Book Week 2026 Dates & Theme

Children's Book Week 2026 will be celebrated across Australia from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026. Organised annually by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), Book Week is one of the most anticipated events on the education calendar, celebrating Australian authors, illustrators and the joy of reading.

The 2026 Book Week theme is Symphony of Stories.

Just as every instrument contributes to an orchestra, every story brings together unique characters, ideas and emotions to create something memorable. This year's theme encourages children to discover how stories can inspire imagination, creativity, empathy and connection while celebrating the many voices that make Australian literature so special.

Across Australia, schools, early learning centres, kindergartens, libraries and OSHC services will celebrate with book character parades, author visits, storytelling sessions, classroom displays and literacy-rich activities. While dressing up is always exciting, Book Week also provides an opportunity to extend children's learning through purposeful play, inquiry and hands-on exploration.

Why Book Week Matters

Stories are one of the most powerful ways children learn about themselves and the world around them. A well-loved picture book can spark curiosity, build vocabulary, develop empathy and encourage children to ask questions, solve problems and think creatively.

When stories continue beyond the final page, literacy becomes an active experience rather than a passive one. Children who recreate stories through dramatic play, small world play, construction, art, music or sensory exploration are developing far more than reading skills. They're practising communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in meaningful contexts.

Book Week is the perfect opportunity to transform classrooms into spaces where stories come alive. Instead of simply reading a book, children can become the characters, build the settings, investigate the problems and even imagine new endings. These experiences encourage deeper engagement with literature while supporting the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

Bringing the Symphony of Stories Theme to Life

The 2026 theme, Symphony of Stories, invites educators to think beyond books and explore the many ways stories can be experienced.

A story isn't just read - it can be:

• acted out through dramatic play
• retold with puppets
• recreated in a small world scene
• built with construction materials
• illustrated through art
• explored in a sensory tray
• brought to life with music, rhythm and movement
• continued through children's own storytelling

Think of each activity as another instrument joining the orchestra. Together, these experiences create a rich learning environment where every child can participate in their own way.

For some children, that may mean confidently acting out a favourite character. For others, it may involve quietly building a setting from blocks, arranging loose parts into a story scene or using puppets to express ideas they find difficult to share verbally. Every contribution adds another voice to the classroom's own Symphony of Stories.

Why Play-Based Learning Builds Stronger Readers

Research consistently shows that children learn best when they are actively engaged. Play-based learning allows children to explore ideas in ways that are meaningful, enjoyable and memorable.

During Book Week, play helps children:

• strengthen oral language and vocabulary
• improve comprehension by retelling stories
• build sequencing and recall skills
• develop confidence when speaking and listening
• encourage creativity and imaginative thinking
• explore emotions through role play
• strengthen collaboration and teamwork
• connect literacy with science, STEM, art and nature play

Rather than separating literacy from other learning areas, Book Week provides a wonderful opportunity to integrate reading across the curriculum. A single picture book can inspire science investigations, engineering challenges, art projects, dramatic play experiences and outdoor exploration.

This integrated approach not only deepens children's understanding of the story but also helps them see reading as the beginning of discovery rather than the end of an activity.

In This Guide You'll Discover

Whether you're planning for a preschool classroom, kindergarten, primary school, family day care or OSHC service, this guide is packed with practical ideas you can use throughout Book Week and beyond.

Inside you'll discover:

• 20 creative Book Week activities
• hands-on ideas inspired by popular children's books
• invitations to play that extend literacy learning
• STEM challenges linked to favourite stories
• nature-based storytelling ideas
• sensory and inclusive literacy experiences
• recommended educational resources
• frequently asked questions about Book Week
• practical tips for creating memorable literacy experiences

Whether you have five children or five hundred, these ideas are designed to help you create engaging learning experiences where books inspire curiosity, creativity and joyful learning.

20 Creative Book Week Activities

1. Create a Small World Inspired by a Favourite Story

Small world play is one of the most effective ways to help children retell and extend a story. After reading a favourite book, invite children to recreate the setting using wooden figures, animals, trees, loose parts and natural materials. As they play, they'll naturally revisit the sequence of events, introduce new characters and imagine alternative endings.

Why Educators Love It

• Develops oral language and storytelling skills
• Encourages imaginative play
• Supports sequencing and comprehension

Ideal for: Early Learning, Kindergarten and Lower Primary

Try using: Small World Play resources, Australian animal figures, wooden people, loose parts and natural materials.

