What is National Simultaneous Storytime?
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 23nd 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 Great Race is on, and Spike is ready to race. Many different animals will take part, but Spike knows she will do well. After all, she has been training for a whole week!
Be proud of your achievements, don't compare yourself to others:
“Yes, Spike was slow, but for a sloth she was fast.”
Rebecca Young is an award-winning author from Sydney.
Her first book, Button Boy, illustrated by Sue deGennaro, was a Notable Book for the 2012 CBCA Awards and has been published internationally.
In 2016, Teacup, illustrated by Matt Ottley, won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature in the NSW Premier’s Literacy Awards.
Heath McKenzie is an award-winning children’s book illustrator who has written and illustrated countless books for children.
Heath lives in Melbourne with his wife, two kids, dog, and a fish that he considers more of a lodger than a family member.
