At 11am, at libraries, schools, bookshops, hospitals and homes across the country, children read The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by Tony Wilson.

Parent Kirri Nield read to the children and said it was the first time the group had participated in the national initiative. “The kids enjoyed it. We did our normal (Wednesday) playgroup session and then read the story at the end,” she said.  

Australian Library and Information Association co-ordinates the event.

Chief Sue McKerracher said children would “have a wonderful time with this story as the cow gazes at the moon and makes many attempts at that high flying leap over it.”

"The book inspires children because it tells a tale of never giving up, practising a difficult skill and, without giving too much away, finally succeeding - with a little help from your friends,” Ms McKerracher said.