Bookstart - sharing stories and rhymes from 0-5
Bookstart Baby and dual-language books
Bookstart Baby packs are gifted free to all babies before they turn one. Free dual-language books are also available for families with English as an additional language.
Bookstart Family Hub
Welcome to the dedicated digital space for families with children aged 0-5.
Additional needs packs
Bookstart is for every child. Find out more about our free Bookstart Shine, Bookstart Touch and Bookstart Star additional needs packs.
What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is designed to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers discover the magic of shared reading from their earliest days. It encourages a love of books, stories and rhymes, giving children the chance to benefit from the life-changing positive impact of reading.
Rhymetimes
Enjoy songs, rhymes and rhythm with your child at your local library, nursery or children's centre - Rhymetimes are free and fun for everyone.
Do you work with children aged 0-5?
Visit our Bookstart for practitioners section for tailored information, guidance and resources to help you deliver our flagship early years programme.
Get perfect picture book ideas
Our themed booklists are full of brilliant book ideas for little ones. Just print them out or jot them down and see what you can pick up at your local library.
Best books for 2-year-olds
Two-year-olds love joining in with actions and guessing what will happen next. We've picked out some brilliant books we think your child will love.
Best books for 3-year-olds
At three, children can often follow slightly longer stories but they'll still want to hear their old favourites again and again. Here's a selection of perfect picture books for 3-year-olds.
Best books for 4-year-olds
Why not try some of our favourite books for 4-year-olds - slightly longer stories they'll love chatting to you about. From bad bunnies to bug school, storytime giggles are guaranteed.