Children’s Book Week 2024
There’s more to Children’s Book Week than a costume parade
17-23 August
A week that can strike terror into the hearts of even the most organised of parents, Children’s Book Week is back for another year. But the mad dash to make or find a costume and prepare for the parade aside, have you ever wondered what Book Week is all about?
How did Children’s Book Week start?
Founded in 1945 by by The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), this not for profit, volunteer run organisation works to engage the community with literature for young Aussies and presents annual awards to Australian books of literary merit in children’s literature. But, with the abundance of books available, why did we ever need a book council to begin with?
Back in 1945 when the CBCA was founded, Australian children’s book were few and far between – and Aussie authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. So, in 1946 The Book of the Year Awards was launched by the CBCA to promote Australian books and these award are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.
Did you know the original prize for the Children’s Book of the Year Awards was a camellia if the winner was female or a handshake if male?
Thankfully today, sponsorship from organisations like Australia Post and leading book publishers including Allen & Unwin, Harper Collins and Hardie Grant to name a few , as well as donations from individuals, has made it possible to offer monetary prizes of up to $10,000 per category to authors and illustrators.
So why is reading so important for kids?
Whilst avid readers will wax lyrical about the joys of ‘getting lost’ in a good book, aside from the pleasure of a great story, is reading all that important for kids? Actually it is. And reading for pleasure alone can actually benefit a child’s education, social and cognitive development as well their wellbeing. But the benefits don’t end there.
It won’t come as a surprise that numerous studies have discovered the profound benefits of reading for a child’s development. In fact one study from the UK details the effects of reading on children’s literacy skills, helping social interaction between adults and children, and encouraging children to engage with the world around them.
Looking for a good book for your child?
If you’re feeling inspired to find a book that will spark your child’s imagination and help them develop a lifelong love of reading, hit up the CBCA’s Book of The Year Notables List available here. This guide includes all critiques from the CBCA’s 2024 panel of expert judges, arranged by category. Or pencil in 12 noon on Friday August 16 in your diaries as the Winners and Honours of this year’s Book of The Year Awards are announced.
Want to get a head start on the Book Week parade planning? Check out our list of where to find budget to bougie costumes in the Inner West here.
📚 Want more? Check out our article on how to encourage young ones to get into reading here.
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