Storytelling From Space Fascinates Students

This year's National Simultaneous Storytime, held on 19 May 2021 at 11:00, was a truly intergalactic experience; astronaut Dr Shannon Walker read the 2021 NSS book, "Give Me Some Space", live from the International Space Station.

Every year, an illustrated Australian storybook is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.  The book "Give Me Some Space", written and illustrated by Philip Bunting, is about a young girl who dreams of a life in space. Life on Earth is just so so-so. But how will she get there? And will she complete her mission to discover life in space? And did she remember to feed Neil the goldfish?

NSS, now in its 21st successful year, 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.

NSS is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). This year's exciting reading from space was made possible by ALIA,  Scholastic, the Australian Space Agency and the Office of the Chief Scientist.