Hip hip hooray for play! As we spotlight the annual Queensland Children’s Week this 2023, Play Matters Australia, a well-regarded not-for-profit organization based in Brisbane, introduces two delightfully play-centered picture books. These wonderful books, written with the intent to highlight the vital role of play in everyday activities, are the organization’s first introductions into the world of children’s literature.
Who’s ready for a fun adventure? Brilliantly penned by Queensland authors Karen Tyrrell and Dannika Patterson, “Let’s Play” and “I Can’t Wait to Play!” encapsulate the joy and benefits of play. Helping every reader explore a world filled with games like peekaboo, singing, baking, reading, and even the simplicity of grocery shopping, road-crossing, and cleanup times, these books are designed with children under the age of five in mind.
Part of Play Matters Australia’s golden anniversary celebration, these books are not merely for entertainment, but to further cement play as a fundamental aspect of early childhood development.
Energised and enthusiastic, Ms Penny Creamer, the CEO of Play Matters Australia, expresses her belief in the power of play. She explains how the first 1000 days of a child’s life are of vital importance for development and that play is a crucial part of this process. She speaks a firm truth: play is not only a child’s gateway to learning, growth, and development but also where they find joy.
“We believe these picture books perfectly embody the theme of Children’s Week 2023, Article 31 – Children have the right to relax, play, and take part in activities they enjoy. These books share the joy of play and celebrate its benefits, and we are thrilled to bring them to young readers and families across the nation,” Ms Creamer added.
The themes illuminated in these books also support Play Matters Australia’s award-winning Sing&Grow program, which encourages play, praise, and consistency.
From donning costumes, to pulling faces, and enjoying bubble baths, “I Can’t Wait to Play!” explores how play can help young children learn, develop, and grow. In “Let’s Play”, author Karen Tyrrell celebrates the numerous play opportunities that each new day presents, both at home and outside.
The books are now available for playgroups that register their Children’s Week celebrations on the Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ) website. Thanks to the joint venture between CRQ and Play Matters Australia, 500 copies of the books will be distributed across the state. Funding for these books has been partially provided by the Department of Social Services.
Let’s all march toward a future where children are given endless opportunities for play, development, and happiness by saying yes to the adventure that awaits in “Let’s Play” and “I Can’t Wait to Play!”. These books are not just a fantastic read, but a tribute to the wondrous world of childhood playtime.
Play Matters Australia, in partnership with Children’s Rights Queensland, is making terrific strides towards encouraging positive play for children under five. These organisations truly understand the critical importance of play in a child’s early years and are actively working to promote this vital aspect through actions and literature.
It is heartwarming to see that these two beautifully illustrated books will be made readily available to those who register their Children’s Week celebrations on the CRQ website. With 500 copies all set for distribution, children across Queensland are sure to enjoy the magic of play through these charming books.
Unlock the fun and excitement of Children’s Week 2023 by diving into “Let’s Play” and “I Can’t Wait to Play!”. These books, partially funded by the Department of Social Services, are a great way to foster development, promote learning, and ensure that the joy of play is never out of reach for our children. Let’s fill our children’s days with good vibes, smiles, laughter, and playful energy!
In the immortal words of Karen Tyrrell and Dannika Patterson, “Inside or out. Grey skies or blue, life’s more fun when we play, it’s true!” This Queensland Children’s Week 2023, join Play Matters Australia and Children’s Rights Queensland in celebrating the power and joy of play.
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