Getting children reading from their earliest days
Reading and sharing stories brings profound and wide-ranging benefits that can have a lifelong positive impact on the lives of children of all ages and backgrounds.
Find out more about the benefits of readingHow we help
Our programmes and support are designed to help children and families start and continue reading and sharing stories, because we believe it should be a part of childhood for all. We work with thousands of local partners to support children in every community in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Reading Rights: books build a brighter future
Over the next two years, Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has pledged to amplify the national conversation about the role books and reading for pleasure play in transforming children’s lives.
Find out more about Reading RightsWhat we do
Each year we get millions of children reading, with our programmes, support and campaigns.
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Discover the joy of shared reading from birth. Explore our flagship early years programmes today.
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Join free and fun library story sessions for 0 to 5s. Make reading a magical part of family life.
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See how our research shapes real change. Learn what works to build lifelong reading habits.
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Inspire reading and numeracy for 3 to 13s in care. Discover the joy of books sent straight to them.
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Support your secondary students' reading for pleasure. Sign up your school to Bookbuzz today.
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Our current Writer in Residence is Matt Goodfellow. His residency will focus on the theme of ‘voice and choice’.
Who we are
BookTrust is the UK's largest children's reading charity with a history that stretches back over 100 years. Our focus is on helping children in the key developmental years from birth to the first years of primary school. We do this because of the strong evidence base which shows that reading with children from the earliest age and establishing a regular reading habit impacts on a wide range of outcomes both in the short term and later in life.
Find out more about usIf I had never had the lady come over and give me the Bookstart stuff when my son was born, I wouldn't have known... he wouldn't have had that experience from such a young age and to be where he is now.
Mum, talking about receiving Bookstart Baby
Latest updates
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The Queen hosts BookTrust’s 100-year reception as new Peter Rabbit book Four Happy Bunnies revealed as Bookstart Baby title
15 October 2025
Her Majesty The Queen, BookTrust's Patron, unveils the new book that will be given to babies across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Supporting the National Year of Reading 2026
17 October 2025
BookTrust is delighted to support the National Year of Reading in 2026. With our early years programmes, expert insight, and national network of delivery and publishing partners, we will inspire families to read throughout the year and for years to come.
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Diverse Book Awards: Win the complete picture book shortlist
24 October 2025
You could win all ten books shortlisted for Best Picture Book at this year's Diverse Book Awards.
