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Evelyn Hellen Library: National Simultaneous Storytime NSS

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National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS)

About 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, family day cares, childcare centres, bookshops, family homes and many other places around the country.

Now in its 25th 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.

By facilitating NSS we aim to: 

  • promote the value of reading and literacy,
  • promote the value and fun of books,
  • promote an Australian writer and publisher,
  • celebrate and promote storytime activities in public libraries, school libraries, classrooms, bookshops and communities around the country,
  • and provide opportunities to involve parents, caregivers, the media, and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.

2025 NSS The Truck Cat Author Deborah Frenkel

About the Author

 

Deborah Frenkel is a writer of books, billboards, and the words on the back of cereal boxes, which to date is probably her most widely read work (and certainly the most crunchy). Her picture books include the award-winning Naturopolis (2022) and The Sydney Harbour Fairy (2023). She's based on Bunurong land, in Melbourne’s Inner West, but spends most of the time squinting at horizons in her imagination.

 

 

2025 NSS The Truck Cat Illustrator Danny Snell

 

As a child Danny ­Snell was a reluctant reader, so it was pictures rather than words that drew him to the wonder of books. Danny went on to study graphic design and illustration at the University of South Australia and he now works as a picture book illustrator and author. His books have won a number of awards including the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the Environment Award for Children’s Literature, and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award.

2025 NSS Book The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel Illustrated by Danny Snell

 

 

Some cats are house cats.

Some are apartment cats.

But Tinka is a truck cat.

Tinka lives everywhere.

2025 NSS Text The Truck Cat

2024 NSS Bowerbird Blues

2023 NSS The Speedy Sloth

2022 NSS Family Tree

2021 NSS Give Me Some Space

2020 NSS Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas

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