Bookstart
It’s never too early to join the Library!
Bookstart is a national initiative that brings the exciting world of nursery rhymes and books to babies, under fives, and their parents and carers. Bookstart packs are gifted free at three recommended stages.
Bookstart Bags for under 1 years
Bookstart Plus Satchels for 18 to 30 months
Bookstart Treasure Chest for 36 to 48 months
Each pack contains two free books, a guidance leaflet on sharing books and other free goodies individual to each pack.
Bookstart Bags and satchels are gifted from clinics at 7 to 9 months and 2 year check appointments. Treasure chests are gifted through libraries and early years settings. If you have not received a pack all three are available from your local library.
A Booktouch pack is available for blind and partially sighted children from 0 to 4 years. The pack contains touch and feel and Braille books.
While you’re in the library why not join in with the Bookstart Bookcrawl a scheme by which every child under five can collect a sticker for each visit to the library and receive an attractive certificate after five visits. There are eight certificates, designed by top children’s illustrators, to collect.
On 5 October 2007 we celebrated National Bookstart Day with jungle parties around our libraries. We had rhymes, stories and crafts for under fives all on a jungle theme and even a friendly snake from Chessington World of Adventures came to join in the fun.
For more information about Bookstart, the Bookstart Book Crawl, and other free under fives activities, please contact Emma Burnside by phone on 020 8547 6486 or email emma.burnside@rbk.kingston.gov.uk , or ask at your nearest Kingston Library
Did you know your local library runs regular rhyme and storytimes. Singing rhymes and sharing books together is a lovely way to bond with your child and help them build vocabulary, language and listening skills which are essential in getting children ready to enjoy school. All members of the family can join in the fun, so why not come along and give it a try.