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 26th 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. Register now!
Event Information
NSS receives positive media coverage and generates a great deal of community interest. 2024 was our biggest and most successful NSS to date with over 2.3 million participants at over 21,000 locations! Find out more about the history of NSS and NSS 2026.
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 27 May 2026 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 a library, school, bookstore, childcare centre or at home, you can join the NSS fun! 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 the Little Book Press website and order your copy now.
About the book
Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller
Rookie captain Luna Roo leaves nothing on the pitch as she leads FC Outback in a thrilling face-off against Bush United. Faced with a spider goalkeeper, snakes in attack and bubbling nerves, Luna must trust her skills and her teammates to soar to victory.
Written by football veterans Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, Luna Roo captures all the intense excitement of the game, with a heartwarming message that courage and determination are a winning combination.
Join the NSS conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about NSS contact the ALIA at [email protected] or call 02 6215 8222.