Wordless Book Supports Early Reading in any Language

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This year, the State Library of Western Australia’s Better Beginnings program celebrates 20 years of supporting parents and carers as their child’s first and most important teacher by encouraging them to read, talk, sing, write and play with their child, every day.

Better Beginnings baby packs feature a brand-new wordless book, Baby Days, by award-winning Western Australian author Renae Hayward and illustrator Rebecca Mills.

The book was produced by the State Library with the support of the program’s major partner Rio Tinto, and published by Fremantle Press.   

Wordless books offer the opportunity for families to read to children in their own languages or use their own words to tell a story. 

Readings of Baby Days in languages including Noongar, Mandarin, German and English can be found on the Better Beginnings website, with more languages to come. 

Each year, the State Library distributes around 32,000 Better Beginnings Baby Packs to families with newborns via a network of Child Health Nurses and public libraries to support early reading at home. 

Comments attributed to Catherine Clark, CEO and State Librarian: 

“Baby Days is a great example of how we are refreshing the Better Beginnings program to support all Western Australian families and foster a love of reading. 

“By offering a book without words, we give every family the opportunity to tell their own stories, in their own language or words, right from the very beginning. 

“The success of the State Library’s Better Beginnings program is built on a strong and much-valued partnership with long-time partner Rio Tinto, and delivered in collaboration with local governments, the Department of Health and community organisations.” 

Comments attributed to Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President Health, Safety, Environment and Communities, Caitlin Westgarth:

“For two decades, our partnership with the State Library of WA through the Better Beginnings program has helped support early literacy and inspired a love of reading in families across the State.

“This beautiful new wordless book celebrates the magic of storytelling in every language, encouraging parents and carers to share stories in their own words and reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Western Australia.

“By championing early literacy and storytelling, we’re helping children build strong foundations for learning and grow into the skilled, confident thinkers of the future.”