On Wednesday 27 May 2026, children across Kids Academy joined millions of young Australians in one of the country's most beloved literacy events. National Simultaneous Storytime isn't just a fun shared moment, it's a powerful demonstration of what regular, engaged reading can do for children's development and their readiness for school.
What Is National Simultaneous Storytime?
Organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held every year and is now in its 26th year. At 12pm AEST on 27 May, a single picture book was read aloud simultaneously across the country, in early learning centres, schools, libraries, and family homes. The aim: to celebrate reading, promote literacy, and connect children through the shared experience of story.
The 2026 book was Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton, and published by Little Book Press. Luna Roo is the rookie captain of FC Outback, preparing for the biggest match of her life. With spider goalkeepers in goal and snake attackers bearing down on her team, she has to learn to manage her nerves, trust her teammates, and back herself when it counts.
A Book Built Around Skills Children Need
The themes running through Luna Roo align closely with the skills we work to build at Kids Academy every day. Emotional regulation - recognising and managing nervousness, frustration, and excitement. Teamwork and communication - understanding that success is collective, not individual. Persistence - keeping going when things get difficult. These aren't just sporting values. They're foundational skills for school readiness and lifelong learning.
The book was written by people with real expertise in the sport and in working with children. Adam Jackson has spent nearly 20 years in professional football, including at Manchester United, and Adrian Lloyd is an FA-qualified coach with extensive experience coaching children's teams in Australia. That grounding in real experience makes the story feel genuine, and children respond to that.
How Kids Academy Celebrated
Our educators at Kids Academy and the broader Affinity Education network of centres brought NSS to life with activities designed to extend the learning well beyond the story itself.
Soccer-themed sensory trays gave children a hands-on way to engage with the world of the book, exploring textures and materials connected to the story's theme. Soccer-inspired movement and physical activities gave children the chance to experience the energy of the game themselves, building gross motor skills and coordination alongside the fun. Foyer displays let children communicate what they'd experienced and learned, sharing the story with their families and extending the conversation into the home environment.
What Shared Reading Builds
The evidence behind reading aloud to young children is clear and consistent. Children who are regularly read to develop stronger vocabulary, better listening and comprehension skills, and improved attention spans, all of which are critical foundations for formal learning. Research shows that by the time children who've been read to regularly start school, they've been exposed to hundreds of thousands more words than peers who haven't had the same experience.
At Kids Academy, we build shared reading into our program not as an add-on but as a core part of how children develop language, critical thinking, and a love of learning. National Simultaneous Storytime gives that daily practice a national stage, and reminds families of the role they play in continuing that reading journey at home.
Ready to See Kids Academy in Action?
We'd love to show you how our structured, school-readiness-focused program brings literacy, learning, and fun together every day.