Stars ready for Story Time

Aussie stars will appear in Play School shorts Story Time for Children’s Book Week in August.

Samuel Johnson, Rove McManus, Grant Denyer, Leigh Sales, actor Nakkiah Lui and yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins, will read one of six picture books written by Australian authors.

They will be accompanied by Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Humpty and Joey.

“Play School’s 50th celebrity covers were an enormous hit with families so it was only fitting that we ask a few more of Australia’s favourite celebrities to come on board for this special new Play School series. Bringing children and grownups together with inspiring, entertaining, and educational Australian stories is at the forefront of ABC Children’s objectives, and we’re thrilled to offer this series in celebration of 2017s Children’s Book Week,” said Michael Carrington, Head of Children’s at ABC Television.

The 6 x 5 minute series will screen on ABC KIDS in August.

During each episode the Magic Story Drawer will pop open to reveal a special clue leading to the book of the day. Following this discovery, the presenter will then make themselves comfy on the couch next to their favourite Play School toy and begin to read.

The six books, selected from The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Notables Book List, include Zelda’s Big Adventure by Marie Alafaci and illustrated by Shane McG, Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey, Snail and Turtle Rainy Days by Stephen Michael King, Ducks Away by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, Goodnight, Mice! by Frances Watts and Judy Watson, and Where is Bear? by Jonathan Bentley.