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.
They will receive a children's illustrated book – Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School by Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds and, for the first time, a special Booktime Book of Fantastic First Poems edited by June Crebbin, both published by Puffin – shortly after they start school, to take home to share with family and friends.
The book will be handed out by teachers in a special book bag, with a guidance booklet for parents and carers on shared reading. This will be introduced with a foreword by Michael Rosen best-selling author, poet and Children's Laureate (2007-2009), and illustrated by well-known children's illustrator, Tony Ross.
This year schools and libraries in England will also receive free tailored Booktime resource packs to facilitate linked activities and enhance the children’s enjoyment of the gift book.
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.
