The Great Book-swapping Machine surrounded by members of the community playing and reading.

Watch here at 9am AEST on Tuesday 14 September

At 9am AEST this Tuesday 14 September it is Australian Reading Hour! Beginning as an event to encourage all Australians to set aside one hour on one day to read, it has transformed into an annual celebration of reading.

This year, spend a portion of your hour reading along to The Great Book-swapping Machine with author Emma Allen and enjoying the beautiful illustrations. What book would you put in the book-swapping machine? 

Tune in to our Facebook page or YouTube channel at 9am AEST on Tuesday 14 September to join the reading. No bookings are required for this online event. We hope you'll be able to join us! 

About the book

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The Great Book-Swapping Machine surrounded by members of the community playing and reading.
Caption

Allen, Emma, 1978- & Coutts, Lisa. (2021). The great book-swapping machine / Emma Allen ; illustrated by Lisa Coutts. Canberra, ACT : National Library of Australia. https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8630184

Late one night, a thing appears in the paddock next to Fabio's house. His dad calls it 'space junk' but inside Fabio discovers books. Books about the galaxy; big, fat books; books full of poems. He swaps a book with Leila from next door and the thing becomes a Great Book-swapping Machine.

But will the very important woman from the Space Agency let the community keep their machine? And what will happen when Fabio pulls its shiny red lever?

Comprising a funny, original and imaginative story, whimsical illustrations and an informative fact section, The Great Book-swapping Machine is a book about the joys of reading and the importance of community.

This bookis the latest release from the National Library of Australia's publishing imprint, NLA Publishing.

About Australian Reading Hour

Australian Reading Hour 2021 celebrates the stories that matter and explores the role of storytelling in transforming lives and shaping our sense of identity, belonging and understanding – as individuals and as a nation.

Australian Reading Hour is made possible with assistance from the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Learn more

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Australian Reading Hour promotional banner
Type Book event