2. Build the Character's Home

Challenge children to design and build a home for a favourite character using blocks, magnetic tiles or construction resources. Ask questions such as, What would make this home safe? or What does your character need to be happy?

Learning focus

• STEM
• Problem-solving
• Design thinking
• Collaboration

Great with: Construction resources, magnetic tiles, loose parts and wooden blocks.

3. Puppet Story Theatre

Create a storytelling corner where children can use hand puppets or finger puppets to retell familiar stories or invent new adventures. Puppets often encourage even quiet children to participate and build confidence.

Why Educators Love It

• Builds expressive language
• Encourages confidence
• Develops listening and speaking skills

Suggested resources: Animal puppets, community helper puppets and storytelling props.

4. Story Stones Adventure

Story stones can be used to sequence a familiar story or inspire a completely new one. Spread the stones across a table or outdoor learning area and encourage children to select several to create their own narrative.

Learning outcomes

• Vocabulary development
• Story sequencing
• Creative thinking

5. Story Maps

After reading a book, work together to draw or build a map showing where the characters travelled. Add landmarks, obstacles and important events along the way.

Perfect for

• Geography links
• Literacy
• Visual learning

6. Character Dress-Up Corner

Transform your dramatic play area into the setting of a favourite story. Simple costumes, hats and props encourage children to step into character and explore different perspectives.

Supports

• Social development
• Communication
• Empathy
• Imagination

7. Design a New Book Cover

Invite children to imagine the book has been re-released with a brand-new cover. What illustration would they choose? What title would attract readers?

This activity combines literacy with art and encourages children to think about the key message of the story.

8. Loose Parts Storytelling

Provide shells, stones, buttons, corks, sticks, leaves and wooden discs for children to create scenes from a story. Once complete, invite them to explain their thinking.

Loose parts allow every child to tell a unique version of the same story.

9. Nature Story Walk

Take your favourite book outdoors. Collect leaves, bark, flowers and sticks before recreating scenes from the story using natural materials.

This is particularly effective with Australian-themed books.

10. Story Baskets

Fill baskets with carefully selected props that relate to a particular book. Include small figures, natural materials, puppets, sensory items and loose parts.

Story baskets invite independent exploration and can remain available throughout Book Week.

11. Story Sequencing Challenge

Print or draw scenes from a story and ask children to place them in the correct order before retelling the story in their own words.

For older students, remove one scene and ask them to identify what is missing.

12. Invent a New Character

What if the story included one extra character?

Children can draw, build or model their new character before explaining how they change the story's ending.

This encourages higher-order thinking and creativity.

13. Story-Inspired STEM Challenge

Many books naturally lend themselves to engineering.

Examples include:

• Build a stronger bridge for The Three Billy Goats Gruff
• Construct a weatherproof house for The Three Little Pigs
• Design a raft for an adventurous character
• Build the tallest treehouse possible

Children quickly discover there are many ways to solve the same problem.

14. Sensory Story Trays

Create sensory invitations inspired by books using sand, water, coloured rice, leaves, fabric, shells or play dough.

These experiences are especially valuable for younger learners and children who benefit from tactile exploration.

15. Character Interviews

Invite one child to become a favourite book character while classmates ask thoughtful questions.

Examples include:

• Why did you make that choice?
• What happened after the story ended?
• Would you do anything differently?

This develops speaking, listening and comprehension skills.

16. Collaborative Class Story

Begin with a single sentence.

Each child contributes another sentence until the class has written an entirely new adventure together.

Illustrate the finished story and place it in the classroom library.

17. Story Dice

Create picture dice featuring characters, settings, problems and objects.

Roll the dice and challenge children to create a story that includes everything shown.

No two stories will ever be the same.

18. Build the Setting

Instead of drawing a setting, encourage children to construct it using blocks, magnetic tiles, recycled materials or loose parts.

Once complete, children can place characters inside and continue the adventure.

19. Reading Picnic

Take Storytime outdoors with picnic rugs, cushions and favourite picture books.

After reading, invite children to recreate scenes using natural materials collected around them.

This simple change of environment often increases engagement and discussion.

20. Become an Author

Provide blank books and encourage children to write and illustrate their own stories.

Celebrate by hosting a classroom book launch where every child shares their work.

This creates a memorable finale to Book Week.

 

While the activities above can be adapted for almost any picture book, many educators like to build Book Week around a favourite story. The following ideas show how well-loved children's books can inspire literacy, STEM, dramatic play, art, music and outdoor learning experiences throughout Book Week.

