is “Book an Adventure”.
In 2024 Book Week will be held from August 16th to 23rd, additional information about Book Week and The Children’s Book Council of Australia can be found here.
