It’s hard to miss – but in case you have, this week is Book Week. 

With the rise of digital everything, you may wonder why we would set aside an entire week to celebrate what some may consider an ‘old-school’ form of entertainment, communication and learning. Others on the other end of the spectrum may wonder why we celebrate something that our students are engaged with every day anyway. 

The reality is books have been, are and will continue to be life changing.  

Maybe you can think of a book that has changed the way you thought about life, your family or yourself? Maybe there’s a book character with whom you have empathised with more than an actual person, and whose character still sticks in your mind? Maybe there’s a book that has made you laugh or cry harder than anything else has?  

Whatever the reason, most of us will have a book that has changed us in a way no other medium could. In fact, the data is irrefutable. Books are important for all of us, but particularly our children. I’ve compiled a short list of reasons below: 

• Regular exposure to books improves children’s vocabulary, comprehension and overall language abilities. 
• Children who are read to at home tend to perform better in a wide range of academic areas.
• Books promote imagination and creativity in a way digital texts do not. 
• Regular reading helps children develop focus, patience and the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.  
• Reading together provides quality time for families to connect, discuss ideas and enjoy each other’s company.  

Book Week is full of fun – special buddy class activities, lunch time events, an author visit, and, of course, the Book Week Parade. But it is much more than that – it’s a time to remember and embrace the life-changing power of books and build a love of reading that will continue to change our children’s lives as they grow. 

Of course, as a person and school of faith, we should also remember that amongst the wonderful picture books, novels, graphic novels, and non-fiction texts we have, there is one book that holds infinite more value and potential to change-lives - the Bible. There's a reason it is called 'The Book'. Reading the Bible has all the benefits of reading any other book – plus so much more. The Bible contains words not of human inspiration, but words inspired by God. Through them we learn about Him, His love for us, and His desire for us to experience life as He designed it to be.  

If you do not have a copy of the Bible for your family and would like one – or would like to know more about what you can read inside – please contact me. I would love to give you one to read with your family during Book Week, and beyond.