National Simultaneous Storytime

ALIA is delighted to announce that the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) book for 2025 is The Truck Cat written by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell and published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. Along with his human, Yacoub, Tinka travels roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away – for both of them. When Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated, they are determined to find their way back to each other – and, in doing so, might find more than they expected …

“The Truck Cat is a story that’s all about belonging and connection” says the book’s author Deborah Frenkel “so it’s an absolute thrill that this book will connect so many readers through National Simultaneous Storytime in 2025. I’m enormously honoured on Tinka the cat’s behalf!”

Illustrator Danny Snell also expressed his excitement about the book’s selection. "I’m so excited for everyone involved with the creation of The Truck Cat – to have the opportunity to share it with so many people across the country through National Simultaneous Storytime is very special.”

“I’m thrilled for Deb and Danny, but most of all I’m glad that so many children and families across the country will be introduced to this timely yet timeless story” says Hardie Grant publisher Chren Byng. “The Truck Cat is hugely important to everyone who worked on it, and we’re enormously grateful that ALIA have lifted it up in this special way.”

 Click on the above image to purchase a copy of the book

Resources for NSS: https://www.twinkl.com.au/nss-australia?utm_source=ALIA+Website&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=10279%21Australia%3FCB-Hub-Category-auNSS2025&utm_term=TwinklNSSLandingPage

View the inside of the book: https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/the-truck-cat-by-deborah-frenkel/9781761215766