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 the love of reading that can make a positive difference in their lives.
The Impact of Bookaburras
‘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
Department of Education and Training Victoria research shows a direct causal effect between the frequency of reading to children at a young age and future schooling outcomes, regardless of family background and environment.
In its first year, the Bookaburras program distributed 14,184 books to 4,728 children across all regions in Western Australia.
- 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 inter-generational capacity and literacy.
- The program acknowledges that one book is not enough: reading more books expands sensory awareness, perspective and compassion.
With help from a new pilot program supported by the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge and Kindlinks, will visit local early learning centres for Storytime sessions throughout the state.
About the books
Playgroups, kindergartens and early learning centres across WA, help distribute a Books for Little Bookaburras Book Pack. 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.
‘The books were of fantastic quality and perfect for our age group. It meets the needs of our locality as well, as many families struggle to access books for their kids.’
Clare Smith
‘… great resource for classrooms for examples of similes and good literature … but also the children love them‘
Jessica Sinclair
Introducing Renae Hayward,
2024 Bookaburras Ambassador
‘Sharing a book with a favourite grown-up is one of the best ways to develop literacy in kids.’
Renae Hayward
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 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 to the Bookaburras program
Renae Hayward and Rebecca Mills, Helen Milroy, Chris Owen and Chris Nixon, Norman Jorgensen and James Foley, Ezekiel and Ambelin Kwaymullina and Kyle Hughes-Odgers.