Join the Fun as Luna Roo Leaps into National Storytime

Published on 20 May 2026

This is a call out to all story lovers to join Parkes Shire Library for National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 (NSS) as we come together to read Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 12pm.

Parkes Shire Library is proud to be part of this much-loved national tradition for its 26th year, hosting a free event featuring a live performance of this year’s chosen book, Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller.

Written by football veterans Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, and illustrated by Jake Minton, the story follows rookie captain Luna Roo as she leaves nothing on the pitch while leading FC Outback in a thrilling face-off against Bush United. Faced with a spider goalkeeper, snakes in attack and bubbling nerves, Luna must trust her skills and her teammates to soar to victory. Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller captures the excitement of the game while sharing a heartwarming message about courage, teamwork and determination.

“Come and cheer for Luna Roo as she finds her inner strength on the field in this energetic underdog story,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Cultural, Education and Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones.

“National Simultaneous Storytime is such a wonderful opportunity to bring children, families and communities together through the joy of reading. Events like these help foster a lifelong love of books and literacy, while creating special shared experiences for young readers and their families.”

NSS is one of Australia’s most beloved annual reading events, bringing together millions of children, families, libraries, schools and early learning centres to share the same story, at the same time, right across the country. NSS 2026 will take place on 27 May 2026 at 12pm AEST and is a joyful celebration of reading, literacy and community, while highlighting the important role libraries play in nurturing learning, connection and imagination.

National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association. Each year, a picture book written and illustrated by Australian creators is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other locations across the nation. Now in its 26th successful year, the event continues to promote the value of reading and literacy through engaging Australian children’s literature that explores age-appropriate themes and supports key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

To join the live performance at Parkes Shire Library, RSVP via Humanitix or contact the Library on 6861 2309.

A reminder that the Peak Hill Library will celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime on Tuesday, 26 May at 11:30am with an extra special Storytime planned for local families.

Caption:

Join Parkes Shire Library’s Rachael Westcott and Amy Butler for this year’s exciting live performance of National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 to read Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 12pm.