National Simultaneous Storytime Day

Children sitting in a circle, wearing cozy sweaters, surrounded by colorful books and stuffed animals.. — National simultaneous storytime day illustration

Hey there, fellow bookworms! Get ready to cozy up with a good book because it's time to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime Day!

When is Simultaneous Storytime Day?

It's national simultaneous storytime day on the 27th May.

The Tale Behind National Simultaneous Storytime Day

Every year, on a magic-filled day, schools, libraries, and homes across the nation come alive with the joy of reading. National Simultaneous Storytime Day, also known as NSS Day, is a time dedicated to promoting the love of books and storytelling among children. This fantastic day aims to encourage the young ones to embrace the thrill of reading and ignite their imagination.

But how did this literary extravaganza begin? Well, let's unwind the tale, page by page...

It all started back in 2001, when the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) came up with a brilliant idea. They wanted to engage young readers in a simultaneous storytelling experience across the country. And thus, National Simultaneous Storytime Day was born.

The Big Event

Each year, a captivating picture book is carefully selected as the centerpiece for NSS Day. Thousands of little bookworms gather, eagerly awaiting the reading of this chosen tale, which is carefully synchronized to commence at exactly 11:00 am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). The story buzz echoes through schools, libraries, and homes as children are transported to far-off lands and meet whimsical characters.

This special event showcases the magic of imagination, enhances literacy skills, and promotes the importance of reading aloud. It's a delightful reminder of the wonders that words can conjure and the adventures they can inspire.

Fun Fact: Page-Turning Extravaganza

Did you know that the most popular NSS Day story of all time is the enchanting tale of 'The Cow Tripped Over the Moon'? This whimsical story, written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood, captured the hearts of children and adults alike. It's a moo-ving tale that brings laughter and smiles, proving that even cows can have a sense of adventure!

History behind the term 'Simultaneous Storytime'

1983

Inception of the Term

The term 'simultaneous storytime' was first coined in the year 1983. It was created to describe an event where a selected book is read aloud simultaneously in multiple locations to children across a country or region. This unique concept aimed to promote the joy of reading and literacy among young children in a fun and engaging way.

1999

Australian Library and Information Association

In the year 1999, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) officially adopted the term 'Simultaneous Storytime' as a national initiative. ALIA recognized the power of storytelling in fostering literacy skills and saw the potential to bring communities together through this shared experience.

2001

First Simultaneous Storytime Event

The inaugural Simultaneous Storytime event took place in 2001, organized by ALIA in Australia. The chosen book for this event was 'Is Your Grandmother a Goanna?' by May Gibbs. Libraries, schools, preschools, and other community organizations participated, reading the book aloud to children simultaneously across the nation, creating a collective reading experience.

2006

Further Expansion and International Reach

By the year 2006, Simultaneous Storytime had gained significant popularity and expanded its reach beyond Australia. The event resonated with libraries, schools, and institutions worldwide, leading to international participation and promoting the love for reading globally.

2010

Record-Breaking Participation

In 2010, Simultaneous Storytime achieved a record-breaking participation with over 520,000 children and adults across Australia joining in the reading of 'Little White Dogs Can't Jump' by Bruce Whatley. This remarkable milestone showcased the immense impact and growing influence of Simultaneous Storytime.

Present

Continued Success and Impact

Simultaneous Storytime continues to be celebrated annually, with a new picture book selected each year. The event encourages community engagement, fosters a love for reading, and highlights the importance of literacy for children. It has become a cherished tradition in many countries, motivating children and adults alike to embark on the adventure of books together.