Edgecumbe Primary School’s inaugural Book Week has been a success, with students embracing a week of reading, creativity and fun.

The celebration began with a visit from Bay of Plenty author Andrea Haylings, who challenged students to imagine and create their own fantasy worlds before sharing her journey as a self-published author.

Throughout the week, students took part in book battles, treasure hunts, literacy games and a range of other book-themed activities.

One of the week’s most popular events was the “Soup and Stories” evening, which welcomed whānau to the school for a free meal, a visit to the Scholastic Book Fair, and another highlight was Dress as Your Favourite Book Character Day, with students and staff transforming into much-loved literary characters.

School librarian Katie Gundersen said the greatest reward was seeing students talking about books, encouraging one another to read and discovering that reading could be genuinely enjoyable.

“Any time kids can view reading as something fun and enjoyable, we’re winning,” she said.

Students earned points throughout the week by participating in the activities.

“If they reached enough points, the deputy principal, principal, and librarian would have to spin the “Wheel Unfortunate” and face a mystery consequence.

The challenge proved to be a powerful motivator, with almost every student getting involved.

The week culminated in a lively assembly where the wheel delivered plenty of laughs.

Deputy principal Cody Stewart ended up with an ice-cream sundae on his head, Gundersen was transformed into a human hot dog, and principal Mark Barratt landed the “extreme makeover” challenge, meaning he will spend a day dressed as a princess.

“My whole goal around Book Week was to help students realise that reading is more than just homework – it can be fun,” Gundersen said.

“All you have to do is take the time to get the right book into their hands.

“It takes patience and dedication, but the day a hesitant reader comes and excitedly tells me about a book they’ve read makes it all worthwhile.”

Following the success of its inaugural Book Week, Edgecumbe School is already looking forward to making it an annual tradition.