National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 Teaching Resources
Get ready for National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 with printable and digital learning activities and resources that will extend the wonder and joy of this year's story — Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller!
This collection of teacher-created National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) activities is the perfect tool for teachers, librarians and schools celebrating the event in 2026 with fun and engaging teaching resources to get students hooked on reading!
New to celebrating this event? Read on for a primer from our teacher team on what it is and how it began, plus find out more about the book teachers across Australia will be reading this year!
What Is National Simultaneous Storytime?
National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event when primary school students of Australia participate in what constitutes a warm hug for your ears – they have a story read to them at the exact same time as peers across the country!
And it's not just that everyone is reading at the same time that makes this event so special — thousands of schools, libraries and communities will all read the same book at the same time! The event is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), and it aims to promote the importance of reading and literacy for young children. It also encourages them to develop a love of reading.
When Is National Simultaneous Storytime 2026?
In 2026, teachers and students all around Australia will settle down with their books on Wednesday, 27 May at 12 p.m. (AEST) to read a book simultaneously!
What Is the National Simultaneous Storytime Text for 2026?
In 2026, the chosen book for reading simultaneously is Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd!
Members of the ALIA’s Children’s and Youth Services group chose the picture book and praised it for its themes, such as courage, determination, and teamwork, centred around a kangaroo football match.
Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller is an inspiring underdog tale of courage, perseverance and the kind of grit that makes you want to stand up and cheer.
Who Is Adam Jackson & Adrian Lloyd? Meet the National Simultaneous Storytime Authors for 2026!
Curious to know more about the creators of this year's special picture book?
Adam Jackson has worked in football for nearly 20 years, starting his career at Manchester United then moving to Australia to work in sports publishing, most notably leading the sales and marketing for football magazine FourFourTwo. He is currently the Head of Marketing at global sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS, who broadcast European football in Australia and New Zealand.
Adrian Lloyd has played football for over 40 years and is a FA qualified coach, having coached children in America, at Fulham FC in London and both adult and children's teams in Australia. Adrian has also spent the last 20 years working in publishing, marketing and digital advertising for major global publishers and brands.
Explore the History of National Simultaneous Storytime
Curious about why we sit down together to read at the same time every year? The ALIA has been organising NSS events for more than 20 years now!
The first storytime event was held in 2001 when Edward the Emu written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement was read simultaneously in libraries and schools across the country. The event occurred during Library and Information Week in 2001.
Since then, NSS has become a beloved event in schools and libraries around Australia. Each year, a new picture book is chosen by the ALIA, and children across the country have a chance to participate.
24 Past National Simultaneous Storytime Books to Add to Your Reading Corner
The books that have been read over the years as part of this event include:
- 2025 — The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel
- 2024 – Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker
- 2023 — The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie
- 2022 — Family Tree by Josh Pyke
- 2021 — Give Me Some Space! by Philip Bunting
- 2020 — Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas by Lucinda Gifford
- 2019 — Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove
- 2018 — Hickory Dickory Dash by Tony Willson and illustrated by Laura Wood
- 2017 — The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood
- 2016 — I Got This Hat by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye
- 2015 — The Brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey
- 2014 — Too Many Elephants in this House by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Andrew Joyner
- 2013 — The Wrong Book by Nick Bland
- 2012 — The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
- 2011 — Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement
- 2010 — Little White Dogs Can't Jump by Bruce Whatley and Rosie Smith and illustrated by Bruce Whatley
- 2009 — Pete the Sheep by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley
- 2008 — Arthur written by Amanda Graham and illustrated by Donna Gynell
- 2007 — The Magic Hat written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
- 2006 — Good Night, Me by Andrew Daddo and illustrated by Emma Quay
- 2005 — Wombat Stew by Marcia K Vaughan and Pamela Lofts
- 2004 — Muddled-up Farm written by Mike Dumbleton and illustrated by Jobi Murphy
- 2003 — I Don't Want to Go to School written by Christine Harris and illustrated by Craig Smith
- 2002 — Mrs Wilkinson's Chooks by Leone Peguero and Mike Spoor
- 2001 — Edward the Emu written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement
- Free Plan
Narrative Elements Graphic Organisers – Portrait
Encourage your students to write and draw about various story elements with this set of differentiated graphic organisers.
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Story Retelling Strips
Explore a story with your students with this story-retelling cut-and-paste worksheet.
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Teamwork and Sportsmanship – Comic and Comprehension Worksheet
Teach your students about teamwork and sportsmanship with this soccer-themed comic, perfect for use during National Simultaneous Storytime 2026.
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National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 Colouring Pages
Promote teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship with our National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 colouring pages.
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Summarising a Story Graphic Organisers
Use these graphic organisers to help students when summarising a story.
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The Penalty Kick - Write a New Ending to a Story Activity
Promote resilience and boost narrative writing skills with a football-themed ‘Write a New Ending to a Story’ reading prompt and writing activity for National Simultaneous Storytime 2026.
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Generic Reading Response Templates
Get kids talking about the books they have read with these printable book review templates.
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Book Review Template
Encourage your students to share their thoughts on a story with this simple book review worksheet.
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Story Retell Graphic Organisers (Differentiated)
Help students confidently retell a story with this set of differentiated graphic organisers.
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Kangaroo Life Cycle Worksheets
Explore and sequence the life cycle of a kangaroo with printable Kangaroo Life Cycle Worksheets.
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Australian Animals Mindfulness Bookmarks
Let these cute Australian animals keep track of your page with these mindfulness colouring bookmarks.
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Design Your Own Book Cover Template
Design a new book cover and summarise a book using this one-page, printable template.
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Australian Animal Templates - Shield of Courage
Use these Shields of Courage Australian Animal Templates to learn about courage and explore book characters
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Be a Team Player! Writing Prompt Task Cards
Spark meaningful writing about how to be a team player with these engaging writing prompts perfect for National Simultaneous Storytime 2026.
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Sport Maze Worksheets
Give your students a much-needed brain break with a set of printable Sport Mazes for kids!
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Animal Adaptations Foldables - Shutter Card Templates
Write and draw about the behavioural, structural, and physiological adaptations of animals from around the world with a set of fun printable shutter card templates.
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Teamwork and Resilience Role-Play Task Cards
Support classroom learning with teamwork and resilience role-play scenarios that help students build confidence, empathy, and strong social‑emotional skills.
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Book Review Chatterbox Template
Help your students review a book using this hands-on chatterbox.
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Character Emotions Worksheet
Make inferences about character's feelings with this one-page worksheet.
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Resilience Roadmap Brochure Template
Create a resilience roadmap that helps students reflect on personal challenges, celebrate growth and identify clear, actionable steps for moving forward.
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Character Emotions Chart and Worksheets
Explore character emotions in stories using this Character Emotions Chart and matching character Graphic Organisers
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Basic Elements of a Story Spinner Template
Learn the basic elements of a story using this fun and engaging story spinner template for your students.
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Narrative Elements Graphic Organisers – Landscape
Encourage your students to write and draw about various story elements with this set of differentiated graphic organisers.
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Australian Animal Book Review Templates
Display students’ book reviews using these cute Australian animal book report templates.