Announcing the winner: Bookbug Hero Award 2026

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2026 is Margaret Brook, a volunteer at the STAR Project, Paisley, Renfrewshire. 

Margaret has been a volunteer since 2011 and has led Bookbug Sessions for over 12 years. Every week, Margaret creates a joyful, welcoming and safe space for toddlers and their families through Bookbug. For many who attend the Wee STARs group, Margaret’s sessions are the highlight of the week. She has an incredible ability to draw in even the shyest children and to encourage parents and carers to join in, breaking down barriers and building confidence in both children and adults.

Margaret has helped shape the toddler group into a well-loved community hub where families feel supported, connected and less isolated. 

Her passion for early literacy is infectious; families comment on how they sing the songs at home, repeat the rhymes on bus journeys, or use Margaret’s tips to build reading into bedtime routines. She makes stories come alive in ways that engage toddlers and equip parents with the confidence to nurture language and play at home. Margaret’s enthusiasm ripples through the room; she makes everyone feel included and valued. 

In a community that faces significant inequalities, her contribution ensures children start life with the best possible foundation in literacy and confidence, and families feel part of something bigger.

One mother whose toddler had struggled with speech began singing their first full song after attending Margaret’s Bookbug Session. 

'She gets everyone to sit down with her stories. You can hear a pin drop. Us, the children and the staff all sit and listen. When they get to choose their character for the rhymes, they’re always so excited and proud. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Bookbug Session like it.' – Parent 

Sharon McAulay, Chief Executive at STAR Project, said: 'Margaret is a true stalwart of STAR. Her steadfastness and consistency bring a deep sense of safety to everyone she works with. She brings joy to every wee face, support to caregivers, and her Bookbug Sessions are held in the highest regard by staff for their exceptional quality. Margaret has always been a Bookbug Hero to us, and we can think of no more deserving person to receive this award. She consistently goes above and beyond, never seeking recognition or praise, yet we see the dedication she gives so freely. No matter the weather or what is happening in her own life, she turns up every week and makes every Bookbug Session special, engaging and safe for all involved.'

Margaret Brook, Bookbug Hero Award 2026 Winner, said: 'I was really surprised to receive this award but feel that my passion for reading and being able to pass this on to young children is an honour beyond words. I am very humbled and thank the Scottish Book Trust. If I can pass on my love of books, I feel I will have done a good job.'

Ian Lamb, Head of Publicity at Walker Books: 'Bookbug is an essential programme that brings much-deserved attention to those practitioners who champion reading and work hard to change lives through stories. To be able to continue our appreciation and support for the heroes who run the programme is an honour for Walker Books. We are so pleased to continue our sponsorship of the award and celebrate Margaret Brook’s deserved win.'

The following people were highly commended for the Bookbug Hero Award 2026: 

Shirley Taylor, Community Early Years Practitioner, NHS Highland, Isle of Skye. 

Shirley works with the Health Visiting team in Portree, Skye, using Bookbug for the Home to share songs, stories and rhymes with families in the home. Shirley worked antenatally with a young Mum and continues to support her and her baby ten months on. Mum was initially reluctant to attend a group Bookbug Session and has now gained the confidence to do so, thanks to Shirley introducing Bookbug in her home. She now attends weekly sessions with her baby. 

Alison Houghton, Early Years Family Learning Practitioner, St Madoes Primary School, Perth & Kinross 

Alison’s Bookbug Sessions are a valued part of the community at St Madoes Primary School, helping to build strong relationships between families and contributing to improved literacy outcomes. Alison has encouraged a culture of shared reading and storytelling and has helped children’s transition to nursery and to school. 

Thomas McKee, Library Assistant, Inverness Library, Highland

Tom has had a transformative impact on children and families in Inverness and Beauly through his Bookbug Sessions. By leading sessions with his guitar and with infectious enthusiasm, Tom has helped foster early literacy and a love of music among children and has given parents a chance to build relationships with each other. 

Kelly Brazewell, Library Assistant, Banchory Library, Aberdeenshire 

Kelly delivers well-attended Bookbug Sessions in Banchory Library and offers inclusive sessions twice a week for children who require additional support, using Makaton, different languages and dialects. One child who has varied and complex speech and understanding has greatly improved through their attendance at Kelly’s Bookbug Sessions. 

About Walker Books

Scottish Book Trust would like to thank Walker Books(this link will open in a new window), who kindly sponsor the Bookbug Hero Award.

Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators, and literary franchises, including Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where's Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia, Candlewick Press in America and its new division, Walker Books US, and Walker Productions.