Booktime encourages parents and carers to read aloud with their children and help foster a love of books at a key stage in their child’s education and development.
Booktime promotes reading for pleasure by giving the gift of a book pack to children across the UK shortly after they first start school.
We’re delighted to be giving a title by much-loved children’s author Eric Carle to every eligible reception age child in England this autumn.
Eric Carle’s "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth is a visual feast, with lush rainforest colours and exotic creatures filling its pages. The story of the sloth and his conversations with the other animals encourages us to slow down and celebrate our world, and to reflect on individuality and the importance of moving at our own pace.
This year’s Booktime book packs also contain a fact book called Why is the Sky Blue? Compiled by Geraldine Taylor and illustrated by Amy Schimler, this novelty book answers real questions that children ask about the world around them.
Primary schools and participating libraries will also receive a free Booktime resource pack for teachers and librarians to further children's enjoyment of their books.
Booktime was launched by education and publishing company Pearson in association with independent charity Booktrust, to promote the pleasure of reading and encourage parents and carers to read aloud with their children. Booktime was piloted in Warwickshire and the London Borough of Southwark in January 2006.