Book Activities Inspired by Favourite Children's Books

One of the easiest ways to make Book Week memorable is to extend a much-loved story into hands-on learning experiences. A single picture book can inspire dramatic play, STEM challenges, sensory exploration, art, music and inquiry-based learning.

Below are some favourite children's books and practical ideas that encourage children to think beyond the pages while developing creativity, communication and problem-solving skills.

Possum Magic by Mem Fox

Few Australian picture books are as beloved as Possum Magic. As Hush and Grandma Poss travel across Australia searching for the perfect food to make Hush visible again, children are introduced to Australian places, foods and native animals.

Learning ideas

• Create an Australian bush small world using native animal figures.
• Taste Australian-inspired foods mentioned in the story (check allergies and dietary requirements).
• Follow Hush's journey on a large map of Australia.
• Build Grandma Poss's bush home using natural materials.
• Invite children to invent a new magical Australian animal.

Learning Opportunities

• Australian geography
• Native animals
• Healthy eating discussions
• Story sequencing
• Imaginative storytelling

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Australian animal figures, Small World Play resources, loose parts, dramatic play kitchen equipment and map resources.

💡 EDU-21 Classroom Tip

Set up an Australian bush invitation to play with native animal figures, gum leaves, wooden loose parts and natural materials. Encourage children to retell Hush's journey or invent a brand-new adventure through the Australian bush.

Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan

This Australian classic is perfect for combining literacy with outdoor learning and imaginative play.

Learning ideas

• Create a pretend bush camp kitchen.
• Collect natural materials to make your own "wombat stew".
• Retell the story using puppets.
• Build the billabong from blocks and loose parts.
• Discuss how Australian animals help one another.

Learning opportunities

• Australian wildlife
• Nature play
• Oral language
• Cooperation
• Story recall

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Nature play resources, loose parts, Australian animal figures and puppets.

Koala Lou by Mem Fox

This heartwarming story encourages conversations about families, belonging and self-confidence.

Learning ideas

• Create a eucalyptus forest small world.
• Build climbing trees using construction materials.
• Draw or paint favourite family memories.
• Discuss ways we can encourage one another.
• Role-play the Bush Olympics.

Learning opportunities

• Emotional wellbeing
• Family relationships
• Australian wildlife
• Physical movement
• Creative arts

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Australian animals, dramatic play resources, construction sets and loose parts.

Magic Beach by Alison Lester

Magic Beach celebrates imagination and the Australian coastline, making it ideal for sensory and nature-based learning.

Learning ideas

• Create a beach sensory tray with sand, shells and water.
• Build sandcastles inspired by the illustrations.
• Investigate sea creatures found along Australian beaches.
• Paint an imaginary beach landscape.
• Collect natural treasures for storytelling.

Learning opportunities

• Environmental awareness
• Sensory exploration
• Creative arts
• Scientific observation
• Descriptive language

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Sand and water play equipment, shells, loose parts, ocean animal figures and sensory resources.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Children love joining in with the repeated phrases while physically acting out the adventure.

Learning ideas

Create a classroom obstacle course featuring:

• Long grass
• Deep river
• Thick mud
• Dark forest
• Snowstorm
• Narrow cave

Invite children to retell the story as they travel through each area.

Learning opportunities

• Gross motor development
• Sequencing
• Listening skills
• Cooperation
• Oral language

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Balance equipment, stepping stones, sensory materials, tunnels and gross motor resources.

💡 EDU-21 Classroom Tip

Transform your outdoor learning area into the story's journey using hoops, stepping stones, tunnels and sensory materials. Invite children to narrate the story as they complete each challenge.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This timeless favourite introduces children to counting, healthy eating and life cycles.

Learning ideas

• Investigate the butterfly life cycle.
• Sort foods into healthy and occasional choices.
• Create caterpillars from loose parts.
• Count the foods eaten each day.
• Plant flowers that attract butterflies.

Learning opportunities

• Science
• Numeracy
• Healthy eating
• Observation
• Environmental awareness

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Life cycle resources, counting materials, wooden food, gardening equipment and construction resources.

💡 EDU-21 Classroom Tip

Extend the story into a life cycle investigation by observing caterpillars, planting butterfly-friendly flowers or exploring butterfly models alongside the book. This creates meaningful links between literacy and science.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Children love recreating the deep, dark wood while inventing new adventures for the Gruffalo and his forest friends.

