Robina Town Centre’s magical reading tree returns with local story-tellers, interactive crafts, plus the tree will play host to an adorable teddy bear’s picnic – all designed to engage and inspire young readers as part of this year’s Book Week celebrations from Friday August 16–23.

Children are invited to dress-up up as their favourite story book characters, settle-in on bean bags and cushions sprinkled under the branches of the magical reading tree, and listen and learn from inspiring storytellers who will share the art of reading, language and craft.

The highlight of the week will be a visit from Uncle Allan Lena, traditional Owner and Custodian of the Bunjalung and Yuggara Nations who’ll share a reading of Lenny and the Big Red Gullai by author Faith Baisden on Tuesday August 20 from 12:30–12:45 pm.

This beautiful rhyming story teaches Yugambeh language names for things found on a walk through the bush, and will be followed by an interactive craft activity making lady beetles and moths from 12:45–1:15 pm. This is a free activity with bookings essential.

Free craft workshops will also be on offer from August 17–19, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. No bookings required.

Local kids favourite, Fairy Ani will fly in too, with a special edition of Story Rhyme Time with Fairy Ani underneath the magical reading tree. Thirty-minute sessions will take place at 9:00 am, 9:45 am and 10:30 am on August 16, 21 and 23, with the ticket price of $5 per person to be donated to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Bookings are essential.