Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and libraries across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs are celebrating Children’s Book Week. The annual week, which this year runs from August 16-23, celebrates children’s literature. The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘book an adventure’. Librarians from across Melbourne’s north-west have shared their must-read children’s books to mark the week.
Olivia Evans – Romsey librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
I have a few favourites but the children’s book I enjoy reading and sharing with our storytime families the most is ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle, which is what inspired my book week costume this year.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fun, colourful story with a good message behind it; embracing transformation and change is an exciting opportunity even when it feels scary, as well as making better choices when it comes to what we eat when we’re hungry (gorging ourselves on junk food will give you a tummy ache!). I’ve always liked this quote by Erice Carle, sharing his thoughts on the book’s popularity: ” I believe most children can identify with the helpless, small, insignificant caterpillar, and they rejoice with it when it turns into a beautiful butterfly. It is an affirmation to all children. It says: I too can grow up. I, too, can unfold my wings and fly into the world. I think it’s this message of hope”.
Karen Madsen- Woodend librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
One Little Duck – Katrina Germein
I really love this book because it is a lovely take on five little ducks. It has lots of repetition and brings in lots opportunity for interaction and noisy fun as a whole gang of different animals follow the duckling home.
Ducks Away! By Mem Fox
Another duck book I love to read aloud. Lots of fun and suspense as the ducklings all end up in the river, leaving mother duck behind.
Rosie Turner- Whittlesea librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
My favourite children’s book is Hairy Maclary’s Caterwaul Caper by Lynley Dodd. It’s pure fun, brilliantly illustrated, and almost impossible to read without doing the voices (which is half the joy, right?). I can’t help but get right into the characters when I read this book and it’s chaotic, cheeky and hilarious.
Christian Arjona- Sunshine librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
My favourite book has to be The Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. I’ve read it over 10 times. A comedic story about overcoming the odds, the struggles of survival and finding ultimate success and happiness. A light and enjoyable read for any age group or audience.
Tram Le – Sunshine librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
The Singing Mermaid. I enjoy reading this book for the children and talk about life lessons behind the story narrative.
Michelle Sanahon- Sunshine librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
It would have to be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis – not just for its storyline, but it was also the first novel I read as a kid, which makes it very memorable.
Dayle Dunshea – Wyndham librarian
What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
Cheer Up, Blobfish! The Festival of Fish is on and all the fish, including Blobfish, have come to celebrate however Blobfish is looking glum. The other fish try to cheer him up, unsuccessfully. Afterwards, Blobfish travels back down to the deep dark ocean, and as he reaches his natural habitat, his face changes to a big smile. It’s such a sweet book, I may have teared up when I first read it.