Learning ideas

• Build the forest from natural materials.
• Create clay woodland animals.
• Design a safe home for Mouse.
• Go on an outdoor animal track hunt.
• Invent a brand-new woodland creature.

Learning opportunities

• Creative thinking
• Design
• Story extension
• Nature exploration
• Vocabulary development

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Loose parts, woodland animals, construction resources and nature play equipment.

🛒 EDU-21 Resource Spotlight

Looking to recreate this activity? Explore our range of Small World Play, Loose Parts, Puppets, Construction Resources and Nature Play products to help children bring stories to life through hands-on learning.

Extend the Learning Beyond Book Week

Many of these books become classroom favourites long after Book Week has finished. By combining stories with play, investigation and creativity, educators can continue building children's literacy skills throughout the year while encouraging curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of reading.

The best learning experiences happen when children are encouraged not only to read stories—but to build them, perform them, question them and create new ones of their own.

Creating Book Week Invitations to Play

One of the most effective ways to extend children's learning during Book Week is through invitations to play.

An invitation to play is a thoughtfully prepared learning experience that encourages children to explore, investigate and create at their own pace. Rather than giving children instructions, educators provide carefully selected materials that spark curiosity and invite storytelling.

These open-ended experiences support literacy while encouraging imagination, collaboration, problem-solving and creativity. They also allow children to revisit favourite stories throughout the week, discovering new ideas each time they play.

Here are some simple invitations to play inspired by well-loved children's books.

🌿 Possum Magic Invitation

Set up:

• Australian animal figures
• Gum leaves and seed pods
• Wooden loose parts
• Tree blocks
• Map of Australia
• Magnifying glasses
• Bush-themed picture books

Invite children to:

• Retell Hush's journey.
• Create a new Australian adventure.
• Build Grandma Poss's home.
• Explore Australian animals and habitats.

Learning opportunities

• Australian geography
• Story sequencing
• Imaginative play
• Oral language
• Nature exploration

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Australian Animal Figures, Small World Play, Loose Parts and Nature Play resources.

🦋 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Invitation

Set up:

• Life cycle models
• Wooden fruit
• Counting resources
• Leaves and flowers
• Magnifying glasses
• Play dough

Invite children to:

• Count the foods.
• Build a caterpillar.
• Explore the butterfly life cycle.
• Create their own hungry insect.

Learning opportunities

• Science
• Numeracy
• Healthy eating
• Observation
• Fine motor development

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Life Cycle resources, Wooden Food, Counting Resources and Nature Play materials.

🐻 We're Going on a Bear Hunt Invitation

Set up:

Create different sensory stations featuring:

• Long grass
• Water tray
• Mud play
• Leaves and sticks
• Fabric "snow"
• Cardboard cave

Invite children to:

• Retell the story.
• Predict what happens next.
• Design a different ending.
• Create their own adventure trail.

Learning opportunities

• Gross motor skills
• Story sequencing
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Sensory exploration

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Balance equipment, tunnels, stepping stones and sensory resources.

🌊 Magic Beach Invitation

Set up:

• Sand tray
• Shells
• Driftwood
• Pebbles
• Ocean animal figures
• Blue fabric
• Buckets and scoops

Invite children to:

• Build an imaginary beach.
• Tell a seaside story.
• Sort shells and stones.
• Create an underwater world.

Learning opportunities

• Environmental awareness
• Descriptive language
• Creative storytelling
• Sensory play

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Sand & Water Play equipment, Ocean Animals and Loose Parts.

🐸 Wombat Stew Invitation

Set up:

• Sticks
• Bark
• Leaves
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoons
• Australian animal figures

Invite children to:

• Create a pretend bush stew.
• Invent magical ingredients.
• Retell the story using props.
• Work together to save the wombat.

Learning opportunities

• Collaboration
• Storytelling
• Australian wildlife
• Nature play

Suggested EDU-21 resources

Nature Play resources, Loose Parts, Puppets and Australian Animals.

Tips for Creating Successful Invitations to Play

Keep invitations simple. Too many resources can overwhelm children, while a carefully chosen selection encourages deeper exploration.

Try to include a combination of:

• natural materials
• open-ended resources
• books
• loose parts
• sensory elements
• dramatic play props
• construction materials

Position the invitation where children can easily return to it throughout the week. Many of the richest learning conversations happen when children revisit the same invitation several times rather than completing it once.

Most importantly, allow children to take the lead. There is no right or wrong way to explore a story. Some children will carefully retell the original events, while others will invent completely new adventures. Both approaches build literacy, creativity and confidence.

