Story time allows a child and adult to share the reading experience. I remember during my childhood going to storytime at the library and listening to the librarian read to an audience. Throughout my early years at school my mother would read with me.

This joint experience of storytelling continued into my careers when I became a primary teacher and an author. I always enjoyed reading a story to my students, teaching them about beginnings, middles and endings and sharing my love of words and characters. As an author I have the opportunity to read my stories to others and share my storytelling.

The National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually. The campaign aims to encourage more children to read and enjoy books. A picture book is chosen every year to be read simultaneously in schools, libraries, pre-schools, family homes and bookshops around the country.

The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland was the story chosen the year I took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime. I read the picture book to a large audience of Prep and Grade One students. After the story was read I had question time and a group discussion. Prior to this day, the teachers had worked on introductory activities with the students leading up to the event.

Reading to a group of children and sharing the love of books with them is a rewarding experience.