Bookstart in Wales

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 below.

Visit the Toddler and Nursery Family Hub Wales

Bookstart Baby

A Bookstart Baby pack including the envelope, a copy of Baby's Very First Lift-the-Flap Peek-a-boo, a guide for parents and carers, a library leaflet, and a finger puppet

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.

Bookstart Early Years

A Bookstart Early Years pack including the envelope, a library leaflet, a guide for parents and carers, and a copy of Best Friends, Busy Friends

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.

Bookstart in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government.

Stories, rhymes, tips and more...

Feeling creative?

Fun things to make and do

Download our bilingual craft and colouring sheets.

It's story time

Listen to Bookstart stories

Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy listening to a story together in English or Welsh.

Share a rhyme

Songs and rhymes

Have fun sharing rhymes with your child. Sing-along to our audio rhymes or download our rhyme sheets.

BookTrust Cymru HomeTime

Take a look

Looking for something fun as a family? We have stories to enjoy, rhymes and songs to share, and fun games and activities from some great authors, illustrators and storytellers from Wales.

Your local library

Storytime and Rhymetime

Many libraries in Wales hold their own Bookstart Storytimes and Rhymetimes. Discover more about what your local library can offer you.

Reading with your child

Tips and advice

Read our helpful tips on how to enjoy books with your child and get the most out of your story times together.

My Early Years Bag in Wales

Videos, activities, book suggestions and more to support you sharing stories.

My Early Years Bag in Wales

More from BookTrust Cymru

BookTrust Cymru

Find out more about our work in Wales

Keep up to date with the latest news on BookTrust Cymru’s programmes and campaigns in Wales.

Keep in touch via Twitter

Follow @BookTrustCymru

Working with nurseries and schools

Pori Drwy Stori

Find out more about our exciting bilingual programme for children aged 3-5 years.