National Simultaneous Storytime is an Australia-wide group reading and literacy event where schools, libraries and other institutions such as us at One World for Children gather children to read the same picture book at the same time. The event promotes the value and fun of books, reading, and storytelling, while celebrating the work of the chosen author and illustrator.
This year the selected book was Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd and illustrated by Jake Minton. The story follows Luna Roo, a spirited kangaroo, and her friends as they chase their football dreams across the outback, blending action, teamwork, and fun to inspire young readers.
“Luna Roo was chosen for National Simultaneous Storytime because it captures the spirit of rising to a challenge with heart and grit. Navigating nerves, tricky opponents, and unexpected hurdles reflects the kind of determination kids face every day. Written by real players, the story pulses with authenticity and energy, making it a powerful celebration of courage, self-belief, and pushing through when things get tough.”
To celebrate this event yesterday, the Kinder 3 and Kinder 4 children gathered in Ballah Room for a joint music session. Liz involved the children in an interactive music and storytelling session featuring some of the characters from the book Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller.
Directly after this incredible shared music and storytelling experience, we joined millions of other children and adults across Australia as we engaged with the live reading of Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller.
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, family day cares, childcare centres, bookshops, family homes 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.
