Curious Creatures competition and Storytimes for Book Week

6 October 2020

Look out for some very curious creatures in Bega Valley Shire libraries throughout October as children’s Book Week 2020 celebrations feature a Curious Creature Competition, in-person Storytimes and a chance for children to be a shadow judge and name their Book of the Year.

“We know children in the Bega Valley have wild and wonderful imaginations and we’re putting out the challenge for them to fill up our libraries with some amazing and unbelievably wacky and curious creatures,” said library coordinator, Megan Jordan-Jones.

“School holidays are the perfect time to get together with a friend or two and see who can make the weirdest curious creature.

“It’s fun and you might just win a prize”.

To enter the competition, drop off your creature or creatures to your nearest library at Bermagui, Bega, Tura or Eden by Wednesday 14 October.

Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick will judge the winners, to be announced on Friday 23 October.

Your curious creature should be no bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and can be made out of materials that are not dangerous or toxic, won’t break down or dissolve while on display (such as food items) and do not have a strong smell.

Creatures will be displayed at all libraries and will be featured on an online gallery via the library’s website.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) brings children, families, books and reading together for Book Week each year to recognise Australian authors and illustrators with a series of prestigious awards.

“Book Week is a true celebration of the real and positive impact books and reading have on fostering early literacy skills in children and lifelong learning as we get older,” said Ms Jordan-Jones.

“For the first time since the COVID lockdown, we’re excited to offer special in-person Storytime events during Book Week.”

However, Storytime spots are limited due to COVID Safe restrictions and bookings are essential via www.begavalleyshirelibrary.eventbrite.com

“This year, kids have the chance to be a shadow judge and choose their own Early Childhood Book of the Year,” added Ms Jordan-Jones.

The judging form is available on the library’s website for children to score the shortlisted stories.

Drop off your judging forms to one of our libraries by Thursday 22 October to see if you picked the same winner as the CBCA judges, or email forms to [email protected]

More information on Book Week Storytimes and activities is available at https://library.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Established in 1945, the CBCA is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians.

The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature. Visit their website at www.cbca.org.au