Alpacas with maracas visit St Monica's Primary School Richmond for National Simultaneous Storytime

Two alpacas visited the school, courtesy of Bowen Mountain business Alpaca Kisses, and pupils met in the school courtyard to watch a reader's theatre production of 'Alpacas with Maracas' by Matt Cosgrove (adapted from the book), presented by the teachers.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), annually in May.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and other places around the country.

Now in its 19th successful year, it is designed to be a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

NSS aims to: promote the value of reading and literacy; promote the value and fun of books; promote Australian writers and publishers; promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country; and provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.