National Share-a-Story Month
National Share-A-Story Month (NSSM) is an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing, providing a fantastic opportunity to fulfil the core aim of the FCBG of bringing children and stories together. Across the country Federation book groups and individuals run a whole host of events. Each year we are inspired by a specific theme and work with different organisations to provide people with resources and opportunities.
National Share a Story Month 2026
Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, National Share a Story Month is an annual event designed to celebrate the fabulous world of children’s fiction and to inspire a love of reading by sharing stories. We are delighted that NSSM has been chosen as a drumbeat for the National Year of Reading.
In 2026, the theme of National Share a Story Month is Once Upon a Storytime. Running throughout May 2026, NSSM will shine a spotlight on the joy of reading aloud and the power of stories to bring people together. This nationwide celebration invites children, families, schools, and communities to connect through books, storytelling, and the spoken word.
A specially curated NSSM 2026 booklist will be published on the FCBG website on Friday 1st May 2026, featuring an inspiring selection of read-aloud stories for every age recommended by our members.
To celebrate the joy of reading aloud, and our 50th anniversary, we invite families, schools, libraries, book groups, nurseries, and community organisations to take part in our national competition to win book prizes. We’d love to hear about your own read-aloud experience or event — whether it’s a shared story time, a special reading session, or a creative way you’ve brought stories to life. Get children involved, make it fun, and show us how you’ve celebrated reading aloud together! Further information, along with the terms and conditions, will be available soon. 