On Wednesday 27 May 2009 at 11:00am, the State Library of Western Australia will join organisations from Broome to Hobart, reading the picture book Pete the Sheep to more than 100,000 children across Australia. 

Michelle Scott, the Commissioner for Children and Young People, will read the story to children from local child care centres at the State Library.

Ms Scott said “research into early brain development shows that a child’s ability to learn and develop pre-literacy skills is greater if they are read to from birth. Sharing and encouraging a love of reading from an early age is a valuable gift to give any child, for a good start in life.”

Now in its ninth successful year, National Simultaneous Storytime 2009 aims to celebrate and acknowledge the vital work being done in libraries, schools and communities around Australia to develop young people's literacy and numeracy skills.

The event has been organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, to promote the value of reading and literacy, the importance of Australia's book industry and the role of libraries.

Pete the Sheep is written by the award winning author, Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley and published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia.

For information about the event, contact Joanna on 9427 3173.

For more information on National Simultaneous Storytime around Australia, contact the Australian Library and Information Association, PO Box 6335 Kingston 2604, ph 02 6215 8222 or visit the National Simultaneous Storytime pages on ALIAnet at http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/

ENDS

For further information please contact: 

Joanna Andrew     Tel: (08) 9427 3173
Senior Subject Specialist- Children   Email: joanna.andrew@slwa.wa.gov.au
State Library of Western Australia

Danielle Holbery     Tel: (08) 9427 3151
Marketing Officer     Email: danielle.holbery@slwa.wa.gov.au
State Library of Western Australia 

Carrie Parsons     Tel: 0434 327 804
Media and Communications Officer   Email: carrie.parsons@ccyp.wa.gov.au
Commissioner for Children and Young People