National Storytelling Week is a magical time that celebrates the power of stories to spark imagination, foster connections, and ignite a lifelong love of books. Running from 1 - 9 February 2025, this special week is the perfect opportunity for families, educators, and book lovers to dive into the enchanting world of storytelling.
At ZaZa’s Storybox, we’re passionate about helping families create unforgettable moments through books. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to National Storytelling Week, including why it matters, how to make storytime extra special, and our top book recommendations for children aged 0-5.
What is National Storytelling Week?
National Storytelling Week, established by the Society for Storytelling, is an annual celebration of oral storytelling, a timeless tradition that has connected generations and cultures. It’s a time to honour the art of telling tales—whether through books, spoken word, or interactive play—and to encourage everyone to share and enjoy stories. For young children, storytelling is more than entertainment; it’s a vital way to develop language, creativity, and emotional understanding.
Why is Storytelling Important for Young Children?
Language Development: Hearing stories introduces babies and toddlers to new words, rhythms, and sentence structures, helping them build vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Emotional Growth: Stories provide a safe space to explore feelings, empathy, and problem-solving.
Bonding Time: Reading together strengthens the connection between grandparents, parents, and little ones.
Imagination: Tales of fantastical lands and relatable characters ignite creativity and curiosity in young minds.
Top Book Recommendations for 0-5 Year Olds
Celebrate National Storytelling Week with these engaging books from ZaZa’s Storybox’s curated collection:
For Babies (0-2 Years)
"Dear Zoo" by Rod Campbell
A lift-the-flap classic that introduces animals with playful surprises.
"Where’s Spot?" by Eric Hill
This interactive book’s peek-a-boo format captivates little readers.
For Toddlers (2-3 Years)
"The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A rhyming adventure featuring a clever mouse and an imaginary beast.
"We’re Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
A rhythmic, action-filled journey perfect for reading aloud.
For Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
"Room on the Broom" by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork.
"The Tiger Who Came to Tea" by Judith Kerr
A whimsical story about an unexpected guest.
Creative Ways to Bring Stories to Life
Make storytelling a memorable experience with these fun and interactive ideas:
Use Props and Puppets
Bring characters to life with toys, finger puppets, or household items. For example, a wooden spoon can transform into a wand for "Room on the Broom."
Act It Out
Turn storytime into a mini-theatre performance. Encourage your little ones to roar like the Gruffalo or stomp through mud like in "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt."
Create a Cosy Reading Nook
Set up a special space with blankets, cushions, and fairy lights to make storytime feel magical.
Sing and Rhyme
Many children’s books feature rhymes and rhythms. Sing along or create your own tunes to make the story even more engaging.
DIY Storytime Crafts
After reading, let children create crafts inspired by the book. For example, make a paper tiger mask after "The Tiger Who Came to Tea."
Celebrate National Storytelling Week with ZaZa’s Storybox
At ZaZa’s Storybox, we believe that every story is a gift. That’s why our book subscription boxes are thoughtfully curated to inspire a love of reading from the very beginning. This National Storytelling Week, why not share the joy of storytelling with your grandchildren? Whether you’re near or far, a subscription to ZaZa’s Storybox is a meaningful way to stay connected and create lasting memories. Explore www.zazastorybox.com further to learn more and start building your child or grandchild’s first library today. Let’s make this National Storytelling Week one to remember - one story at a time!
Explore subscriptions here.
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