PRESS RELEASE: Children’s book The Sun Still Shines lovingly brought to life in animated video to mark Children’s Week 2026
National charity SHINE for Kids is celebrating Children’s Week with the release of a beautifully narrated animated video of its popular children’s book, The Sun Still Shines.
Shared with the public for the first time this Children’s Week at the Children’s Voices: Experiences of Children with a Parent in Prison exhibition in Townsville, the video is now available online for children and families across Australia to enjoy and find comfort in.
This beautiful animation aims to help children navigating the complex experience of having a mum or dad in prison.
These children are too often overlooked by our systems and need more support and understanding. This video aims to help fill a gap in support available and provide comfort and reassurance to children that they are not alone.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLf0kjYQ9Vc
Background
SHINE for Kids first released The Sun Still Shines for Father’s Day in 2023. Since then, the book has been shared widely with correctional centres and public libraries across Australia, offering comfort to children and families.
The story was conceived of and written by dads in custody participating in the SHINE for Kids Storytime program at Clarence Correctional Centre in NSW. They wrote it for their own children and the more than 40,000 Australian children impacted by parental incarceration each year.
The book was edited under the guidance of social worker Dr Mary Jo McVeigh OAM and released as a joint initiative of SHINE for Kids, Green Fox Studio and Serco.
Inspiration for the animated video
The animated video of The Sun Still Shines was inspired by a family who found comfort in the book and contacted SHINE for Kids to share their experience. It is beautifully narrated by a seven-year-old voice-over artist who also has lived experience of a parent’s incarceration.
“I recorded this with all my heart and feelings. It is so good that I can help to be a voice for kids … I am proud that I have helped [other children like me].” – Seven-year-old narrator of The Sun Still Shines
SHINE for Kids CEO Julie Hourigan said releasing this video during Children’s Week highlights the experiences of this cohort of children who are too often overlooked.
“The theme this week is ‘Children have a right to Language,’ and voice, and storytelling and art are a great means for children to be able to share their stories, and to bring adults into their world, and their experiences,” Ms Hourigan said.
“Children with a parent in prison can face profound challenges, but their experiences and feelings are too often left out of the conversation.”
“Released during Children’s Week, this video asks the community to listen to and better understand these children.”
“Most importantly, we hope this new way of sharing the story helps it to reach even more children who need to hear it, bringing comfort and letting them know they are not alone.”
About SHINE for Kids
For more than 40 years, SHINE for Kids has supported children and young people impacted by the justice system. SHINE for Kids delivers programs that help young people stay connected to family and community, build confidence and thrive. Learn more at www.shineforkids.org.au
Media contact: Sophie Zoellner | 0482 164 057 | [email protected]
