Bringing stories to the streets

Reading came to life in Mansfield last week as the town's schools, kindergartens and childcare facilities celebrated the 80th anniversary of Children's Book Week. With this year’s theme 'Book an Adventure' local schools took the storybook characters off the page and out into the streets, making reading an interactive, town-wide event. Mansfield Primary School kicked off the festivities with a full school parade before students visited various local businesses for special story time sessions. In what has become an annual tradition, different year groups enjoy books read aloud to them in locations throughout the town. The Mansfield Armchair Cinema always participates, hosting students from the school. Karen Oliver of the cinema looks forward to Book Week every year. "We were lucky to have Mansfield Primary School grade six and grade four students come and have a story at the cinema on Wednesday for book week," she said. To solve the problem of a large group being unable to see a single book, she projects the story onto the big screen. "Both the children and teachers love it," Karen said. Kim Stoney, founder of The Farmhouse, said staff and students had a huge day celebrating books and literacy, including a parade at the centre. "Our educators were totally committed to the celebration and had just as much fun as the children," she said. St. Mary's Primary School held its celebration on Thursday. "What an amazing day it was – full of colour, laughter, imagination, and books," said principal Mrs Trish Etcell. The school's book parade was also vibrant procession through the streets, before students met up on High Street in the median strip for story time in the sun. The parade route included a stop at the Mansfield Kindergarten and Cubby House, allowing the older students to interact with the younger children. "Well done to all our students & families for joining in the spirit of Book Week so wholeheartedly – your costumes, enthusiasm, imagination and smiles made it truly unforgettable," Mrs Etcell said.

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