This year marks the 80th anniversary of Children’s Book Week, running from the 16th to the 23rd of August. Created by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, the annual event is celebrated in schools across the nation, aiming to inspire young minds and to foster the joy of reading, through library events, costume parades, and school activities. 

The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure, as the CBCA aims to inspire young minds to journey through the innumerable worlds that books offer. 

This year’s feature artist is Jess McGeachin, an award winning illustrator and author. His artwork harnesses the spirit of this year’s theme , featuring an adventurous map filled with eccentric, imaginary creatures. Jess has written and illustrated 12 fiction and non-fiction picture books, drawing upon his childhood love of fantasy, natural history, and countless hours spent in the local library. Jess’s work encourages children to explore, dream, and make their own adventures.

As a new father, he often thinks about how he can encourage his child to read and explained  how reading can be so much more than words on a page.

Image: Image Supplied: Artwork by Jess McGeachin. For Children’s Book Council of Australia

Produced By: Ruby Ward

Featured In Story: Jess McGeachin, Author, Illustrator and Designer

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 20th August 2025