Welcome to Children's Book Week and National Science Week 2026 at Stirling Libraries!
Each year, schools and public libraries across Australia come together to celebrate the joy of reading, highlighting the works of Australian authors and illustrators. This year, the theme for Children's Book Week is 'Symphony of Stories!'.
This year, City of Stirling Libraries will be celebrating both National Science Week (15-23 August) and Children's Book Week (22-28 August).
The City of Stirling Libraries will be hosting a series of engaging events from Monday 17 August to Friday 28 August 2026, featuring two exciting author visits.
- Cristy Burne will present a science focused session as part of National Science Week on Monday 17 August
- HM Waugh will present an author session for Children’s Book Week on Thursday 27 August.
We invite all schools within the City of Stirling to join us in these free, fun-filled sessions celebrating books, stories and science:
- All sessions are free, but bookings are essential
- Bookings must be made by completing the online booking form
- All booking requests must be submitted online by Monday 25 May 2026
- Schools will be notified via email of first-round offers by Thursday 11 June 2026.
For further information or assistance, please email us at stirling.libraries@stirling.wa.gov.au.
We look forward to celebrating National Science Week and Children’s Book Week 2026 with you at Stirling Libraries!

Cristy Burne
Kindy - Year 8
Celebrate National Science Week at Stirling Libraries with an exciting Meet the Author session featuring Australian author Cristy Burne.
Cristy Burne is known for her engaging science based stories and her ability to bring scientific concepts to life through storytelling. In this interactive session, Cristy will share insights into her writing, explore the real science behind her books, and inspire students to think creatively about science, curiosity and experimentation. This engaging author talk is ideal for students interested in science, storytelling and discovering how scientific ideas can be transformed into compelling stories. The session supports learning across literacy and STEM, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning. Cristy’s latest book, ‘One Day Soon’, was released in April 2026. ‘One Day Soon’ is a deeply moving middle grade novel in verse inspired by Cristy Burne’s family experience with genetic Motor Neurone Disease, exploring loss, mortality and the importance of cherishing small but meaningful moments.
Monday 17 August 2026
9.30am – 10.30am Stirling Libraries – Inglewood
11.15am – 12.15pm Stirling Libraries – Dianella
1.30pm – 2.30pm Stirling Libraries – Karrinyup

HM Waugh
Year 3 - Year 6
Celebrate Children’s Book Week at Stirling Libraries with a Meet the Author session featuring Australian author HM Waugh.
Writing as HM Waugh, Heather Waugh is a children’s author, educator and environmental scientist whose stories draw on real experiences and science to create exciting, believable worlds. In this energetic and humour filled session, HM Waugh will share the inspirations behind her novels and show students how everyday experiences whether adventurous, unexpected or a little scary can be turned into powerful story ideas.
Packed with practical writing tips, this interactive session explores how drawing on real life and scientific thinking can strengthen storytelling, helping students build tension, maximise creativity and capture their readers’ attention.
HM Waugh is the author of several novels for middle-grade and young-adult readers, including The Lost Stone of SkyCity and the Mars duology. Her books explore themes of resilience, curiosity and problem solving, making them a great fit for Children’s Book Week celebrations.
Thursday 27 August 2026
9.30am – 10.30am Stirling Libraries – Osborne
11.15am – 12.15pm Stirling Libraries – Mirrabooka
1.30pm – 2.30pm Stirling Libraries – Scarborough