National Simultaneous Storytime
Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller
Written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake A Minton
Join us to cheer on Luna Roo as she finds her inner strength in this inspiring tale of courage and determination.
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Little Book Press are proud to present the National Simultaneous Storytime picture book for 2026.
National Simultaneous Storytime
ALIA's National Simultaneous Storytime is an event that celebrates literacy, imagination and connection through the joy of shared reading – a mission that mirrors our own.
Every year, a picture book created by an Australian author and illustrator is chosen for a free nationwide reading event unlike any other. Millions gather in schools, libraries, homes, preschools and bookshops to read the same story, at the same time, out loud, together.
In 2026, that picture book is Luna Roo. A full-throttle, tail-thumping, goal-scoring, underdog story that brings the excitement off the pitch – and the page – and into an unmissable storytime event on 27 May 2026 at 12.00pm AEST.
Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller
With art from award-winning illustrator Jake A Minton and words by football veterans Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, Luna Roo delivers a high-energy story that will have you cheering like you’re in the stands.
As Luna steps up to lead FC Outback in a thrilling face-off against Bush United, the rookie captain needs to find her inner strength on the field. She’s faced with a huntsman goalkeeper, snakes in attack and nerves that threaten to overcome her confidence. But Luna leaves nothing on the pitch as she learns to silence her doubts, believe in her skills and trust her teammates. Together, they rise to unexpected victory in this tale of courage and determination.
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Publishing with purpose
Little Book Press is the publishing house of Raising Literacy Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the life-changing magic of picture books to Australian homes. We’re grateful to the Australian Library and Information Association for sharing in our vision for Luna Roo and recognising her potential to unify and excite readers of all ages across the country.