- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- BooksChildren
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every May
- Holiday emoji:
- đź“š
National Share a Story Month dedicates the entire month of May to fostering a love for reading and narrative. Founded by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, this observance encourages everyone to engage with stories. Pick up a book, share a tale, or join a local reading event to celebrate.
Want to sponsor National Share a Story Month? Learn how
History of National Share a Story Month
National Share-a-Story Month originally started as National Tell-a-Story Week in 1974. The holiday was an initiative of Pat Triggs, the Vice-Chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups at the time. In 1998, the federation decided to extend the duration of the event to one month, and that was the beginning of National Share-a-Story Month.
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is a U.K.-based national philanthropic organization. It publishes and markets children’s books to cultivate the reading habit in children and teens. In 1965, Anne Wood, a British children’s television producer and creator of “Teletubbies,” formed the first children’s book group to boost the zeal for and about children’s books. Subsequently, more groups emerged, and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups was formed in 1968.
The federation is run by volunteering individuals and organizations at the national level, through an executive, and at the local level, through local groups. They collaborate with publishers, libraries, schools, and other literacy bodies to promote National Share-a-Story Month each May. The federation is also responsible for National Non-Fiction Day (every November).
Book contests for children’s authors, events with visiting speakers, including authors and illustrators, and activities for children such as storytelling and book exhibitions are some of the events carried out during National Share-a-Story Month. Every year the federation gives a theme for the celebration and reading activities for the month. There is also a Share-a-Story Challenge on social media where everyone is free to participate and celebrate the event.
National Share a Story Month FAQs
When is National Share a Story Month?
In 2027, National Share a Story Month again takes place all through May, providing a full 31 days to engage with narratives and promote literacy.
Why is sharing stories important for children?
The act of sharing stories helps children develop a lifelong love for reading, improves their vocabulary, and enhances critical thinking. It creates a foundation for academic success and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
How many children's books are published each year?
The children’s book market remains robust, with a consistent output of new titles each year. This includes picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction, reflecting a diverse and growing industry.
Who founded National Share a Story Month?
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups established National Share a Story Month to encourage families and communities to celebrate and share the delight of reading with children and teens.
National Share a Story Month Activities
Get creative with stories
There are so many ways to tell stories, and with no rules attached, you can spice it up as much as you want. You could craft a picture book, write a poem, song, some catchy rap bars, or even start an internet meme thread for a funny story. It is the 21st century after all!
Organize a storytelling session
Host an oral story-telling session with a few friends or family members. The story could be one you've all read. You can also encourage everyone to be present with their own story to share.
Read a book
Reading a book is also a great way to celebrate the month. Find a book that piques your interest, and get reading! In choosing a book, do not choose a lengthy book, find something you can finish in some weeks' time, so by the end of the month, you too will have a story to share.
5 Interesting Facts About National Share-a-Story Month
It was originally just a week long
The National Share-a-Story Month was originally National Tell-a-Story Week, a five-day event.
It began in the late 1990s
The National Share-a-Story Month started in 1998.
The federation is 54 years old
The Federation of Children's Book Groups in the U.K. has been around for 54 years.
It was Pat Triggs's Idea
The original Tell-a-Story Week holiday started out as an initiative by Triggs, the Vice-Chair of the Federation of Children's Book Groups at the time.
It has two popular hashtags
#NationalShareAStoryMonth and #nssm are the two popular social media hashtags for the holiday.
Why We Love National Share a Story Month
Teach kids the literary way
Children are known for picking up things from their environment. We get to develop a love of books in them by encouraging them to read and by doing so ourselves.
Enjoy good books
National Share-a-Story Month is an occasion for us to enjoy books by our favorite authors. We also get to write and tell some stories of our own.
Appreciate children's book groups
Children's book groups have worked hard to foster good reading habits in children and teens. They have been active since the 1990s and deserve our thanks.
National Share a Story Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | May 1 | Thursday |
