What books do planets read? Comet books.

While we can’t wander far right now, books can take us to places beyond our four walls – and into new galaxies. We know that reading helps kids expand their imaginations, as well as their empathy and concentration. In what other ways is storytime significant for a child’s development?

Each of these podcast episodes explores kids’ relationships with reading. Beloved Australian children’s writer Mem Fox chats with Michael Williams about moments of tenderness and connection that can be found in reading aloud. Creator of the hugely popular Billie B Brown and Hey Jack! series, Sally Rippin shares tips on engaging reluctant readers. And in You Read Me?, she talks with author/illustrator Shaun Tan and two young editors from children’s literary journal Early Harvest to find out what young bookworms really want to read. 

Time for stories

If you’re stuck at home, you’re not alone.

We’ve put together a handful of storytime options from around the web that you and your kids can enjoy from wherever you are … to transport yourselves to wherever you’d like to be.

• Little Bookroom Storytime Online
• Stay At Home Storytime with Oliver Jeffers
• Save with stories
  
• Elevenses with David Walliams 
• Storytime Online 
• Story Box Library 
• Online Story Time and Baby Rhyme Time @ Home with Maribyrnong Library