Why Book Week is the Best Week of the Year — Let’s Make It Unforgettable for the Kids
Every year, I circle Book Week on my calendar with a big, colourful star. For me — and for so many teachers, librarians, parents, and kids — it’s hands down the best week of the year. Book Week is a chance to celebrate stories, dress up as our favourite characters, and spark a lifelong love of reading. And most importantly, it’s about making those magical bookish memories for children that will stay with them forever.
The Magic of Book Week
There’s something incredibly special about walking into a school during Book Week and seeing the halls filled with kids dressed as dragons, wizards, astronauts, and detectives. It’s not just about costumes (though the creativity is amazing!) — it’s about kids stepping into the shoes of their favourite characters and feeling part of the story.
That sense of play and imagination is at the heart of what makes Book Week so magical.
Why It Matters
Book Week isn’t just fun. It has a deeper purpose: to connect children with books in a way that feels joyful, exciting, and personal. When kids are laughing at a silly rhyme, wide-eyed at a fantasy world, or proudly showing off their costume, they’re experiencing books as something alive.
For authors and illustrators, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do: to create stories that spark joy, courage, curiosity, and wonder.
Making It Unforgettable for the Kids
So how do we make Book Week extra special? A few of my favourite ways include:
Encouraging creativity: Homemade costumes, hand-drawn props, or even a decorated classroom door can all add to the fun.
Sharing stories together: Whether it’s a classroom read-aloud, a visiting author, or kids taking turns to read their favourites, the more stories, the better.
Interactive activities: Treasure hunts, quizzes, or art activities based on books keep the excitement buzzing beyond dress-up day.
Celebrating effort, not expense: Kids don’t need fancy store-bought costumes. A simple DIY hat, cape, or cardboard prop can be just as fun — sometimes more!
CBCA Book Week 2026
Book Week is about more than costumes and parades. It’s about creating moments of joy and imagination that kids will carry with them long after the week is over. Let’s make it unforgettable, not by focusing on perfection, but by filling it with fun, creativity, and a shared love of stories.
So this year, let’s go all out — read, create, dress up, and celebrate every magical page. Because for kids, Book Week might just be the spark that turns them into readers for life.
Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.