What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is built on a simple premise; babies who have an early introduction to books benefit in lots of ways, educationally, socially, culturally and emotionally.
Bookstart is administered by Booktrust, an independent Arts charity funded by the Arts Council England. Booktrust is the largest reading charity in the UK working to inspire a love of reading in children, because we know reading can transform lives.
Bookstart universal packs
You will receive Bookstart packs for your child at regular intervals.
Bookstart baby
This pack is given to babies aged between 0-12 months by Health Visitors at their 6–8 week check which takes place at home. Please ask your health visitor if it is not offered. The pack contains a reusable yellow bag with a long handle, two board books, two finger puppets, and a “Sharing stories with your baby” leaflet with advice and suggestions.
You can also find out more by watching the video below:
Bookstart Treasure
This pack is for pre-school children aged between 3 to 4 years. It will be given to children at their nursery setting or childminder in the year before they start school. The pack is contained in a blue envelope and includes one picture book and a “reading with your child” booklet with advice and suggestions for sharing books.
Bookstart packs for children with additional needs (accordion tab)
These packs can be ordered through your child’s health visitor or other health professional as well as their nursery, preschool or childminder.
Bookshine baby
Bookshine baby is for infants aged 0 to 2 years who are deaf or hearing impaired. The contents are in a purple and yellow bag with a short handle and zip. The bag contains two books, a rhyme place mat (with baby signing) and guidance on sharing books.
Bookshine toddler
Bookshine toddler is for children aged between 3 to 5 years who are deaf or hearing impaired. The contents are in a large colourful cardboard envelope, and it contains two books, a rhyme place mat (with baby signing), a bookmark showing British Sign Language, and guidance on sharing books.
Booktouch baby
Booktouch baby is for infants aged 0 to 2 years who are blind or partially sighted. The contents are in a purple and yellow bag with a short handle and zip. The bag contains two touch and feel books, and guidance on sharing books.
Booktouch toddler
Booktouch toddler is for children aged between 3 to 5 years who are blind or partially sighted. The contents are in a large colourful cardboard envelope, and it contains two touch and feel books, and guidance on sharing books.
Bookstart Star
Bookstart Star is for children aged between 3 to 5 years who have disabilities that impact on or delay the development of their fine motor skills. The contents are in a large colourful cardboard envelope. It contains an exclusive touch and feel book from Child’s Play publishers, one board book, a finger puppet, and guidance sheets.