It’s not rocket science but the key to improving early literacy is parent engagement.
A recent survey commissioned by Dymocks and conducted by YouGov found that more than two in five Australian kids (39%) own fewer than 11 books. So let’s turn that on its head and help our kids build the foundation for a brighter future by simply reading them a bedtime story.
Parents who value books in the home and are reading role models are crucial to shaping good literacy outcomes for their children. Literacy expert Louise Park says there’s a clear opportunity for parents to influence their child’s literacy development.
“The key to engaging young readers is to get them started as early as possible. Reading aloud to your kids every day builds the foundations for successful literacy acquisition. As they begin to ready themselves guide them in how to choose a book that is right for them. And then, when they are reading independently, letting them choose the books they want to read and book ownership are two of the most important things you can offer as a parent.”
Dymocks has launched a major national campaign Books for Kids to increase book ownership, promote reading for fun and raise literacy levels among disadvantaged children. From August 12 to 26, for every children’s book sold, Dymocks will donate to local literacy support programs for students who need it most. More than 12,000 students across Australia will benefit from this literacy windfall.
International superstar David Walliams has joined some of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors including Sally Rippin, Aaron Blabey, Jacqueline Harvey, Adam Spencer and Australian children’s laureate Leigh Hobbs in supporting Dymocks Books for Kids.
And to help you pick the best books for young children, here’s the top sellers in the category.
Pig was a Pug and Im sorry to say, he was greedy and selfish in most every way. Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is ill-tempered, rude and unreasonable. When Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens … Hopefully Pig has learned a lesson!
Join Andy and Terry in their ridiculous 91-storey treehouse! Go for a spin in the world’s most powerful whirlpool, take a ride in a submarine sandwich, get marooned on a desert island, hang out in a giant spider web, visit the fortune teller’s tent to get your fortune told by Madame Know-it-all and decide whether or not to push the mysterious big red button. Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!
The brilliant follow-up to David Walliams’ bestseller The World’s Worst Children! Ten more stories about a brand new gang of hilariously horrible kids from everyone’s favourite children’s author, illustrated in glorious full colour by Tony Ross. If you thought you had read about the World’s Worst Children already, you’re in for a rather nasty shock. The beastly boys and gruesome girls in this book are even ruder, even more disgusting and WORSE than you could ever imagine! This gorgeous collection of ten stories from the master himself, David Walliams, will make you snort with laughter and thank your lucky stars that you don’t know anyone like Gruesome Griselda or Fussy Frankie in real life. It also features a special appearance from fan-favourite Raj! Gloriously illustrated in full colour throughout by artistic genius Tony Ross, The World’s Worst Children 2 is a side-splitting companion to David’s blockbuster hit, The World’s Worst Children, and the perfect gift for kids aged 9 and up.
From Australia’s best-selling female author, Sally Rippin, comes Polly and Buster GÇô a brand new junior fiction series about the magic of friendship. Who ever heard of a witch and a monster being friends? Everyone knows that witches don’t mix with monsters. Witches are educated, clever, sophisticated. But monsters? Monsters are just uncouth. Some are even dangerous. But Polly the witch and Buster the feelings monster have been best friends forever. It’s the sort of friendship that makes your heart squeeze with happiness. Somehow, they’ve managed to keep their friendship a secret. Until one day, when everything changes … Sally Rippin is the author of over 50 books for young readers, including the best-selling Billie B Brown early reader series, and its recent spin-offs, A Billie B Mystery, Billie’s Adventures and the Hey Jack! series. Her new series Polly and Buster is accompanied by her own enchanting illustrations.
Alice-Miranda is home for the holidays! In a startling turn of events, Alice-Miranda unexpectedly finishes the school term earlier than planned. Holidays should be a time for fun and a chance to catch up with friends, but it seems all is not well at Highton Hall. There is trouble afoot with the family business and it’s got everyone worried. Scores of people have been struck down with a mystery illness and it looks as if Kennington’s may be responsible. Meanwhile, there is an annual garden party to prepare for. And the whole village is invited! Throw in an intriguing neighbour, a runaway and a swindler and it may be the perfect recipe for disaster. Alice-Miranda will have to trust her intuition to find the key to unlock this mystery.
For more tips to encourage kids to start reading, click here.
Robyn Foyster is a multi‑award‑winning journalist, tech entrepreneur, and founder of The Carousel, Women Love Tech, Women Love Travel, Women Love Health and Game Changers. With over 30 years’ experience across print, digital, TV, and immersive media, she’s been at the forefront of shaping Australia’s female narrative
Robyn’s mission for The Carousel is to empower women through expert-driven, impact-focused storytelling. Whether it’s wellness, career, personal growth, or eco-conscious living, the platform is guided by her belief that well-informed women can change the world.
