Book Week Picture Book Show

Book Week Picture Book Show

Bring Books to Life – All Year Round!

Looking for an unforgettable way to inspire a love of reading and creativity in your students? The Book Week Picture Book Show by Books To Life delivers an engaging theatre-in-education experience that celebrates the magic of Australian picture books. Perfect for Book Week or any time of the year!

Why Choose the Book Week Picture Book Show?

Proven Track Record
With over 21 Australian picture books adapted for the stage since 1999, our nationally touring productions have captivated students across the country.

Expert Creators and Performers
Designed and performed by qualified performing arts school teachers, ensuring an inspiring blend of education and entertainment.

Comprehensive Arts Integration
Every performance covers all five of The Arts learning areas—drama, music, dance, visual arts, and media arts—making it an enriching experience for students.

True Theatre Experience
Our state-of-the-art technical setup transforms any school space into a professional theatre with stunning lighting, sound, and visual effects.

Tailored for Every Age Group
Crafted to captivate and educate students of all primary school year levels, from Foundation to Year 6.

Available Year-Round
The Book Week Picture Book Show is not just for Book Week! It’s available throughout the year, perfect for literacy programs, school events, or a memorable day of learning.

Book the Book Week Picture Book Show Today!
Step into a world where books come alive! Whether it’s sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, or celebrating the joy of storytelling, the Book Week Picture Book Show is guaranteed to inspire your students.

Contact us now to bring the magic of theatre to your school!
 

"The show was nothing short of AMAZING. Production quality was out of this world. I was thoroughly impressed what one man could do to engage the audience! The kids obviously enjoyed your show... I loved how you engaged the students through puppetry and song and dance." Kilberry Valley PS, Hampton Park, VIC 2024.

Our recent awards:

• • "Children's Entertainment Service of the Year - Victoria" 2024. Australia Prestige Awards;
  • "Best Book Week Live Show Provider 2024 - Australia" Acquisition International Business Excellence Awards;

Since 1999 "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed has been adapting CBCA short-listed & notable-listed books for the stage & performing them at the very highest standard at Australian primary schools.

He's performed for well over half a million students and counting.

• 40 minute live stage show + Q&A session with the creator of the show;
• Created & performed by a qualified teacher;
• Show celebrates Book Week with a new picture book adapted to the stage each year;
• All areas of The Arts are covered - drama, dance, music, visual arts & media arts;
• Strong literacy focus;
• Many opportunities for students to participate on stage & in the audience;
• Appropriate for all primary year levels;
• Full technical stage setup provided including raised stage, sets, curtains, lighting, sound system, microphones, digital projections, etc;
• A huge variety of puppets, costumes, songs, musical styles, dances, comedy, drama performance styles - the show has it all;
• Both live show or virtual show options are available.

Each year Tony & his creative team take their favourite of the short or notable listed "CBCA Picture Book of the Year" titles & transform it into an incredibly entertaining & engaging live stage show, performed to primary school students across Australia. This is also available as an interactive virtual show throughout Australia & New Zealand.

"Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed not only creates the show but performs it too, consisting of the highest level drama, dance, music, visual arts & media arts. As a qualified school drama, dance & English teacher who has adapted & performed 38 CBCA-shortlisted books nationwide, Tony's experience is unparalleled for Australian theatre in education. He ensures strong links to the Australian curriculum throughout the show, Q&A, follow-up support material & lesson plans.

He uses all areas of the Arts to present the book on stage: drama, dance, music, media arts & visual arts. There are original songs, masks, puppetry, props, costumes, painted & digital projections of sets, DMX coloured stage lighting, full sound system & wireless headset microphone, raised staging, dual digital projections, loads of audience participation, lots of laughs & a full, detailed Q&A session at the end of every show.