Each year, millions of children across Australia gather for one of the most exciting events in the calendar—National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). Organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), NSS is a vibrant, community-focused event designed to promote the value of reading and literacy through a shared love of books. Now in its 25th year, NSS has grown into a colourful celebration of Australian stories, with simultaneous readings held in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, homes, and more.
On Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, NSS will once again bring together children, parents, teachers, and caregivers from all corners of the country to share in the joy of reading aloud. The chosen book for this year’s event is “The Truck Cat”, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by the award-winning Danny Snell. This heartwarming and thought-provoking tale about cats, humans, immigration, and finding home is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
The Story - "The Truck Cat"
“The Truck Cat” follows the story of Tinka, a cat who doesn’t live in a house or apartment like most cats. Instead, Tinka lives in a truck with his human, Yacoub. Together, they travel along roads, both far and near, but despite their adventures, the feeling of home remains elusive. Yacoub, like many immigrants, drives his truck to make a living in a new country, navigating unfamiliar landscapes while longing for connection. When Tinka and Yacoub are separated, they embark on a journey to find each other—and along the way, discover what home really means.
With its themes of kindness, compassion, and the search for belonging, “The Truck Cat” offers a poignant message for young readers. It not only celebrates the bond between humans and animals but also touches on immigration and the challenges of finding home in a new place. The stunning illustrations by Danny Snell beautifully complement the story, creating an immersive experience for children to explore.
Choosing a National Simultaneous Storytime Book
Each year, publishers submit possible titles for NSS consideration. ALIA looks for books that are engaging for young readers, promote literacy and numeracy, and are suitable for read-aloud sessions. The chosen book must offer opportunities for creative activities and have an inclusive, diverse appeal. In recent years, Learn From Play has proudly partnered with ALIA to provide educational resources for:
“Bowerbird Blues” by Aura Parker (2024)
“The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie (2023)
“Family Tree” by Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh (2022)
“Give Me Some Space!” by Philip Bunting (2021)
“Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas” by Lucinda Gifford (2020)
We are thrilled to continue this tradition in 2025 with “The Truck Cat”, offering a range of fun, educational activities for teachers, parents, and students to enjoy. We’ve developed a range of activities that will help children connect with the story on a deeper level. From creative writing exercises that encourage students to imagine their own adventures with Tinka, to craft projects where they can make their own "truck”, draw a cat and make Spanish treats, our resources aim to make reading both fun and educational.
Join the National Simultaneous Storytime Celebration!
National Simultaneous Storytime is more than just a reading event—it’s a celebration of storytelling and the importance of literacy in shaping young minds. By participating in NSS 2025 and sharing “The Truck Cat” with children, you’re helping to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
So, mark your calendars for May 21st, 2025, and join millions of children across Australia for a special moment of connection and learning. Together, let’s celebrate the power of stories to inspire, teach, and bring us closer to one another.
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