The Bumblebear: every reception child in England will get this book

Published on: 08 May 2017

School starters in England should be on the lookout for the 700,000 copies of The Bumblebear going out as part of our Time to Read campaign this autumn.

Families across the country will be following Norman the bear's adventure at Bee School this autumn, when the amusing and colourful picture book The Bumblebear (Nadia Shireen; Random House) goes out to every reception-age child in England.

Time to Read launched last year in September 2016, encouraging parents and carers of primary school children to keep reading with them - even once they've learned to read.

Fun family times together

BookTrust Chief Executive Diana Gerald said:

Finding the time to read together as a family can have dramatic effects on a child's wellbeing and development. Children are more likely to read if they love books, and they're more likely to love books if families have fun reading together anytime and anywhere.

We are delighted every primary school starter in England will have their own copy of Nadia Shireen's brilliant book The Bumblebear to take home and treasure with their family as part of the Time to Read Campaign. It is a playful book, with an endearing tale about friendship and loyalty, which we hope every child across the country can enjoy and learn from.
'Turning kids into readers'

Nadia Shireen, author of The Bumblebear said:

I am so happy and honoured that BookTrust have selected The Bumblebear for their excellent Time to Read campaign. BookTrust is fantastic at turning kids into readers and, crucially, they reach those kids who can't access books so easily. I hope reading about Norman's adventures at Bee School raises a chuckle or two, but mainly I'm delighted that so many children will be forced to own one of my books - whether they like it or not!

Andrea MacDonald, Editorial Director at Penguin Random House Children's Picture Books, added:

The book's message of acceptance and forgiveness, and its joyful celebration of school life, mean that it is perfect for children starting reception. Not only that, but Nadia's trademark humour and sense of fun make it a laugh-out-loud experience fit to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Take home a Time to Read pack

The Bumblebear was selected for BookTrust by an independent panel of experts and practitioners, who work with reception-aged children. It was the unanimous favourite for its quality of storytelling, relatable school setting, a lovely message of inclusivity, and its ability to be read aloud in a lively manner.

Children across England will start to get The Bumblebear at school from September onwards, inside a special Time to Read package to take home. Inside the pack will be a helpful message for parents and carers, all about the importance of shared reading.