SCHOOLS across Port Stephens were overflowing with creativity this week, celebrating the annual Book Week, supported nationally by The Children’s Book Council of Australia.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

Every year, the Children’s Book Council unites children, schools, and libraries in their love for books.

Schools across Port Stephens joined in the celebrations, hosting book parades, ‘rug and read’ activities and book fairs.

This year’s theme for book week was ‘Find your treasure’.

Local schools got behind the theme, with many pirates and the like being spotted.

Worthy of particular mention is the the staff body at Wirreanda Public School, who had their entire teaching and non-teaching staff list dressed up as pirates.

Raymond Terrace resident and local librarian, Elissa Brown, told News Of The Area, “Last week joined children and books together to celebrate Book Week 2018.”

“This years theme was ‘Find your Treasure’, which was an exciting theme to work with, as it demonstrates that there is so much treasure found in reading a book.”

“Our school organised events throughout the whole week involving the whole school – some included treasure hunts, a book week parade, performances and visits to the local library to capture the importance of books in a young person’s life,” she said.

Another special aspect to Book Week is the announcement of the national award winners, as it gives a wonderful list of books for families to look up for their children to increase their love of learning.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the following books as being awarded the prestigious 2018 CBCA Book of the Year, recognising the depth of talent in Australian children’s literature.

The books of the year:

Older readers – ‘Take Three Girls’ by Cath Crowley, Fiona Wood and Simmone Howell.

Younger readers – ‘How to Bee’ by Bren MacDibble.

Early childhood – ‘Rodney Loses It’ by Michael Gerard Bauer and Christina Krebs.

Picture book of the year – ‘A walk in the bush’ by Gwyn Perkins.

The Eve Pownall award for information books – ‘Do not lick this book’ by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost.

Crichton Award for new illustrators – ‘Tintinnabula’ illustrations done by Rovina Cai.

By Rachael VAUGHAN