Lake Illawarra South Public School is celebrating Book Week with a book character parade, a musical featuring this year’s shortlisted books, and daily Facebook riddles about which character teacher Emily Linsell will dress up as each day.

“We know how important reading is and the vital role it plays in lifting student outcomes,” principal Karen Simula said.

“This is a fun way for our school community to engage in Book Week and celebrate the magical moments that can only be found in literature.”

So far this week Ms Linsell, who teaches class 1/2L, has dressed up as Willy Wonka and Where’s Wally and joined staff in a tribute to 80 years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards, with each wearing a letter to spell out ‘Happy 80th CBCA’.

In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure’, the school transformed its front office into a travel agency before buckling up for the annual Book Week parade.

“Welcome aboard Lake Illawarra South Airlines Flight 3867 to Book Week Adventures,” Ms Simula announced.

“Refreshments will be served throughout our flight today, and in-flight entertainment will be provided by Lake Illawarra South Public School.

“Thank you again for choosing Lake Illawarra South Airlines for your adventure today.”

And with that, the passengers were cleared for take-off – no passport required, just their imagination and a love of reading.

From reading books to writing them

Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 welcomed local author and former teacher Karen Hendriks for a special Book Week reading of her latest title, Vesper Jones and Marshmallow.

The picture book chronicles how Vesper Jones – tired of Scary Things visiting her dreams – teams up with her cat, Marshmallow, to use a Dream Changer to push them away.

Buzz Words Books said in a review: “Karen Hendriks has woven together whimsy and wisdom to empower children aged four and older to face their fears.”

Principal Karen Simula said the visit was an inspiring experience for the students, who also engaged in fun activities and a Q&A session with the author.

“It is always special to have Karen visit our school to share her love of literature and the joy that reading can bring,” Ms Simula said.

“As a previous staff member, we are proud of her new career and achievements.

“As she said to us, all her books hold a piece of her and her experiences in the local Shellharbour area, and to hear her speak to the students was truly inspiring.

“Book Week and visits like these are a great opportunity to share and foster a love of literature and the joy that reading can bring.”

Ms Hendriks said she was a primary teacher for many years “until I knew in my heart that it was time to write for children”.

“As a teacher I shared picture books every day and was captivated by their magic. For me it is always about children reading,” she said.