Are you sitting comfortably? Then it's time to get excited as National Simultaneous Storytime is back! You can join in the Storytime fun with a special event at Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Warrawong, and Wollongong Libraries.
This year the national event is held on Wednesday 24 May at 11am and invites everyone across the country to read the Australian picture book, The Speedy Sloth by author Rebecca Young and Illustrator Heath McKenzie.
National Simultaneous Storytime is all about fostering a love of reading from an early age, and is held across Australia in libraries, schools, preschools, family day cares, childcare centres, family homes and bookshops.
"Our librarians will be reading The Speedy Sloth at participating libraries and keeping it simultaneous means we'll be starting on the dot at 11am. This is the perfect event for children aged under 6 years, as well as their parents or caregivers," Wollongong City Council Manager Library and Community Services Jenny Thompson said.
"We love our books, and it's wonderful to be able to showcase another great Australian picture book to our community. For those who don't often manage to get to their local library, or are a bit out of practice with Storytimes, come along. National Simultaneous Storytime is for you!"
National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually as an initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association, with over 2 million people expected to take part across the country.
About the author
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.
About the illustrator
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.
National Simultaneous Storytime
WHEN: Wednesday 24 May, 11am
WHERE: Head to Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Warrawong, or Wollongong Library.
AGES: This free event is for children aged under 6 and their parents/caregivers.
