This month Coram Beanstalk has collaborated with the Federation of Children's Book Groups (FCBG) to celebrate National Share a Story Month (NSSM). 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. 

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.

The FCBG has specially curated a National Share a Story Month 2026 booklist, featuring an inspiring selection of read-aloud stories for every age recommended by our members - and we've selected a Beanstalk Brilliant selection. Our chosen Book of the Month is 'I am Rebel' by our author supporter, and past reading helper, Ross Montgomery, which was a clear winner amongst the FCBG's children's book award voters in 2025 and Waterstones Book of the Year in 2024.

The world of children's books is brimming with adventures ready and waiting to be shared. More and more wonderful titles are published each year. We hope our booklist will help people find new favourites and embrace the enchantment of reading aloud.

Louisa Farrow, National Share-A Story-Month Coordinator, FCBG

About the book

'I am Rebel' by Ross Montgomery

"I'm Tom's dog, and he's my human. We belong to each other." Rebel is a good dog, and he loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner Tom - until one day the war comes too close… Now Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king's men. But Rebel knows war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save the human he loves. Rebel must bring Tom home before it's too late.

"A fantastic quest novel that sits between Charlotte's Web and War Horse. Rebel's voice is true and clear: he is the best of dogs and this is the best of books." Phil Earle

The FCBG's 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.

They'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 at NSSM Competition details. The terms and conditions are available on the NSSM resources page along with the entry form.

Equally Brilliant Books for sharing from the FCBG National Share a Story Month list

Buy any of these books here and Coram Beanstalk receive a 10% donation