Children across Victoria are being encouraged to discover the joys of reading as part of the annual Premier’s Reading Challenge.
The challenge encourages children to read a set number of books over the year and record their efforts online and since it started 13 years ago, more than 2.2 million children have turned the pages of nearly 42 million books.
Goodstart Endeavour Hills – Barnsley Drive is an avid support of the reading challenge and has invited State Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan MP to come and read with children at the centre.
The special storytime will take place on May 5 at midday. All children in the centre, their educators and their parents are invited to join in.
Centre director Peta Wilkinson said it was so important to encourage a child’s love of books from infancy.
“Books introduce new ideas, new words, and opportunities to learn about the world. Inspiring a child’s love for reading and storytelling from an early age is something we embed in our daily practice,” Ms Wilkinson said.
"We know from evidence that reading to and with young children promotes brain development and language learning skills. The challenge is wonderful because it's also a great opportunity to get families involved to share the wonder of discovering a new book together."
As part of the challenge rules, below school age children must read or have read 40 books with a parent/guardian or with an educator at their early learning service during the challenge which runs from March until early September.
If you're keen to get a headstart on the this year's reading challenge, the 2017 early years booklist includes:
Poppy Cat by Sara Acton
My Friend Bear by Jes Alborough
Cuthbert's Babies by Pamela Allen
Our Daft Dog Danny by Pamella Allen
Pearl Barley and Charley Parsley by Aaron Blabey
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards
The Little Dragon by Mem Fox
Queen Victoria's Underpants by Jackie French
For the full list, click here