Creating Books in Communities

Better Beginnings supports a cross-sector approach to community publishing for culturally diverse families. Artists work with young children and their parents to make books together. Creating Books in Communities aims to engage with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families. This is a partnership project between Better Beginnings and Kids' Own Publishing as part of the WePUBLISH - Books Build Bridges initiative.

Creating Books in Communities consists of four elements:

  • Books-To-Go - a program for children and their families to make their own books. Children fold and make a simple 8 page book which they write and illustrate on the spot. Their book is then published using a colour photocopier, leaving copies for other children to read in the Book Cubby.
  • A training program that builds the skills and capacity of artists, library staff, parents and other professionals to initiate community publishing projects.
  • Locally delivered workshops, facilitated by practitioners and artists tailored to meet the needs of the individual communities.  These bring together artists, parents and children to create innovative stories, text and visuals for the production of their own quality, professional and engaging books.
  • Publication of multiple copies of books for communities celebrating local stories and culture.  Some of the books produced will be bi-lingual and all will be used as a basis for on-going story and rhyme sessions conducted in libraries throughout Western Australia.

 

Our Books

We have made four books made in communities so far.

Librarians can request copies for their libraries by contacting us.

In 2012 we will be publishing books from Carnarvon, Kununurra, Belmont and the Indian Ocean Territories. Look here to see two kids from Cocos (Keeling)Islands sharing their books.

We Are Champion Children was made by children from Best Start and Challis Early Childhood Education Centre, at The Champion Centre in the City of Armadale. Production of the book was facilitated by Shirley Reilly, Young People's Services Librarian at Seville Grove Library and Karina Hall, Community Development Officer at the City of Armadale. The book was launched in September 2011.

This book comes in a Big Book edition.
Read the eBook online now.

Katanning Kids was made by children from Bright Start Child Care Centre and Katanning Community Kindergarten. Production of the book was facilitated by Helen Beck from Katanning Library. The book was launched in November 2011.

 

This book comes in a Big Book edition.

Spring into Storytime was made by families and children who attend the weekly storytime at Perth City Library. Production of the book was facilitated by Children and Young People's Librarian Brenda. The book was launched in September 2011.

Pictures in the Place was inspired by children's activities during Imaginary Leaps, a program held at State Library during Term III 2011. Production of the book was facilitated by Susan McEwan.

The My Time Band was made by families and children who attend the My Time playgroup at Tranby Primary School, Rivervale, WA. Production of the book was co-faciliated by Jeanette Wheatley, Teacher at Tranby PS, and Edith Lauk, Specialist Librarian, Projects, Ruth Faulkner Public Library, Belmont. The book was launched in April 2012.

 

COMING SOON!

Me and My Family is being made in Carnarvon by children from the Vietnamese community.

 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent
 

I tell stories in Vietnamese and read to my children in English.  I only started reading English after receiving Better Beginnings. 
Parent
 

One mother reads with her four year old every afternoon after school now.  She said without these books, they would not have any to read. 
Teacher, Remote Community School
 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent

I think it’s been a wonderful initiative.  I feel sure it’s going to benefit both the children and parents and develop links with the library.
Teacher
 

 

It’s wonderful to have support across the community emphasising the importance of reading and language development. 
Community Health Nurse
 

…I never thought of reading to the children.  Better Beginnings has really boosted my confidence.
Parent

Better Beginnings gave me confidence. I know reading is an everyday tool and teaching my children will help them be more successful in life.
Parent