Victorian Prep students to receive free book packs to support literacy and school readiness

The Allan Labor Government will provide every government school Prep student in Victoria with a free bag of high-quality children’s books in 2026, supporting early literacy and easing cost-of-living pressures for families.

The initiative, aims to foster a lifelong love of reading and strengthen children’s transition from early childhood education into primary school. Around 65,000 children starting Prep in 2026 will receive five engaging picture books, chosen by a panel of literacy and education experts.

During a visit to Mountain Gate Primary School, Acting Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced the five titles that will be included in next year’s Prep Bags:

• Chooks in Dinner Suits – Diane Jackson Hill, illustrated by Craig Smith
• The Concrete Garden – written and illustrated by Bob Graham
• Frank’s Red Hat – written and illustrated by Sean E Avery
• The Bin Monster – Annabelle Hale
• Sharing – Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, illustrated by Leanne Mulgo Watson

Each book has been selected for its literacy value and potential to resonate with children aged four to six, including themes of belonging, curiosity, kindness and environmental care.

To ensure accessibility, all five books will also be produced in Braille with tactile illustrations by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre for children who are blind or have low vision.

The Books in Prep Bags initiative, launched in 2019, has already delivered more than 2.2 million books to families across Victoria. It reflects research showing that shared reading at home, particularly during the transition from kindergarten to school, strengthens language development, supports emerging literacy, and fosters strong parent–child relationships.

The book pack program complements the Victorian Government’s broader commitment to foundational literacy. This includes the mandatory teaching of phonics in early years classrooms and the introduction of a Year 1 Phonics Check in government primary schools in 2025. Full implementation of phonics education is expected by 2027.

Minister Carroll said the initiative ensures all children have access to great books, regardless of background or location.

“We’re helping families with the cost of living and giving every Prep student the chance to fall in love with reading from day one,” he said.

“Every child deserves the best start to their education, and that includes access to great books, no matter their background or where they live.”

By placing high-quality books into the hands of every Prep student, the initiative aims to promote equity in early education, support the critical role of families in fostering literacy, and build strong foundations for lifelong learning.