Bringing joy, wonder, and music to WA’s sick kids.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Bringing joy, wonder, and music to WA’s sick kids.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
The Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) auditorium came alive with colour, music, and imagination as The Sound of Picture Books put on a weekend of performances to delight young patients and their families.
Blending orchestral performance, on-stage illustration, and storytelling, these unique live shows transformed beloved picture books into immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
Led by award-winning composer, illustrator, and storyteller Matt Ottley, alongside musicians from the Perth Symphony Orchestra, each performance brought stories to life through live drawing, spontaneous composing, and audience interaction.
Proudly funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation with generous support from ToyBox Australia, this special event is part of the PCH Arts Program, designed to reduce stress, boost wellbeing, and create moments of joy for WA’s sick kids.
One of those kids was Joanna, who has undergone cleft palate repair surgery and spent countless hours at PCH since birth. Her parents hoped this experience would help her see hospital as a more positive place, not just tests and treatments.
Twins Claire and Otto also stopped by just before being discharged after a four-day stay. One of the most heart-warming moments came when kids’ own drawings were turned into melodies right before their eyes.
Featured stories included The Messy Bath Monster by Tina Wilson and Stickboy by Rebecca Young and Matt Ottley. PCH Art Program Coordinator Helen Mathie describes arts engagement as “a superpower that promotes healing and empowerment”.
“In the hope we can address not just the physical recovery of our patients but also their social and emotional well-being, PCH’s Art Program offers a creative diversion from the clinical nature of a hospital,” she says. “We shape the program with input from staff, young patients, and families, and look for unique experiences everyone can enjoy.”
Helen shared a touching example: three siblings, one an inpatient, laughing together during The Messy Bath Monster, as they reminisced about bath time at home.
“Their mum and dad seemed to enjoy the time out from their worries. The Sound of Picture Books was a delightful offering of respite, made possible thanks to our funders, staff, and volunteers.”
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “Moments like these remind us that healing can also be about joy, connection, and giving kids something to look forward to. When a child lights up with laughter, you can see the weight lift from the whole family.”
“These moments of delight may seem small in the scheme of things, but they make a huge difference to how kids experience their treatment journey.”
ToyBox Australia Board Director, Danny Ma, who attended one of the sessions, said: “As a parent, I know how powerful moments of joy and imagination can be, especially when life feels overwhelming.”
He added, “Events like these offer small but meaningful pockets of relief: a chance to tune out fear, to feel something uplifting, to discover new stories, and to connect. This is why ToyBox Australia exists, to support experiences that bring hope and happiness to sick and disadvantaged kids. Witnessing The Sound of Picture Books in action reaffirmed exactly why we do what we do.”
Thanks to the generosity of the artists, children who were unable to attend can still enjoy the stories – both books are available as animations on Starlight TV.
Help us create more positive experiences for kids and families at PCH. Please donate today.
