National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
The event is FREE! Enter today!
Event Information
NSS receives positive media coverage and generates a great deal of community interest. 2023 was our biggest and most successful NSS to date with over 2.18 million participants at over 59, 000 locations!
Find out more here.
What do we look for in the National Simultaneous Storytime book?
Each year, interested publishers send in possible titles. From a practical perspective, the publisher has to be able and willing to provide copyright release for use of the illustrations, book projection, translation into other languages and performance. The publisher also needs to commit to a special print run of several thousand copies. This narrows down the options. The criteria for choosing from the remaining books include: a positive storyline; appeal to a modern and diverse audience; suitability for read-aloud (language and length); how well the book lends itself to craft and other activities.
Event Delivery
This event takes place online.
This year NSS takes place on Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 12:00pm and we would love it if you could join us! Everyone can join NSS, it doesn't matter whether you are at home, a school, a public library or even a university library! Register below to participate - it's free! To purchase a copy of this year's NSS book to read on the day, head over to Scholastic's Website and order your copy now.
About the book

Oh, how I love the sky….
And moving through
The marvellous BLUE
About the author
Aura Parker is an award-winning illustrator, writer and designer. Her picture books are joyful with a playful sense of humour, brimming with details to explore. Aura Parker’s storytelling though words and pictures inspires imagination, courage and confidence in young readers as well as a love, curiosity and passion for nature.
Connect with us
Join the conversation:
Facebook:@ALIANational
Twitter:#NSS2024
Instagram:@alianational
More Information
For more information contact the ALIA events team
Phone 02 6215 8222
Email: [email protected]