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 24th 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.
Oh, how I love the sky….
And moving through
The marvellous BLUE
I am a collector. Always looking, finding ... and keeping! Bowerbird loves blue. Magnificent cobalt. Brilliant, vibrant blue! But something is missing. What could it be?
This new picture book from Aura Parker stars a beautiful bowerbird on the search for blue! It’s a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird’s search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city. He swoops and snatches vibrant treasures for his collection, and soon his bower – a mix of natural and unnatural objects – attracts something greater and more fulfilling than he could ever have imagined.
Aura Parker is an award-winning illustrator, writer and designer. Her picture books are joyful with a playful sense of humour, brimming with details to explore. Aura Parker’s storytelling though words and pictures inspires imagination, courage and confidence in young readers as well as a love, curiosity and passion for nature.
Why did you write Bowerbird Blues?
‘My bowerbird falls in love with the colour of the sea and the sparking blue of the sky, but nothing seems to satisfy.
I wrote Bowerbird Blues for lots of reasons, most of all, to try and capture a feeling, of longing for connection,
for a craving which turns out to be for someone, instead of something. I wrote it for the joy of making, building,
crafting, and finding out what you care for, or what matters most to you. I wrote it as a celebration of colour. I
wrote it for a love of nature, and passion for our fragile environment, as an abundance of plastic pollution is clearly
on display. Australian Satin Bowerbirds are savvy collectors, connoisseurs of colour and careful arrangers of their
treasures with intense perfectionist hearts! They create a bower to attract their mate, and an interest in their
fascinating behaviour spurred the story along.’ —Aura Parker, 2023
