A Symphony of Stories: Bringing Book Week to Life Through Sensory Play

Australia's Children's Book Week runs from 22–28 August 2026, with this year's theme, “Symphony of Stories.”

It's a wonderful reminder that stories don't have to finish when we close the book.

For young children, a favourite story can become an opportunity to touch, build, imagine, talk and play.

Australian parenting guidance highlights that reading and storytelling can support early literacy, imagination, concentration, communication and emotional development. Sharing stories can also strengthen the relationship between children and their parents or carers. 

🌿 Turn a Story Into Sensory Play

One simple idea is to create a sensory story basket.

Choose a favourite picture book and add a few safe objects inspired by the story—for example, animal figures, wooden blocks, textured fabrics or natural materials.

Then encourage your child to recreate parts of the story or invent an entirely new adventure.

There's no right or wrong way to play.

🧸 Build the Story

Blocks and open-ended toys can become houses, forests, castles, bridges or imaginary worlds.

Ask questions such as:

“What happens next?”

“Where is your character going?”

“Can you build somewhere for them to live?”

These little conversations can turn playtime into storytelling.

🎭 Act It Out

Children can also use puppets, toys, dress-ups or simply their imagination to become characters from a story.

Talking, singing, rhyming, and making up stories are all valuable ways to support children's emerging literacy skills.

💚 Read. Imagine. Play. Grow.

Children's Book Week is a lovely opportunity to rediscover the magic of reading together.

You don't need an elaborate activity. A favourite book, a few simple play materials and a child's imagination can be enough to create an entirely new world.

At My Sensory Nest, we believe some of the best learning happens when children are given the freedom to explore, create and discover through play.

For parents wanting more evidence-based reading ideas, the Raising Children Network reading and storytelling guide is an excellent Australian resource.