A 'tail' of belonging brings 70,000 children together

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A 'tail' of belonging brings 70,000 children together

Never before has one dog attracted so much attention! Arthur is an "ordinary brown dog" who just wants to belong. And he will get his wish next week when he, and his story, will belong to some 70,000 Australian children when they settle down at almost 900 different locations at 11am on Wednesday May 21st for this year's National Simultaneous Storytime event.

Ms Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association, says the event has grown steadily since it began in 2001 and is now a feature event in hundreds of libraries across the nation.

"National Simultaneous Storytime offers children a chance to share in the magic of a wonderful story and in a moment in time with thousands of other children nationally," Ms Hutley said.

"The event also focuses attention on fantastic Australian books, on literacy and on encouraging a love of books and reading in young Australians, all vital contributions to a healthy nation. Every year we also see an increasing involvement amongst parents, grandparents and local communities," she said.

"And best of all, it's just plain fun."

Arthur was written by Amanda Graham and illustrated by Donna Gynell. It was first published in 1984 by Era Publications and has been a steady favourite with young readers all over the world ever since, with subsequent publications in Afrikaans, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese and Spanish. In 1985 the book won the Children's Award in the UK.

Participating libraries will also have activities around related themes, which this year will include dogs, pet shops, animal locomotion and wanting to be accepted. Era Publications have also generously made the book available online for schools and libraries wishing to show the story on a big screen, an offer that's been taken up by 120 schools and libraries nationally.

ENDS

Captions:

The cover of this year's read for National Simultaneous Storytime, Amanda Graham and Donna Gynell's Arthur, published by Era Publications
Donna Gynell with Era Publications Managing Director Rodney Martin and illustrations for Arthur

Media note:

For information and liaison for photo opportunities at other locations around Australia on National Simultaneous Storytime Day, phone Kamara Schlegel at ALIA on (02) 6215 8214.

For address information on participating libraries in your area, go to http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/2008/ and click on participating organisations

For further information:

Sue Hutley, Australian Library and Information Association, 0412 764 922
Rodney Martin, Era Publications, 0414 823 423
ALIA MEDIA ROOM

Issued on behalf of

Australian Library and Information Association
ALIA House, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2604
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional association for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. ALIA represents the interest of 6,000 members, the profession and Australia's 10 million library users.
http://www.alia.org.au

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