THE Swan Hill region joined over two million children across Australia for the 25th annual National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, May 21.
Community groups, local schools and libraries in more than 20,000 locations nationwide participated in the shared reading event.
Swan Hill Christian School (SHCS) were one of the schools participating this year.
“This is the 25th year of National Simultaneous Storytime,” said SHCS librarian Sharyn McCann.
“It’s a national event that’s celebrated and recognised in libraries and schools across the country.”
This year’s featured title was The Truck Cat, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.
“It tells the story of a cat who travels with a truck driver and the journey they share,” Ms McCann said.
To bring the story to life the school prepared a surprise for their students.
“Today, we have one of our local truck drivers visiting to share his truck with the children and talk about what he does in his profession,” Ms McCann said.
Mr Tilbrook, a former parent, backed the initiative, saying: “I’m here to support the school.”
He said his job takes him across the country, and he was happy to take a break from the road to connect with students.
“I work in livestock transport,” Mr Tilbrook said.
“I drive all over the country.
“I happened to be in between jobs. I gave the truck a quick wash and thought it’d be good to come out and show the kids.
“The kids are getting the chance to have a look inside the truck. Even most adults haven’t seen inside a truck like this.”
After the reading, students had the opportunity to ask him questions, gaining insight into the daily life of a truckie and offered a connection to the book’s themes.
The storytelling extended beyond SHCS to other schools and libraries in the region.
Nyah District Primary School students each drew their own version of a cat inspired by the story.
Tooleybuc Central School welcomed guest reader Annette from Blachford Transport.
At Swan Hill Regional Library, Casey dressed up as Yacoub, bringing the story’s main character to life.
Robinvale Library and Woorinen District Primary School also joined in the celebration.
The Truck Cat follows the story of Tinka, a rescue cat who finds a home in the cab of a long-haul truck with Yacoub.
The story touches on themes of travel, home, immigration, identity, and belonging.
National Simultaneous Storytime is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association.
The annual event promotes literacy and a love of reading through a chosen Australian children’s book.
