It’s never too early to start sharing books, stories and rhymes with your child. Through Bookstart, BookTrust Cymru supports families across Wales to read together regularly.
Every child in Wales can receive two special Bookstart packs before the age of three, which are given to families by their Health Visitor. Alternatively, Bookstart packs are available to collect from many libraries in Wales. Find your local library here.
You’ll find lots of fun resources and handy information to support parents, carers and families.
The Bookstart Baby pack is usually gifted at your child’s 6‑month health check. It contains a bilingual book, carefully chosen to appeal to very young children, a booklet with ideas for sharing books, stories and rhymes, a double-sided finger puppet and a leaflet with information about joining your local library.
The Bookstart Early Years pack is usually gifted at your child’s 27-month health check. It contains a bilingual picture book, a booklet full of ideas for sharing books, stories and rhymes and a leaflet with information about joining your local library.
If you have not received your Bookstart packs, please contact your Health Visitor.
craft and colouring sheets
We’ve recorded some of our Bookstart stories in both Welsh and English for you to enjoy together. Just click play on the book covers below and settle down together for an extra special storytime.
Use our videos, Soundcloud playlists and downloads to create your own rhymetime fun for little ones. Sing along to favourites like Old MacDonald and get to know some brilliant new rhymes, too
Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime with our free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.
Bookstart Rhymetimes are group activities for babies and toddlers from 0–5 yrs and their parents and carers. They are fun, free, interactive sessions organised locally which usually take place in libraries, health centres and other early years settings.
Sharing stories with your child is a great way to have a moment of closeness, laughing and talking together. It can also help them learn more about the world around them.