National reading event out of this world

Students at North Sydney Public School joined almost two million others from around the world as part of the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS), hosted by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Now in its 21st year, the 2021 NSS featured story time with an astronaut from the International Space Station. 

The event is an engaging educational opportunity focused on the value of reading and literacy that features a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator.

The same book is read by students in libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country at the same time so children can enjoy reading for fun. This was the first time astronauts have read students stories from space.

North Sydney Public School students joined students for the event from more than 27 countries, including Afghanistan, Cook Islands, Egypt, Japan, the US and Vietnam.

“National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual, national event that we participate in to promote the enjoyment and fun of reading with our students,” North Sydney Public School principal Fiona Davis said.

“This year our students were particularly excited to have the book Give Me Some Space!, by Phillip Bunting, read to them by astronaut Dr Shannon Walker live from the International Space Station — what a treat!

“The students really enjoyed taking part in this worthwhile initiative. It was wonderful as an educator to be able to provide them with such a unique and unforgettable experience that they will remember for years to come,” she said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Paopano