The ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime is on a bit earlier this year, Wednesday 21 May 2008. From their recent update:

National Simultaneous Storytime 2007

Wednesday, 21 May 2008 at 11:00am

We are thrilled to announce that the National Simultaneous Storytime book for 2008 is Arthur by Amanda Graham and illustrated by Donna Gynell!

The book is about Arthur, a dog in a pet store desperately wanting a home but nobody seems to want him. He imitates all the other pet shop animals in the hope of being bought but just when he has given up hope a little girl buys him….

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is a wonderful opportunity to promote your library! NSS endeavours to promote the value of reading and literacy and the value of books; and to encourage storytime activities in public libraries around the country.

It provides a great opportunity to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to enjoy the occasion. Invite your local celebrity or politician to read aloud at your library, you can dress-up, or organise a themed party! The options are only limited to your imagination!

Libraries, schools and centres who would like to take part in the National Simultaneous Storytime can register online on the ALIA website at http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/2008/. Keep checking the website for all the latest information regarding NSS 2008.

The NSS Activity Sheets and other NSS images will be available for download on the NSS website from mid March. The NSS promotional poster will be available for purchase soon.

The book is available now for purchase from the Era Publications website at http://www.erapublications.com/content/8/31