Read the room: Book Bash returns to make reading fun for Victorian school kids

 State Library Victoria’s rock-star writing event Book Bash is back with 3 of Australia's favourite children's authors set to wow primary school students across Victoria. 

Designed by teachers for teachers, Book Bash makes reading and writing exciting and fun, a key part of building literacy. Book Bash sees leading authors beamed into the classrooms across the State, to share tips and tricks on how to write an amazing story.

More than 130,000 kids have participated in Book Bash since 2023, learning from leading authors such as Andy Griffiths, Sally Rippin, Anh Do and Matt Cosgrove. The program is also a hit with teachers – aligned with Curriculum 2.0 and designed to be engaging, impactful and inspire a life-long love of reading. Best of all, Book Bash doesn’t cost schools anything to join in.

Held in partnership with the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, the 2026 author line-up includes Jess McGeachin, Amie Kaufman and Huda Hayek, with live workshops running across 16–18 June. 

With one-third of Australian school children unable to read properly*, State Library Victoria Education and Family Programs Manager Mairead Kennedy said programs like this are more important than ever. 

'To improve students' literacy, you need a multifaceted approach, and Book Bash aims to do this in two ways. The author workshops will unpack the mechanics of creative writing so that students know the steps needed to create their own writing pieces,' she said.  

'The workshops include teacher resources which allow the classroom teacher to adjust the lesson based on their student cohort. The event also encourages students to develop a love of reading. By meeting the authors and having the chance to win some of their books, students are encouraged to learn more about their craft by exploring their story worlds.'

State Library Victoria Acting CEO Alistair Mytton said the Library is delighted to run the event again.   

‘Book Bash is one of the Library’s most popular and impactful education programs. The workshops give students real life experience in creating engaging plots and characters, as well as the chance to learn from Australia's leading authors. With the support of the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge, we are thrilled we can make that happen for thousands of Victorian kids.’

For more information and to book go to slv.vic.gov.au/learn/schools-programs/book-bash 

  

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*One-third of Australian school children cannot read properly. Hunter, J., Stobart, A., Haywood, A. ‘The Reading Guarantee: How to give every child the best chance of success’, Grattan Institute, February 2024.