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:

1. 2025 — The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel
2. 2024 – Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker
3. 2023 — The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie
4. 2022 — Family Tree by Josh Pyke
5. 2021 — Give Me Some Space! by Philip Bunting
6. 2020 — Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas by Lucinda Gifford
7. 2019 — Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove
8. 2018 — Hickory Dickory Dash by Tony Willson and illustrated by Laura Wood
9. 2017 — The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood
10. 2016 — I Got This Hat by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye
11. 2015 — The Brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey
12. 2014 — Too Many Elephants in this House by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Andrew Joyner
13. 2013 — The Wrong Book by Nick Bland
14. 2012 — The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
15. 2011 — Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement
16. 2010 — Little White Dogs Can't Jump by Bruce Whatley and Rosie Smith and illustrated by Bruce Whatley
17. 2009 — Pete the Sheep by Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley
18. 2008 — Arthur written by Amanda Graham and illustrated by Donna Gynell
19. 2007 — The Magic Hat written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
20. 2006 — Good Night, Me by Andrew Daddo and illustrated by Emma Quay
21. 2005 — Wombat Stew by Marcia K Vaughan and Pamela Lofts
22. 2004 — Muddled-up Farm written by Mike Dumbleton and illustrated by Jobi Murphy
23. 2003 — I Don't Want to Go to School written by Christine Harris and illustrated by Craig Smith
24. 2002 — Mrs Wilkinson's Chooks by Leone Peguero and Mike Spoor
25. 2001 — Edward the Emu written by Sheena Knowles and illustrated by Rod Clement