Books for Little Bookaburras
First picture books are important in shaping early experiences, and we can carry the memory of a great story with us throughout our lives.
Our goal is to inspire in children a love of reading that can make a positive difference in their lives.
Introducing Renae Hayward and Cheryl Kickett-Tucker,
Bookaburras Ambassadors
‘Sharing a book with a favourite grown-up is one of the best ways to develop literacy in kids.’
Renae Hayward
The Impact of Bookaburras
We put books into the hands of children
In 2025, packs went home with 4,200 children in Western Australia. More than 200 of those children had no other access to books, and some of them didn’t have homes to take them to at all.
‘We were able to pass on some of the packs to external providers who gave them to mums with babies experiencing homelessness. The mums were overjoyed at the opportunity to have such beautiful resources for them and their babies while struggling financially.’
Bookaburras participant 2024 throughout the state.
The quality of the program is appreciated
‘Access to good quality books can sometimes be difficult for families, and this program addresses this issue.’
Bookaburras participant 2024
We inspire a love for reading
‘Many parents who found no interest in reading to their child, when seeing how excited their child was to receive the Bookaburras pack, sat and explored the books with them.’
Bookaburras participant 2024
‘Engaging the families with the books at home and in Kindilink sessions provided a strong connection to a joy of books and teachable moments for Noongar language.’
Bookaburras participant 2024
Having books at home makes a difference
Through the promotion of books in homes, we see families, including dads, looking at the books that we have. Parents report reading more to their children and enjoy looking at books with their child.’
Bookaburras participant 2024
About the program
‘Storytelling is one of the earliest forms of teaching and learning for children. It is not only good for the development of wellbeing, but can assist a child in making sense of their life and experiences.’
Professor Helen Milroy, child psychiatrist, author
- Bookaburras was launched in 2023 with funding for a 3-year program from Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Wright Burt Foundation and other private donors.
- The program is specifically targeted at the critical ages of 3 and 4, when young brains develop vocabulary, oral cognition and when imagination and creativity is sparked.
- It provides a much-needed permanent resource for families, encouraging special carer – child time and connection, building intergenerational capacity and literacy.
- The program acknowledges that one book is not enough: reading more books expands sensory awareness, perspective and compassion.
Alongside the mini library of books, we work with centres to activate the reading experience with themed activities for parents/carers and lesson ideas for teachers. Our Bookaburra Ambassadors are on-hand to read in person at our launches, or on video across all participating centres.
Playgroups, kindergartens and early-learning centres across WA help distribute the Books for Little Bookaburras Book Packs. Each pack includes three specially selected picture books: one simple text that a child might attempt on their own, one more challenging text to be read aloud by an adult, and one book designed to be a satisfying read-together experience between child and adult. Books by First Nations authors are a priority.
Invest in Bookaburras
Your annual donation, bequest or one-off investment could inspire the love of reading that transforms lives.
Help Fremantle Press and our partners expand the reach of Books for Little Bookaburras and contribute to the creation of future Bookaburras books.
To become an organisation sponsor or to leave a bequest, contact Alex Allan, CEO, aallan@fremantlepress.com.au or 08 9430 6331.
An annual donation of $60 will provide one Books for Little Bookaburras Pack to a Western Australian child. All donations of $2 or more are 100% tax deductible.
Our 2026 Partners
Louise Jones,
in memory of her sister Beverley,
a lifelong passionate reader.
Paul Jones,
in memory of Allan and Wendy Jones,
educators.
Fremantle Press authors donating royalties and time to the Bookaburras program
Renae Hayward, Rebecca Mills, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, Helen Milroy, Chris Owen, Chris Nixon, Norman Jorgensen, James Foley, Ezekiel Kwaymullina, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Katie Stewart, Bronwyn Bancroft, Danny Parker, Ruth de Vos, Sally Morgan, Tracey Gibbs, Tyrown Waigana, Conor Mills, Clodagh Starr and Alison Mutton.