Why Invitations to Play Matter

Book Week is about much more than dressing up as favourite characters. It is an opportunity to help children connect with stories in meaningful ways.

When children build a setting, create a character, investigate a problem or invent a new ending, they become active participants rather than passive listeners. This deeper engagement strengthens comprehension, develops oral language and encourages children to see themselves as storytellers.

With a little imagination and a few carefully chosen resources, every classroom can become a place where stories continue long after the final page has been turned.

❤️ Remember...

Children may not remember every costume they wore during Book Week, but they will remember the stories that captured their imagination, the adventures they created with friends and the joy of bringing books to life through play.

That's the magic of Book Week, and it's why great stories continue long after the final page has been turned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Week 2026

When is Book Week 2026?

Children's Book Week 2026 will be celebrated across Australia from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026. During this week, schools, early learning centres, libraries and communities celebrate Australian children's literature through reading, storytelling, classroom activities and book character dress-up days.

What is the Book Week 2026 theme?

The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced the 2026 Book Week theme as Symphony of Stories.

The theme celebrates the many ways stories connect people through imagination, creativity and shared experiences. It encourages educators to explore literacy through music, movement, storytelling, dramatic play, art and hands-on learning.

What are some easy Book Week activities for preschool?

Some simple Book Week activities for preschool include:

• Small world storytelling
• Puppet shows
• Story baskets
• Sensory story trays
• Dress-up and dramatic play
• Story sequencing
• Nature play inspired by favourite books
• Art and craft based on picture books

Activities that encourage children to explore stories through play are often the most engaging and memorable.

How can childcare services celebrate Book Week?

Childcare services can celebrate Book Week by creating literacy-rich environments that encourage children to read, imagine and play.

Ideas include:

• Daily story sessions
• Book-themed invitations to play
• Outdoor storytelling
• Puppet theatre
• Book-inspired STEM challenges
• Dress-up days
• Family reading afternoons
• Author and illustrator displays

The goal is to create joyful learning experiences that foster a lifelong love of books.

How can primary schools celebrate Book Week?

Primary schools often celebrate Book Week through a combination of literacy activities, creative arts and collaborative projects.

Popular ideas include:

• Book character parades
• Classroom reading challenges
• Author studies
• Creative writing activities
• Book-inspired STEM projects
• Drama performances
• Story illustration competitions
• Collaborative murals
• School library displays

These activities encourage students to engage more deeply with literature while developing creativity and critical thinking.

How can I connect STEM with Book Week?

Many favourite children's books naturally lead to STEM learning.

For example:

• Design a stronger house for The Three Little Pigs.
• Build a bridge for The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
• Investigate butterfly life cycles after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
• Create a flying machine inspired by Room on the Broom.
• Build habitats for Australian animals after reading Possum Magic.

These activities encourage children to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics in meaningful, story-based contexts.

How do I create an engaging Book Week classroom?

Start with a favourite book and build your classroom around its characters, setting or themes.

Include a combination of:

• Books
• Small world play
• Loose parts
• Dramatic play
• Art materials
• Natural resources
• Construction equipment
• Sensory experiences

The most engaging classrooms encourage children to explore stories independently rather than simply observing displays.

What educational resources are useful during Book Week?

Versatile, open-ended resources often provide the greatest learning opportunities.

Some educator favourites include:

• Small World Play resources
• Puppets
• Loose Parts
• Story Stones
• Construction resources
• Nature Play materials
• Dramatic Play equipment
• Art and craft supplies
• STEM resources
• Literacy games

These resources can be used across many different books and continue supporting literacy long after Book Week has finished.

Why is Book Week important?

Book Week helps children discover the joy of reading while developing language, imagination and creativity.

Stories introduce children to new ideas, cultures and perspectives while encouraging empathy, communication and critical thinking. Through play-based learning, children extend these experiences by building, creating, performing and investigating the stories they love.

Book Week reminds us that every story has the power to inspire curiosity and create lifelong readers.

How can I celebrate Book Week on a budget?

Book Week doesn't have to be expensive.

Many of the best activities use everyday classroom materials, recycled resources and items collected from nature.

Ideas include:

• Nature play storytelling
• Cardboard character creations
• Loose parts storytelling
• Homemade puppets
• Story walks
• Outdoor reading picnics
• Collaborative class books
• Recycled art projects

The most memorable Book Week experiences come from children's imagination, not expensive decorations.