There were delighted squeals aplenty at Gordonton School yesterday as the junior classes joined a million kids to read the same book, here and in Australia.
Better yet, after reading Alpacas with Maracas projected on the big screen, two VIPs came by the school – real life cuddly alpacas from the nearby Cornerstone Alpaca Stud.
Reading and asking alpaca wrangler Herman creative questions (“do alpacas spit?”) were the order of the day.
Sandie Haddock from Scholastic books was there, and said the aim was to get a million kids reading simultaneously at school, libraries, homes – anywhere.
National Simultaneous Storytime originated in Australia and is in its 19th year.  Alpacas with Maracas was written by Matt Cosgrove.  Alpacas are South American camelids, similar to, and often confused with llamas.
Llamas, says Herman, are bigger. And yes, alpacas do spit but mostly at each other.
“Generally they are absolutely adorable.”
Number 8 Network’s Iris Riddell, back from Japan, was there to take pics.

Alpacas, laughter, fun, families, love, food trucks, dress up, farm outing....all synonyms for NZ National Alpaca Day!! Because this is how we celebrate National Alpaca Day every year in May at Cornerstone Alpaca Stud!!
It is a fun day out for the whole family and at a entry price of just $5 per person, worth every cent. We do not only feed alpacas, but have picnics, play garden games, eat and drink, and have alpaca related activities for the children. Everyone enjoys everything alpaca and we share the passion! 
This is an annual event, so make sure that you visit us next year! Do not miss out on all the alpaca fun on the farm at Cornerstone Alpacas.
A big thank you to everyone who volunteered to help make this day a huge success! And a big thank you to all the alpaca lovers who visited us! We will do it again next year!