The Australian Library and Information Association and Little Book Press are proud to present the National Simultaneous Storytime picture book for 2026.

National Simultaneous Storytime 2026

This event celebrates literacy, imagination and connection through the simple joy of shared reading – a mission that mirrors our own.

Every year, a picture book created by an Australian author and illustrator is chosen for a free nationwide reading event unlike any other. Millions gather in schools, libraries, homes, preschools and bookshops to read the same story, at the same time, out loud, together.

In 2026, that picture book is Luna Roo. A full-throttle, tail-thumping, goal-scoring, underdog story that brings the excitement off the pitch – and the page – and into an unmissable storytime event.

Register Now
Book cover for 'Lunar Roo: The Kangaroo Baller' featuring an animated kangaroo with a football and a yellow jersey, standing on a wooden platform with a soccer ball. Additional text includes author names Adam Jackson, Adrian Lloyd, and Jake A Minton, and a badge for a national storytime event.

“We chose Luna Roo for NSS because it captures the spirit of rising to a challenge with heart and grit” said Kellie John, a member of the selection panel and ALIA’s Children and Youth Services Special Interest Group. “Navigating nerves, tricky opponents, and unexpected hurdles reflects the kind of determination kids face every day. It is a powerful celebration of courage, self-belief, and pushing through when things get tough.” 

Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller

As Luna steps up to lead FC Outback in a thrilling face-off against Bush United, the rookie captain needs to find her inner strength on the field. She’s faced with a huntsman goalkeeper, snakes in attack and nerves that threaten to overcome her confidence. But Luna leaves nothing on the pitch as she learns to silence her doubts, believe in her skills and trust her teammates. Together, they rise to unexpected victory in this heartwarming tale of courage and determination.

Proudly published through Little Book Press, the publishing arm of Raising Literacy Australia.

Buy now
Two animated galahs with pink feathers wearing headphones and suits, holding microphones, appearing to conduct an interview or commentate football, set against a green forest background with fire flies flying.
Luna Roo Book extract - Illustration of two anthropomorphic galahs dressed as news anchors, holding microphones and reporting outdoors. The background features green foliage, bees flying around, and a tree branch they are perched on.
Luna Roo Book extract - Animated scene of animal characters playing soccer, with a kangaroo kicking a ball and a bird flying nearby, on lush green grass, with a koala jumping and reacting, vibrant colorful background.
Luna Roo book extract - Cartoon animals, including a crocodile, kangaroo, koala, wombat, dingo, and other animals, cheer and celebrate together, wearing sports jerseys. Text in large black letters says "Goooooooaaaall!".
An illustrated scene from a soccer game featuring characters with animal features. One character in a yellow and green uniform is lying on the ground, and another character in a similar uniform is jumping. Blue-gloved hands are shown playing with a s
An illustration of a crowd of animals protesting at a rally, holding signs with messages like 'You don't know what you're doing', 'BOOOO', 'BACK STRONGER', and 'SKIPPY, NOT SKIPPER'. The crowd includes bears, dogs, and other animals with expressive f
Animated group of Australian animal characters in yellow football jerseys, including a kangaroo, dingo, koala, crocodile, bird, and others, smiling and posing together.
Author and Illustrator team, Adrian Lloyd, Adam Jackson and Jake A Minton (left to right), sitting close together at a social gathering, with their arms around each other.

MEET THE TEAM

Wonderful art by award-winning Australian illustrator and children’s book veteran Jake A Minton.

Written by debut authors Adam Jackson & Adrian Lloyd who have spent a combined 40 years working in football media and coaching, including 13 years in Australian football.

Proudly published through Little Book Press, the publishing arm of Raising Literacy Australia.

Buy Book