Many families get their first baby books from Bookstart

12 June 2012

Nearly two thirds of us not sharing books with our babies, finds survey

Did you know that many parents don't share books with their baby before they receive their first Bookstart pack?

In the ICM survey, commissioned by Booktrust, it was found that 64% of mums and dads never share books with their babies - and that nearly as many (57%) don't own a single baby book until they receive the Bookstart Baby Pack. Three-quarters of parents said they began sharing books with their babies as soon as they received their free Bookstart books.

At Booktrust we believe it's never too early to start loving books. Not only is sharing stories and rhymes together great fun, research also tells us it helps us give our children a flying start in life. In a recent independent study, Professor Yvonne Kelly found that reading to our babies and toddlers every day is the most important thing we can do to help them develop and succeed at school. She's offered her backing to our programme:

'Bookstart is a key initiative in getting books into homes and encouraging parents and carers to share books, stories and rhymes from birth which can make a significant difference to outcomes later in life for a child.'

Professor Yvonne Kelly

What better time to celebrate sharing books, stories and rhymes?

All this week we're celebrating National Bookstart Week, so why not get down to one of the thousands of free events that are taking place around the country? As it's our 20th birthday this year, the celebrations are all party-themed, and we'll also be giving away exclusive booklets - Busy Bear's Party, illustrated by John Prater.