This year’s Book Week theme, Book an Adventure, inspired us to explore the joy of reading with a focus on homegrown adventures. Across Primary, we highlighted stories from every state and territory to encourage students to read widely and to develop their appreciation of the amazing authors and illustrators that call Australia home.
For our Year 3–6 readers, library staff showcased titles during book chats at the start of their weekly book exchanges. These regular book promotions have been instrumental in highlighting new releases, promoting genres, revisiting classics, and presenting wider reading options. Our Prep–Year 2 students ‘toured’ the country with books in travelling suitcases, inspiring them to discover new favourites at the Buddy Bench at first break.
We were fortunate to welcome bestselling Australian author Jacqueline Harvey as part of the Storyfest Literature Festival earlier this term. Our Year 1 and 2 students were captivated by Jacqueline’s humorous tales and the fascinating origins of her characters. She shared insights into her writing process and encouraged students to see both reading and writing as exciting adventures – sharing how everyday experiences can be transformed into amazing stories.
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Lower Primary students were delighted to discover that one of our Year 2 teachers, Carlene Jansen, had published her very first picture book. The Hat That Got Away is a rhyming story that takes readers on a playful chase after the wind whisks away Grandma’s hat. With themes of perseverance and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the book quickly became a favourite with both students and staff. Beautifully illustrated by Janet Tiitenen, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative talents within our own school community.
With the holidays fast approaching, why not continue the spirit of adventure with some fun reading at home? Here are some simple ways to keep imaginations travelling far and wide:
Plan a Reading Holiday
Set up a cosy reading corner or cubby and pack it with books and maps for your next literary or real-world day trip or holiday.
Adventure Story Swap
Take turns retelling holiday memories or book adventures.
Travel Journals
Keep a holiday reading or travel journal. Note down where your travels or books take you, who you meet along the way, and the amazing places you explore.
Explore Australia Through Books
Just like in Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester, you can travel across the country without leaving your seat. Whether it’s camping in the outback, riding waves at the beach, or visiting bustling cities, there are so many wonderful Australian stories that capture the spirit of adventure.
Take a sneak peek at Caloundra’s new Library
Caloundra’s new Library opens on Monday, 22 September 2025, at 10.00 am, and everyone’s welcome to join the celebration. Take a 3D virtual tour online to see the amazing spaces it will offer and make a date in your diary to visit during the holidays.
Discover the Sunshine Coast Story Seats
Pack a picnic and set off on a story trail. Across local parks, you’ll find 10 giant story seats, each celebrating a different Australian author or illustrator. Perfect for combining outdoor play with a love of books.
Wherever your family spends the holidays, may your adventures be full of books, stories, and imagination. After all, reading can take you anywhere – no plane ticket required.
Vanessa McKellar, Head of Library Services