National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 is coming up, and this year’s book — Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller — is one of the most exciting, energetic choices yet. This action-packed Australian story is filled with teamwork, nerves, courage and determination, making it perfect for early years and primary classrooms.
Because schools across Australia read the book at the same time, National Simultaneous Storytime creates a sense of shared excitement that fits beautifully into Term 2 planning. To help teachers make the most of this special day, this Luna Roo craft and writing activity is designed to turn the story into a hands-on classroom display that students feel proud of.
What Is National Simultaneous Storytime?
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual reading event run by the Australian Library and Information Association. Each year, millions of students, teachers and libraries read the same picture book at the same time. This builds a strong sense of community around reading while supporting early literacy, oral language and comprehension.
Because NSS fits so naturally into English, Arts and SEL lessons, it is easy to build a whole literacy block around the event.
NSS 2026 Event Details You Need to Know
📅 Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 pm AEST
📖 Book: Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller
🏫 Who can join? Everyone — schools, libraries, preschools, families, OOSH
💰 Cost: Free (you just register with ALIA!)
The themes of teamwork, courage and perseverance make this book ideal for creative classroom projects.
About the Book – Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller
Luna Roo is the rookie captain of FC Outback, preparing for her biggest match yet. As the game begins, she faces nerves, tough opponents and unexpected challenges — from spider goalkeepers to snake attackers. Through it all, Luna learns that trusting her skills and working with her team is what helps her succeed.
The bright illustrations and humorous animal characters keep young readers engaged, while the message of courage and determination resonates deeply with children.
The Luna Roo Craft & Writing Display
This Luna Roo craft activity is designed to be a print-and-go, cut-and-assemble project that pairs beautifully with the story. Students:
• colour their Luna Roo pieces
• cut out the kangaroo, jersey, trophy and soccer ball
• assemble the character
• glue it onto coloured backing paper
• and add a writing prompt underneath
The finished result is a bright, eye-catching classroom wall display that shows both creativity and learning.
The craft works especially well for NSS because it gives students something to do before, during and after reading.
🛒 BUY IT HERE
👉 The Luna Roo Craft & Writing Display
How to Use the Craft for NSS 2026
1. Colour and Cut
Students colour all the Luna Roo pieces — including her jersey, tail, trophy and soccer ball. This supports fine motor skills and allows students to personalise their character.
2. Assemble
Students cut out the pieces and glue them together to create their own Luna Roo. The shapes are bold and simple, making them easy for little hands to manage.
3. Add the Writing Prompt
Each student adds a short writing page underneath their craft. Prompts include:
• What makes a good team?
• My big goal is…
• I will keep trying by…
• I show courage when…
These connect directly to Luna Roo’s journey and help students reflect on teamwork, effort and confidence.
4. Create the Display
All the finished crafts are mounted on coloured backing paper and placed under the large banner:
“Like Luna Roo, We Keep Going!”
This creates a powerful growth-mindset display that celebrates effort, not just achievement.
Why Teachers Love This Activity
✔ Print-and-go
✔ No prep
✔ Black-and-white templates for easy printing
✔ Perfect for K–3
✔ Builds literacy, SEL and fine motor skills
✔ Creates a meaningful classroom display
Looking for more National Simultaneous Storytime classroom activities? Check out these ideas from previous years:
Bowerbird Craft Activity for National Simultaneous Storytime 2024
Family Tree Activities for National Simultaneous Storytime 2022
The Best Books About Space for Kids (NSS 2021)
Fun Classroom Activities for National Simultaneous Storytime 2023
✨ Freebie for Teachers
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