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, schools, libraries 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.
Image by Emma Carpendale
National Competition
To celebrate the joy of reading aloud, the fiftieth anniversary of National Share-a-Story Month, and the National Year of Reading, NSSM 2026 invites families, schools, libraries, book groups, nurseries, and community organisations to take part in a national competition that celebrates reading aloud in all its forms.
We’re asking you to tell us about your own read-aloud experience or event: it might be a story time shared between children or within a family; it could be a special reading session; or perhaps you could share a creative way you’ve brought stories to life. Get children involved, make it fun, and show us how you’ve celebrated sharing stories aloud together! There is more information here NSSM Competition details. The terms and conditions are available on the NSSM resources page along with the entry form.
If you are stuck for ideas, why not make a story sack and enjoy using it together? There is more information about using story sacks on the NSSM resources page and watch out for our blog with more ideas for story sack ‘recipes’.
Performing a poem or story is another great way to engage children in reading aloud. You could use the ‘Readers’ Theatre’ technique in class or at home. If you aren’t familiar with this approach, there are some guidelines on the NSSM Resources page.
Booklist
We have a specially curated NSSM 2026 booklist, featuring an inspiring selection of read-aloud stories for every age recommended by our members.
