2024 Books for Little Bookaburras launched at KindiLink

WA’s Minister for Early Childhood Education launched the 2024 Books for Little Bookaburras at the KindiLink early learning centre at Bentley Primary School on 8 May.

An initiative of Fremantle Press, and sponsored by the Premier’s Reading Challenge, the Books for Little Bookaburras event was made possible with the generous support of the sponsors, partners and authors. 

During her speech to the assembled gathering, which also included Hannah Beazley MLA Member for Victoria Park, patrons, authors and representatives from the Department of Education and the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Bookaburras Ambassador Renae Hayward and 30 children, parents and grandparents, Ms Winton emphasised the importance of local stories by a local publisher for local Western Australian children.

Premier’s Reading Challenge mascot Dewey Dex was also in attendance, along with Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan. Bentley Primary School students, Rakis and Natalie conducted an Acknowledgement of Country, with the assembled crowd learning more about how important it is to share stories from local authors and illustrators, and the importance of reading to children. 

There was a sing along session, and a story time session with Bookaburras Ambassador and author of Say Hooray, Renae Hayward, whose beautiful book of first experiences, illustrated by Rebecca Mills, is featured in the packs this year. 

As well as Say Hooray, each child received a copy of Helen Milroy’s Bush Birds and another Fremantle Press picture book. All the creators donated their royalties to the Little Bookaburras program.  

“It was a very exciting morning for all the families, and for Fremantle Press, as this marks the beginning of a more strategic relationship with KindiLink state wide,” a Fremantle Press spokesperson said. 

KindiLink educators will provide specially tailored activities and support to all centres, helping to create the ‘buzz’ around reading. 

To learn more about the work of Fremantle Press please see here.