National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 Teaching Resources

Get ready for National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 with printable and digital learning activities and resources that will extend the wonder and joy of this year's story — Bowerbird Blues!

This collection of teacher-created National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) activities is the perfect tool for teachers, librarians and schools celebrating the event in 2024 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 2024?

National Simultaneous Storytime always occurs on the last Wednesday in May, but there's a new time this year!

In 2024, teachers and students all around Australia will settle down with their books on 22 May at 12 p.m. to read a book simultaneously!

What Is the National Simultaneous Storytime Text for 2024?

In 2024, the chosen book for reading simultaneously is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker!

Members of the ALIA’s Children’s and Youth Services group chose the picture book about a special bowerbird — a species that's native to Australasia — and his search for the colour blue.

Published in 2023, this special story follows Bowerbird, a curious bird who loves the colour blue and likes to collect objects in his favourite colour. The children's book explores themes of longing and connection, which are sure to open up important discussions in your classroom.

Who Is Aura Parker? Meet the National Simultaneous Storytime Author for 2024!

Curious to know more about the creator of this year's special picture book? Aura Parker is an Australian author and children's book illustrator who has created seven wonderful picture books! Parker lives in Sydney with a cheeky Border Collie called Mojo and uses watercolours, pen and coloured pencils to bring her stories to life on the page.

This year's National Simultaneous Storytime might be the first time you've heard of her, but the Australian author has plenty more picture books perfect for your classroom reading corner!

Take a look at this list of other titles from Parker that you might want to read with your class:

Twig
Cocoon
Meerkat Splash
Meerkat Christmas
Goodnight Glow Worms
The Silly Seabed Song

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.

23 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:

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