There’s a moment, when your child’s eyes widen at the turn of a page, or when they giggle as a favourite character comes to life, that perfectly captures the wonder of Book Week.
At Kids Academy Early Learning, we believe this celebration is more than just costumes and craft. It’s about stepping into the worlds we read about, discovering new ideas, and helping children fall in love with the magic of stories.
This year’s Book Week 2025 promises to be bigger, brighter, and more imaginative than ever, and we’ve got everything you need to join in the adventure.
When is Book Week 2025?
Get ready to mark your calendar: Book Week runs from Saturday, 16 August to Saturday, 23 August 2025.
During this special week, schools, early learning centres, and libraries across Australia transform into storybook wonderlands, places where dragons roam, fairies sprinkle magic, and explorers set out on grand adventures.
The celebration is led by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), which has been championing children’s literature since 1945. As part of the event, the CBCA also reveals its Book of the Year winners, a great way to discover fresh stories to share with your child.
The Book Week 2025 Theme
The theme for Book Week 2025 is "Book an Adventure" and we can’t think of a better invitation for curious little minds.
This theme encourages children to:
- Travel to new worlds without leaving their cosy reading corner
- Meet extraordinary characters, from brave animals to daring heroes
- Stretch their imaginations and see what’s possible
For a preschooler, “adventure” can be as simple as pretending the couch is a pirate ship, the garden is a magical forest, or the playground slide leads to another universe.
Book Week Ideas for Preschoolers
Book Week can be filled with colour, excitement, and creativity, without the need for expensive costumes or complicated plans. Here are some ideas to make the week unforgettable for your child.
1. Easy, Comfortable Costumes
Little ones are happiest when they can run, play, and explore, so comfort comes first. Here are a few simple ideas you can create with things you already have at home:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Green clothing, plus a colourful paper headband.
- Where’s Wally? - Striped shirt, beanie, and a cheeky smile.
- Bluey - Light blue clothes with felt or paper ears.
- Spot the Dog - Yellow shirt with brown felt spots.
- Peter Rabbit - Blue cardigan and a toy carrot or bunny.
Tip: Let your child help choose their costume - it’s part of the excitement!
2. Story-Inspired Play
Not every child wants to dress up, and that’s perfectly fine. You can still bring stories to life with playful activities:
- Backyard adventure - Hide story clues or props in the garden for your child to discover.
- Storytime picnic - Pack books and snacks, find a sunny spot, and read together.
- Make your own book - Fold paper into a little booklet and help your child “write” and illustrate their own story.
- Shadow play - Use a torch and hand shadows to retell a favourite tale.
3. Diverse Stories to Explore
One of the joys of Book Week is discovering new voices and perspectives. Here are a few beautiful options:
- Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy
- Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
- The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran
These books invite children to explore different cultures, experiences, and ways of seeing the world.
How Kids Academy Early Learning Celebrates Book Week
At Kids Academy, we go all in for Book Week, because we know how powerful these shared moments can be for children’s language, creativity, and confidence.
Here’s what you can expect in our centres during the week:
- Dress-up days - Our classrooms burst with colour and imagination as children (and educators!) arrive in their favourite book character outfits.
- Daily storytelling - From well-loved classics to new adventures, our educators choose books that spark curiosity and discussion.
- Linked learning experiences - Craft, music, and outdoor play are themed around the stories we read.
- Family stories - Parents and carers are invited to share their favourite childhood book.
These activities are woven into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, ensuring children not only enjoy the magic of Book Week but also build the skills they’ll use for a lifetime.
Keeping the Magic Alive at Home
Book Week might only last a week, but the love of reading can grow every day. Here’s how to make storytelling part of your family’s world:
1. Make Reading a Daily Ritual
Bedtime is perfect, but breakfast or afternoon quiet time works just as well.
2. Create a Cosy Reading Corner
A few cushions, a blanket, and a small stack of books can turn any corner into an inviting reading space.
3. Let Their Interests Lead
Find books that match your child’s passions, whether that’s dinosaurs, fairies, trucks, or animals.
4. Visit the Library
Libraries are treasure troves for families, with free storytimes and craft sessions perfect for preschoolers.
5. Be Their Reading Role Model
Show them you value books - read your own and talk about the stories you love.
Where to Find More Book Week 2025 Inspiration
- Children’s Book Council of Australia- Official dates, theme, and Book of the Year winners.
- Kids Academy Lifelong Learning Curriculum - How we foster a lifelong love of reading.
- Find Your Nearest Kids Academy Centre - See how we bring events like Book Week to life.
Final Thoughts
Book Week 2025 is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a week of colour, laughter, creativity, and connection. It’s the sparkle in your child’s eyes when they hear a story told just right, the joy of pretending to be a favourite character, and the thrill of “booking” their own little adventure.
Whether you’re crafting a costume, reading together under a blanket, or joining in the celebrations at Kids Academy Early Learning, this year’s theme - Book an Adventure - reminds us that every page turned is a new place to explore.
Don’t forget: Book Week runs from Saturday, 16 August to Saturday, 23 August 2025.
Give your child the gift of magical learning moments every day. Find your nearest Kids Academy centre and book a tour today.