National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is coming up next week at 11am on Wednesday 24 May, this annual campaign now in its 17^th successful year, is a colourful, vibrant fun event that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books and promote the value of reading and literacy.

Every year during NSS a children's book, written and illustrated by an Australian, is read simultaneously in libraries, pre-schools, child care centres, family homes, bookshops, primary schools and many other locations around the country.

According to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), which runs NSS, the book is chosen in line with age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

ALIA says that by running the annual National Simultaneous Storytime they aim to:

• promote the value of reading and literacy;
• promote the value and fun of books;
• promote an Australian writer and publisher;
• promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country;
• provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.

In 2016, more than 520,000 children in around 3,500 locations across Australia took part in National Simultaneous Storytime, reading the book I Got This Hat, written by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye.

This year's book is The Cow Tripped Over the Moon written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood.

It's free to register to participate and ALIA has developed some fun activities and resources to support early learning providers to make the most of the occasion.

For more information visit the NSS website.