The Shearwater Library is excited to be celebrating Children’s Book Week, and 80 years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia,  in Week 4 of next term. The theme for 2025 is: Book an Adventure. We have the following events planned:

On Monday 18 August, local author and storyteller Melaina Faranda will be facilitating workshops for Classes 2 to 5. Melaina grew from being a dreamy barefoot country kid to write over 50 Young Adult and Children’s books, published nationally and internationally – with many of her books used in schools across Australia. A highly engaging, energetic, and empathic presenter and facilitator, Melaina is passionate about sharing inspiring, practical, and fun creative writing, editing, and storytelling skills with students and helping to foster their talent.  

From Tuesday to Thursday, 19-21 August, the Library will host The Great Book Swap during lunchtime, where students can bring along a book in good condition to exchange, along with a gold coin donation for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). Additional book donations are also welcome for this wonderful cause.

Wednesday 20 August is our dress-up day and parade for students in Classes 1 to 6. Come as your favourite book character. Older students may like to dress to a class theme eg funny hat. Keep it simple and fun! Parents and carers welcome. Easy book week costume ideas on Madison’s library blog.

Other fun optional literary activities will include the mystery book challenge – where students borrow books in a bag – sight unseen! This is to extend student’s reading of chapter books. There will also be another reading challenge where students can log books read at home over the week/rest of the term. It would also be wonderful to see families read books together at home to celebrate the joy of reading. 

Yvonne Barrett
Library Manager