Book Week 2026 — Fostering a Love of Reading from Day One

Reading time: 6 minutes

Book Week 2026 runs from 15-21 August, and if you have a child in childcare or school, you have probably already started thinking about costumes. But beyond the dress-up day, Book Week is a wonderful reminder of something every parent can do to give their child a powerful advantage in life: read to them. Early literacy begins long before a child can read a single word, and the habits you build now — from babyhood through the preschool years — shape your child's relationship with books, stories, and learning forever.

Why Reading to Young Children Matters So Much

The evidence is overwhelming. Reading to children from birth is one of the single most impactful things a parent can do for their child's development. Here is what the research tells us:

• Children who are read to daily from infancy hear approximately 1.4 million more words by age five than those who are not read to (Ohio State University, 2019)
• The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) consistently shows that children who are read to regularly score significantly higher in language and communication skills when they start school
• Reading together strengthens the bond between parent and child and supports emotional regulation — the rhythm and closeness of shared reading is deeply calming for young children

The Australian Government's "Reading to Children" initiative emphasises that it is never too early to start. Even newborns benefit from hearing the patterns, rhythms, and melodies of spoken language.

How to Build a Love of Reading at Every Age

Babies (0-12 months) — Nestlings

At this age, it is all about the experience, not the story. Choose board books with high-contrast images, textures to touch, and simple repetitive text. Hold your baby close and read in a warm, gentle voice. Let them chew the book — that is literacy too.

Try: That's Not My Dinosaur (Usborne), Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox, Baby Blue by Jan Ormerod

Toddlers (1-3 years) — Swaylings and Explorers

Toddlers love repetition. They want to hear the same book twenty times in a row, and that is a wonderful thing — repetition builds vocabulary, prediction skills, and confidence. Point to pictures, name objects, and ask simple questions: "Where is the dog? Can you find the red hat?"

Try: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, Possum Magic by Mem Fox, Koala Lou by Mem Fox

Preschoolers (3-5 years) — Pathfinders and Schoolies

Now children can follow longer stories, make predictions, and connect stories to their own lives. Choose books with richer narratives, interesting characters, and themes that spark conversation. Ask open-ended questions: "How do you think she feels? What would you do?"

Try: The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald, Somebody's Land by Adam Goodes, The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Australian Picture Books We Love

Supporting Australian authors and illustrators is something we are passionate about at Sonas Woodbridge. Here are some of our all-time favourite Australian picture books:

• Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French — hilarious, dry Australian humour that children and adults both love
• Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester — a journey around Australia that celebrates the diversity of our landscape
• The Gruffalo (okay, not Australian, but an honorary resident in every daycare)
• Mopoke by Philip Bunting — minimal text, maximum laughs
• Give Me Some Space by Philip Bunting — for the little ones who are already dreaming big
• Sorry Day by Coral Vass — a gentle, age-appropriate introduction to an important part of Australia's history
• Too Many Cheeky Dogs by Johanna Bell — a counting book set in a remote Aboriginal community

Tips for Making Reading a Daily Habit

1. Read at the Same Time Each Day

Bedtime is the classic, but any consistent time works — after breakfast, before nap time, or as soon as you get home from childcare. Consistency turns reading into a ritual, not a task.

2. Let Your Child Choose

Even if it means reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the 47th time this week, let them choose. Autonomy over book selection builds ownership and enthusiasm.

3. Visit Your Library

The City of Swan Libraries (Midland, Guildford, and Ellenbrook) offer free story time sessions, holiday programs, and a huge selection of children's books. A library card is free, and it is one of the best resources available to Perth families.

4. Create a Reading Nook

You do not need anything fancy. A few cushions in a corner, a low shelf or basket of books, and a soft blanket. Having books at your child's height and within easy reach encourages independent exploration.

5. Use Different Voices

Ham it up. Give characters silly voices, sound effects, and dramatic pauses. Children are more engaged when stories come alive, and they are more likely to want to read again.

6. Talk About the Book

Before reading: "What do you think this book is about?" During: "What is happening here?" After: "What was your favourite part?" These conversations build comprehension and critical thinking.

Book Week Costume Ideas (Simple and Budget-Friendly)

Because we know the costume panic is real:

• Possum Magic — grey clothes + a headband with ears
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar — green outfit + pipe cleaner antennae
• Where the Wild Things Are — crown + a "wild things" onesie or furry vest
• Wombat — brown clothes + a cardboard "diary"
• Bluey — already in most Perth toy boxes, let us be honest

How Sonas Woodbridge Celebrates Book Week

At Sonas Woodbridge, Book Week is one of the highlights of our year. Our educators plan a week of storytelling, book-themed art, dramatic play, and of course the beloved costume parade. But our commitment to literacy goes far beyond one week.

In The Family Room and The Nest, books are always accessible. Our educators read to children throughout the day — not just at story time, but spontaneously, in response to children's questions and interests. We choose books that reflect the diversity of our families and the richness of Australian stories.

Our play-based philosophy means that a book about dinosaurs might become a week-long investigation involving The STEM Studio, The Arts Studio, and The Garden. That is the power of stories — they open doors to every kind of learning.

Key Takeaways

• Reading to children from birth is one of the most impactful things you can do for their development
• Children who are read to daily hear 1.4 million more words by age five
• Let your child choose books, read at a consistent time, and make it a warm, connected experience
• Australian picture books offer wonderful, culturally rich stories for every age
• Your local library is a free, incredible resource — use it
• Book Week costumes do not need to be complicated or expensive

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Ready to see play-based learning in action? Book a tour at Sonas Woodbridge or call us on (08) 6184 6055.