Students at Cherbourg State School in Queensland are writing, illustrating and publishing their own books as part of the government’s ‘Books, Books, Books’ project.

The books are printed by Adelaide printer Hyde Park Press, which picked up the contract through the Smith Family Foundation.

Eight titles have been produced so far, in conjunction with not-for-profit organisation Budburra Books.

Each book is produced with the assistance of Victorian artists Peter Widmer and Geoff Bonney, who operate under the name Ratartat.

Students also develop the artwork with the help of language specialists, film-makers, IT trainers and teachers, with Widmer and Bonney then designing and laying out the books.

Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Desley Boyle (pictured) applauded the program, which has been integrated into the school’s curriculum and may be rolled out in other areas.

“For some Cherbourg children, going to school is the first time they have to speak English so the Books, Books, Books program helps demystify the challenge and, with community members involved, makes it a lot of fun as well as rewarding,” Boyle said.

“The Books, Books, Books project teaches children the differences between languages, assists them with learning English and also encourages pride in local languages,” added Boyle.

“The books express their stories and encourage the kids to feel proud about their community, their culture and their history. Children are expressing themselves by writing stories and drawing pictures, as well as developing their media and computer skills,” she added.

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