I think NSS is such a wonderful event - here's some information from the Australian Library and Information Association NSS website, because they can explain it much better than I can!

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 20th 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,
• promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country,
• and provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.

Like many events over the past few months, NSS had to be done a bit differently this year thanks to COVID-19. I think my daughter had just returned to school that week or maybe the week before, and in her school all the students watched a video of their wonderful school librarian reading to them. There was also a special episode of Play School's story time on the ABC, and many local libraries streamed events.

The website also explains how the books are chosen, which I thought was interesting - publishers send in possible titles which the ALIA then choose from, considering factors like: a positive storyline; appeal to a modern and diverse audience; suitability for read-aloud (language and length); how well the book lends itself to craft and other activities.

I thought Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas was a fun choice - the text is an absolute delight to read aloud, the illustrations are beautiful and bright, and the story is silly in the best way.
Big thanks to publishers Scholastic Australia for sending us our own copy of Whitney and Britney to enjoy at home!

xo Bron

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Format: Hardback
RRP: $17.99 

Find Lucinda Gifford online at her website here