Dreaming With Eyes Open | Book Week 2022 | Careforkids.com.au

Every year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together to celebrate CBCA Book Week. During this time early childhood education and child care services, schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators and children celebrate Australian children's literature in a variety of ways.

This year, book week begins on 20 August following the announcement of the CBCA Book of the Year and runs through until Friday 26 August. The theme for this year's book week is 'Dreaming with eyes open', which opens a world of possibilities, themes, costume ideas and books to discover for kids. 

Educators, classroom teachers, early learning and child care centre managers, teacher librarians and public librarians will be creating colourful displays, developing activities, running competitions and telling stories relating to the theme to highlight the importance of reading. What do you have planned for your Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service for this year's Book Week?

Here are the contenders for this year's Early Childhood Book of the Year:

When the waterhole dries up

by Kaye Baillie

It’s bath time in the outback, and a dusty boy is waiting, but so are some very dusty and very cheeky animals. Will this boy ever get clean?

What do your call your grandma?

by Ashleigh Barton

An inclusive picture book for grandparents everywhere.

Walk of the whales

by Nick Bland

When all of the whales in the ocean leave their home to walk around on land, people don’t quite know what to think. But soon shopkeepers go out of business, farms are flooded with water and salt, and people shout horrible, anti-whale words. That is, until, a smart little girl decides to ask the whales what everyone can do to help.

Amira's suitcase

by Vikki Conley

It begins with a tiny seed growing inside a suitcase. With Amira’s care, the tiny seed starts to sprout. Find out what happens when kindness flourishes...Amira’s Suitcase is a gentle, thought-provoking tale about friendship and hope.

Jetty jumping

by Andrea Rowe

While Milla’s friends take big, brave jumps off the jetty, Milla stays on the blistering wood, scared of what lurks below. But when Milla accidentally falls off the edge, she discovers the beauty of the deep, dark sea – and her summer changes forever.

Winston and the indoor cat

by Leila Ridge

A story about seeing what life is like on the other side of the window.

Two very different cats: Winston, a free-spirited explorer; and The Indoor Cat, lover of leisure; form a friendship and show each other how different their lives could be. Can The Indoor Cat be enticed by outdoor adventure? Will Winston be tempted by a life of indoor luxury?