There was plenty of energy in the Primary Classroom at Hospital School at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as Book Buddies Maggie, Cathie and Shauna joined students for a special National Simultaneous Storytime session.
Together, they shared Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller before leading fun activities inspired by the story, creating a warm and engaging experience for students. It offered simple but meaningful moments to listen, imagine, join in and enjoy a story together.
For children learning in hospital, these opportunities matter. Stories can offer comfort, spark creativity and bring a sense of connection to the school day. They can also provide a welcome distraction and support literacy in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
A national celebration of reading
National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually in May and is now in its 26th year. The much-loved initiative brings children together across the country to read the same book at the same time, celebrating the value of stories, literacy and shared learning.
Its reach continues to grow. In 2024, more than 2.3 million children took part at over 21,000 locations across Australia, highlighting the important role reading plays in children’s learning and wellbeing.
At Hospital School, this year’s session gave students the chance to be part of that wider national moment while enjoying an experience designed just for them.
Creating brighter moments through reading
For the WCH Foundation, supporting programs that enrich the hospital experience for children and families is central to our work, and Book Buddies is an important part of that commitment.
Through this joint initiative with Hospital School SA, delivered with expertise from members of the Children’s Book Council of South Australia, qualified book readers visit the wards to encourage reading, build literacy skills and provide a positive distraction for patients, creating moments of comfort, connection and joy in hospital.
