Bookstart Packs
Bookstart provides a range of different packs for children of different ages and abilities.
Bookstart Pack for Babies
For babies aged 6-16 weeks
The Bookstart pack for babies contains two board books and a book of nursery rhymes, advice on sharing books, information about libraries and a strong canvas bag. Find out more
Bookstart+ Pack
For toddlers aged 13-24 months
The Bookstart+ pack aims to boost a child’s language building and listening skills with fun and engaging books and materials. Find out more
Bookstart Treasure Chest
For children in their ante pre-school year at nursery
A pre-assembled treasure chest, our pack for three-year-olds has a wooden effect like a pirate’s chest. It is beautifully illustrated with jewellery, coins and necklaces (to appeal to both boys and girls) and has a hidden compartment for keeping favourite books and drawings. Find out more
Booktime
Inspired by the highly successful Bookstart scheme, Booktime was launched in 2006 by education and publishing company Pearson in association with independent charity Booktrust.
The programme aims to promote the pleasure of reading and encourage parents and carers to read aloud with their children.
The Scottish Government has provided funding for every child in Primary 1 in Scotland to receive the blue book bag in 2009-10, consisting of:
- Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (Puffin)
- Parent/carer Guidance booklet
Booktouch
Booktouch aims to get blind and partially sighted babies and toddlers 'bookstarted'.
A Booktouch pack is available free to parents or carers of blind or partially sighted children up to (and including) the age of four. Find out more
Bookshine
Bookshine aims to help deaf babies and toddlers to get 'bookstarted'.
A Bookshine pack is available free to parents or carers of deaf children up to (and including) the age of four. Find out more
Dual Language & Gaelic Books
Bookstart believes that every child is entitled to easy and free access to books. Working on this inclusive principle we provide dual language packs for bilingual children in order to ensure provision of materials which unite cultural diversity, heritage and language skills. This includes a variety of Gaelic books which can be included in the packs on request.
Book Tokens
Bookstart + and Bookstart Treasure Chest packs include a special £1 book token as an extra gift to the child and an incentive to own more books.
Over 1,200 book shops accept the tokens. These include many independent booksellers and the following book chains: Blackwell, Bookthrift, Borders, Waterstone’s, WHSmith.
