The City of Mandurah’s Reading Hour Pyjama Party has been hailed a huge success after close to 500 people took part in the ultimate community bedtime story session on Saturday.
Many children and their families dressed in brightly-coloured pyjamas or as storybook characters for the free event, which was held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
After browsing a variety of reading displays and stalls in the foyer, the crowd moved to the main Boardwalk Theatre for the story sessions, where local reading champions took to the stage to share some of their favourite storybooks.
A highlight of the evening was local MLA David Templeman – dressed in his colourful pyjamas – giving an entertaining reading of The Very Cranky Bear.
The Pyjama Party was held as part of The Reading Hour – a key date on the 2012 National Year of Reading calendar which aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading to children.
The Reading Hour encourages parents to read with their children, especially in the first three years of life, for just one hour per week, giving children the best chance of becoming good readers.
Deputy Mayor Darren Lee said the event was a big success and highlighted the importance of reading with young children among the local Mandurah community.
“The Pyjama Party was well attended and it was great to see so many young children and their parents come and support the event.
“Hopefully we have helped to spread the message that just one hour of reading per week provides children with a range of educational and social benefits.”
