This Wednesday 21st May, join libraries, bookshops and schools around the country in celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime.

This is a joyful annual event where kids across Australia read the same book at the same time. It’s a perfect opportunity to host a fun, easy and memorable storytime session for preschool-aged children and their families.

This year’s book is The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell.

Whether you have a dedicated kids’ section, a small reading nook, or just a bit of free floor space, this guide is packed with adaptable ideas to make your event a success.

Event planning overview

WHEN: Wednesday 21 May at 12:00pm AEST

WHO: Preschool-aged children (2–5 years), parents and carers, and story-lovers of all ages.

WHERE: Anywhere in your library, school or bookshop!

What to do on the day

Set the scene

Use rugs, cushions, beanbags or soft chairs to make a cosy space.

Decorate with toy trucks, cat toys, boxes that look like trucks – or get creative with window display materials.

Have gentle music playing as families arrive to build excitement.

Join the Storytime at 12:00pm AEST

Read The Truck Cat aloud together with your audience. Big expressions, truck noises and cat meows welcome!

Reading Tips

Ask open-ended questions about the story like:

• What kind of cat is Tinka? How does this make him different from other types of cats?
• How does Yacoub feel when Tinka goes missing?
• What leads Yacoub back to Tinka (and to Mari)?

(See the teacher’s notes for more in-depth questions!)

Invite kids to act out parts of the book – honking, purring, moving like a cat etc.

Optional Add-Ons

Make your own cat or truck

Provide simple craft materials: paper plates, cotton balls, crayons, glue, googly eyes.

Kids can create a cat face or a cardboard truck to take home.

Set up a colouring-in station

Offer printable Truck Cat colouring sheets (download the sheets here).

Display finished artworks in-store to create a ‘Truck Cat Gallery’.

Create a play corner

Use boxes to make ‘trucks’ kids can sit in and ‘drive’.

Add simple dress-up items like cat ear headbands or tails for added fun.

Share the love!

Take your own photos and encourage parents and carers to do the same (with consent) and share using the hashtag #NSS2025. You can also tag @alianational, @hardiegrantkids @debdoeswords and @dannydsnell.

For more information on the event and ways you can get involved visit the National Simultaneous Storytime event page.