Book Week 2026 — Symphony of Stories Teaching Resources

Get ready for Children's Book Week 2026 with printable worksheets, activities, crafts and more ideas to celebrate the joy of books with your students!

This teacher-created resource collection has hundreds of fresh ideas designed to be used in the primary classroom to encourage students to get hooked on a book.

Is this your first year teaching on Book Week, or are you just looking for more information? Explore this primer from our teacher team, including a look at the 2026 Book Week theme.

What Is Book Week?

Organised every year by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), Children's Book Week is an opportunity for you to promote a love of reading in your classroom and to celebrate Australian authors and illustrators. The August event has been observed since 1945, and primary schools and libraries across Australia have the chance to join in the fun of celebrating literature with in-class Book Week activities and even favourite book character parades.

In addition to the various activities in this teaching resource collection, you can also encourage your students to participate in the CBCA Book of the Year awards by reading and reviewing the shortlisted books!

Book Week is the perfect opportunity to explore the library with your class!

When Is Children's Book Week 2026?

Typically held in August every year in Australia, the Book Week activities and events in 2026 will run from the 22nd to the 28th of August.

What Is the CBCA Book Week 2026 Theme?

Every year since 1987, the CBCA has chosen a Book Week theme to inspire teachers, librarians and children in their participation. Artwork for the event is then developed by the winner of the previous Picture Book of the Year illustrator.

The theme for 2026 is "Symphony of Stories," and the featured artist is Australian illustrator Briony Stewart, known for books such as Gymnastica Fantastica.

Past Book Week Themes and Illustrators

Sometimes, looking at past themes can help inspire your ideas for Book Week costumes and activities.

Past Children's Book Week themes have included

• Book an Adventure
• Reading is Magic
• Read, Grow, Inspire
• Dreaming with eyes open...
• Reading is My Secret Power
• Curious Creatures, Wild Minds

Some of the illustrators who have been honoured with a chance to create the imagery that inspires young readers include

• Jess McGeachin
• Gwyn Perkins
• Shaun Tan
• Anna Walker

Who Is Briony Stewart?

Briony Stewart, an award-winning author and illustrator from Perth, Western Australia, has created 25 books for children, including the popular Kumiko and the Dragon series. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of children’s literature to shape culture, spark imagination, and connect readers of all ages.

Beyond writing and illustrating, Briony has shared her expertise as a lecturer in children’s literature at Curtin University and travels widely to deliver talks and creative workshops. Her outreach spans from bustling cities to some of Australia’s most remote communities, where she inspires both children and adults to engage with stories.

Keep an eye on this Book Week teaching resource collection as we add more themed Book Week activities for your primary students!