‘The Cow Tripped Over the Moon’ is the book that will unite Australia for the 2017 National Simultaneous Storytime. 3500 libraries, schools and childcare centres across Australia will participate in synchronised reading at 11.00am on Wednesday 24, May to celebrate Australian authors and promote early childhood literacy.

Gunnedah Shire Library’s event is set to be exciting, as they have taken leadership of the Gunnedah chapter of ‘Paint the Town REaD’ and will launch the program at their National Simultaneous Storytime event.

The Library is renowned for their amazing decorations and imaginative take on themed months, and true to form those attending will be introduced to the REaD Egg, a magical egg which only grows if it’s read to.

‘Paint the Town REaD is a great initiative, and the library is proud to be stepping up to lead it. We are passionate about reading, and early literacy skills are crucial for a child’s development. Making reading fun and interactive is a great way to engage children, and developing those skills early will hopefully lead to a lifelong love of reading,’ Gunnedah Shire Council’s Paint the Town REaD Co ordinator Liz Ironmonger said.

Councillor Anne Luke will lead the library’s official Simultaneous Storytime reading kicking off at 11.00am, which will be followed by a presentation of 1000 Books Before School Certificates for children who have achieved this impressive reading milestone.

For more information about National Simultaneous Storytime or to be involved with Paint the Town REaD contact Gunnedah Shire Library on 6740 2190.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.