We Love Stories: Books for community by community
Our community-made books build on families’ creativity, culture and skills so they feel proud and confident about getting their children ready to read when they start school. The books, posters and other fun things we make bring early learning materials into families’ homes and share families’ culture into our early years spaces.
Here’s an overview of some of our projects:
Somali Maawelo
Created with the amazing mums from Himilo Community Connect, Somali Maawelo is a book full of traditional Somali songs, stories, proverbs, and games—treasured memories from childhood, now preserved for future generations.
“Through this project, we will create something the mums can be proud of and pass down through generations.” – Amal, Himilo Playgroup Facilitator
We worked in partnership with Himilo Community Connect, Museums Victoria, and dedicated volunteers and students. Funded by the Readings Foundation, Banyule City Council, and the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust.
Djilak-Djirri ABC
“In Djilak-Djirri Playgroup we recreate our songlines through learning, singing, shared experiences and supporting each other. The Djilak-Djirri ABC is a deadly book and poster full of the activities we do every week.” – Cathy, Djilak-Djirri Playgroup facilitator
This book and poster were made by the families and staff of the Djliak-Djirri Playgroup and We Love Stories. An extra big thanks to all the Djliak-Djirri parents and children for the fun we had working together and for your brilliant ideas and creations. Thanks also to those who supported the project especially the First Nations Health Team and the Speech Pathologists, Banyule City Council, Mercy Health Aboriginal Programs and North East Healthy Communities.
Triangle Bunnies and Robot Ice Cubes
“The giraffe has a big neck, it’s very tall to the moon. And its friend is a triangle bunny. They met a long time ago, in a maze when they were babies…” By Pelenaise
Enjoy tales of travelling dancers, heroic robots, forgotten gifts, bejewelled unicorn crowns and triangle bunnies.
The stories in this book emerged from the imaginations of the children who attended Story Club run by Olympic Neighbourhood House in Semester 1, 2019. Over the semester, the children mined their creative depths and delighted in what sprang forth. The gems that emerged were caught and polished by the amazing team at Olympic Neighbourhood House, Marist Youth Ministry and We Love Stories. A big thanks to all the wonderful children who made the stories and illustrations for this book.
My First Year of School
“Hi! My name is Jojo the Mermaid Kitty. My school friends and I made this book for you.”
Starting school is a big thing for children and their parents/carers. This fun-filled activity book helps children get ready for school. Together with a grown-up, children can learn about school and explore the things they are wondering about.
This book was made by We Love Stories and Olympic Village Primary School to support school transition. 2019 Preps and Grade 1s imagined back to when they were starting school and what they wish they knew. They shared their ideas with incoming 2020 Preps and together we made this book. A big thanks to all the wonderful children who made the words and pictures for this book, and the dedicated school staff who made the project happen.
Magic Cars and Beautiful People
Nat and Benji say, “I love my community because there are magic cars and beautiful people.”
We love our community. It is full of people, places and play – from parks, playgroups and pools to magic cars! Together we make our community a fun place where people care for each other as the live and grow.
Contributions to this book were gathered at the 2018 Malahang Festival, the Parent Child Mother Goose Playgroup and the Djilak-Djirri Playgroup. A big shout out to all the wonderful people who contributed their words and pictures and to all the staff who support this We Love Stories project behind the scenes, Banyule City Council, North East Healthy Communities, Banyule Literacy Alliance, Olympic Neighbourhood House and Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries.
The Rainbow and me
“Despite we are from different ethnic and language, we love to help each other and respect others.” – Salman & Mum
We all call Banyule home, even though we come from so many places, near and far. Together we share food and friendship and wonder at this big world of ours.
Families all across Banyule created contributions to this book around the theme “The best thing about where I’m from”. Some pages were made at community events, others in playgroups, and some at home. Double thanks to everyone who shared their artworks and writing with us, and to all those who helped make this project happen including, Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries, Djilak-Djirri Playgroup, Joyce Avenue Children’s Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Banyule City Council playgroups and Re-Gen playgroups.
We Love Stories brings together families, children, educators, and community workers to create learning tools that are local, meaningful, and joyful. These projects are about more than literacy—they’re about pride, connection, and celebrating every child’s potential.
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