News
Bookstart in Japan visits Scottish Book Trust
Scottish Book Trust were delighted to host a delegation of visitors from Bookstart in Japan. Akiko Otawa and colleagues visited Scotland in late 2009 to find out more about our work here at Scottish Book Trust and to gather evidence of our book gifting programme to help them to continue to resource and build on their own programme in Japan. This is a video they made of their trip:
Visit their website (which is in both English and Japanese) for more information www.bookstart.net/english/index.html
Scottish Book Trust Explorer Backpack Pilot
Scottish Book Trust and East Lothian Council have been working together to create the free Scottish Book Trust Explorer Backpack, to be gifted to every 4 year old in East Lothian.
The Explorer Backpack contains 2 picture books, a whiteboard set and a high quality parents magazine, and is designed to encourage a love of reading in every child who receives one, while providing practical tips and advice to parents about sharing books with their children.
This pilot project builds on the success of Bookstart packs and hopes to bridge the age gap between the Bookstart Treasure Chest pack for three-year-olds and the Booktime packs for P1 children. The project also encompasses a Backpackers Club and Challenge, which will be open to all 4 year olds in East Lothian and will include special events in all libraries across the county.
More information about the launch here
Bookstart in Scotland were sponsored by Jim Hume MSP to hold an information stand in the Scottish Parliament from 3rd – 5th November 2009. This was a great success, with many MSPs dropping by to hear about the latest developments to the programme, both local and national, and to express their support for book gifting in Scotland.
Hamish the Bear visited Shetland in August – here is an account of his travels from Morag Nicolson, Bookstart Coordinator in Shetland:
No matter where Hamish went, whether it was to the pier, the park or a playgroup, the sun always shone and we have loads of lovely photos to remind us of what a great time everyone had.
The best thing about going out and about with Hamish was that everywhere he went, he made people smile.
Even tourists from visiting cruise liners asked if they could have their photo taken with him so I’m sure Hamish has turned up on holiday snaps in several parts of the world! Our photo shows Hamish at National Playday, where he joined in many of the games and had his picture taken for a local magazine.
