We are thrilled to invite our school community to celebrate Book Week from Monday, 18 August to Friday, 22 August. It’s a special week of storytelling, creativity, and inspiration—culminating in two exciting visits from talented creators whose work our students already know and love.
Wednesday 20 August – Visiting Author Jared Thomas (Years 3–6)
We are delighted to welcome Jared Thomas, the author of Uncle Xbox, one of our class novels enjoyed by our Year 4’s. Jared is a proud Nukunu man of Nukunu, Ngadjuri, Scottish and Irish heritage. He grew up immersed in traditional culture and storytelling on Nukunu land. Jared is co‑author of the Game Day! basketball series developed with Olympic basketball star Patty Mills, these stories blend sports, identity and Indigenous pride. Uncle Xbox, has earned praise for its authenticity, humour and heart, and was short‑listed in the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia awards for Younger Readers, as well as the 2023 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards. Whether your child loves gaming, surfing, or cultural stories, Jared’s talk promises to bring Uncle Xbox—and its themes of cultural connection, family and belonging—to life.
Friday 22 August – Visiting Illustrator Danny Snell (Reception to Year 2)
On Friday our younger students will enjoy a visit from Danny Snell, the illustrator behind this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime title, The Truck Cat, which captured hearts across Australia. Danny is a freelance illustrator based right here in Adelaide. As a child, he was a reluctant reader, drawn instead to pictures—so today he creates stories through his art, working across editorial, design, advertising and children’s books. Danny has illustrated many award‑winning books, including titles that won the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the Environment Award for Children’s Literature, and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year. Danny’s presentation will fascinate our youngest readers by revealing how illustrations are imagined, designed, and brought to life—especially in a story as heartwarming as The Truck Cat.
Why These Visits Matter
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Deeper connection: Students who have read Uncle Xbox or The Truck Cat get to meet the creatives behind the stories.
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Role models: Both guests are local creators, making powerful contributions to Australian literature and culture.
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Creative insight: Jared and Danny gift us a window into how stories are built—through words or images—and inspire kids to explore their own creative voices.
Want a Personally Signed Book?
We’re excited to offer families the opportunity to purchase books by Jared Thomas or Danny Snell to be personally signed on the day of their visit—thanks to our wonderful partnership with Shakespeare’s Bookshop, a proud local independent bookstore in Blackwood.
Even better—10% of the cost of each book purchased will be returned to the school as a credit towards future library purchases!
To order:
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Visit www.shakespearesbooks.com.au and create an account.
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Search for Jared Thomas or Danny Snell to see their available titles.
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Select the book(s) you’d like to order—even if they appear out of stock, they can still be ordered.
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Under the delivery details, enter your child’s name, class, and the school address.
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Choose free school delivery.
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Complete payment using the available options.
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The books will be delivered to school, signed by the author or illustrator, and handed to your child on the day of their visit.
📌 Please note: All orders must be placed by WEDNESDAY 6th AUGUST to ensure delivery in time.
We can’t wait for Book Week to be a celebration of stories, creativity and community. Let’s help foster a love of books—and support our local bookshop in the process!
Warm Regards,
The Book Week Planning Committee.