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'Like adding an extra shot of espresso': The powerful impact of reading to babies (and the science behind it) 07/02/2019
Read an extract of Meghan Cox Gurdon's The Enchanted Hour - a new book all about the im...
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Steve Antony: Why I've made the picture book they said wouldn't sell 05/02/2019
Author Steve Antony tells us how his incidentally inclusive picture book Amazing was a ...
About Bookstart
What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is the world’s first national bookgifting programme, giving free books to all children in England and Wales at two key ages before school.
What Bookstart can offer you
Find out about free Bookstart packs for children aged 0-12 months and 3-4 years, plus additional needs packs, newborn packs and more...
Bookstart in Northern Ireland
Find out about Arts Council NI Author Tours and catch up with the latest news from Bookstart Northern Ireland.
Bookstart in Wales
Through Bookstart, BookTrust Cymru give every child in Wales their own books to have at home and supports families to read together regularly.
National Bookstart Week 2018: Bookstart Bird Boogie
The dancing may be done, but the fun just carries on. With our crafts, rhymes and storytimes, your Bird Boogie can last all year long...
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 babies 0-12 months
Babies love snuggling up close with you and listening to your voice. Here's our selection of fantastic books to try with your baby.
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 5-year-olds
Five-year-olds might be starting to read on their own, but they'll still love a story. This list is packed with offbeat humour and brilliant characters. Perfect for keeping your child hooked on books.
Storybooks and games
Have some fun
Read along together with our brilliant interactive storybooks and play counting, colouring and drawing games.
Features you'll love
How to get your newborn to sleep
Start your bedtime routine now
It's never too early to begin Bath, Book, Bed! Get some tips and tricks here on how to get started with your newborn.