Now in its 17^th year, NSS aims to inspire more young Australians to read and enjoy books by getting teachers, parents, grandparents and other partners in learning to read the same book, at the same time, in schools, preschools, childcare centres, libraries, bookshops and homes across the country.

In Dubbo, stage one students at Orana Heights Public School listened in awe as narrator Pip Cody and Auslan translator Michelle Goodison delivered Toni Wilson’s The Cow Tripped Over the Moon.

“They were really excited,” librarian Sue Radburn said.

“Most of them knew the story because it’s in our library and we had promoted it through the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Honour List.

“They were in awe when I told them 520,000 students were participating.”

It’s not the first time Orana Heights Public School has taken part, and Mrs Radburn said the school saw immense value in promoting “the value of reading and literacy and the fun of books”.

“It’s an annual event in our school, and we hope to have it grow to involve the parents and grandparents.”

Children from Red Gum Childcare Centre also took part in NSS, with a special live reading by Creative Voice Studio’s Camilla Ward at the Macquarie Regional Library.

Dubbo branch director John Bayliss said the library has taken part in the event since 2000.

“It’s always great to have a group of the library’s younger friends come in from Red Gum and elsewhere,” he said.

“And by having Ms Ward as our guest speaker she helps bring the stories alive and engages with the children.

“Everyone has fun and becomes engaged with the story, which is great.”

The Dubbo library is currently celebrating Library and Information Week 2017 with activities including ‘Meet the Robots’ from 3.30pm on Thursday, and ‘Explore history with a cup of tea’ on Friday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. There is also the chance to join the Winter Reading Program which concludes on July, 31.