Bookstart

Bookstart is a national book-gifting scheme built on the simple premise that children who have an early introduction to books benefit in lots of ways educationally, socially, culturally and emotionally.

A love of books is a gift for life. Bookstart effectively encourages parents to become aware and engage in their child’s early learning through the enjoyment of book sharing.

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Bookstart in Newcastle

Here in Newcastle we are working with a range of partners Health, Education and Libraries to deliver Bookstart to babies and children up to four years of age. It will provide stimulating exciting gifts for young children with the aim of encouraging and supporting families to share and enjoy books together.

Bookstart for babies

This pack is a gift to all babies living within Newcastle. Available from health visitors as they carry out a six month contact visit. The canvas bag contains two board books, a nursery rhyme book, a parents guidance leaflet on sharing books as well as a baby's very first book list promoting quality and appropriate titles.

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Bookstart +

This pack isavailable from branch libraries across the city and will be given to children aged 2 years. These brightly coloured nylon bags contain two books, colouring pad and crayons, a 'numbers are fun' bedroom frieze, bookplates (colourfully illustrated stickers for children to place in their books) a book list and a wonderful parent guide 'More things to do with books'.

Treasure chest

This is the third gift available to 3 year olds and will be given out by nursery staff across the city. This exciting pack contains two wonderfully illustrate books, bookplates ( colourful stickers for children to place in their books), colouring pad with pencils and sharpener, a booklist of suggested reading (fiction and nonfiction) as well as a guidance booklet for parents to support them in developing their child's early language and listening skills.

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For more information about Bookstart