Bookstart

Bookstart is built on a simple premise - babies who have an early introduction to books benefit in lots of ways, educationally, socially, culturally and emotionally.

Bookstart is administered by Booktrust, an independent Arts charity funded by the Arts Council England.

Bookstart packs

Your child will receive Bookstart packs at regular intervals -

Bookstart Baby Packs are given to babies by Health Visitors at their six week check. They are also available at Stop 5 of the Parenting Journey. If you have not received one for your baby please ask your Health Visitor. The pack is contained within a yellow bag. The bag contains:

• 2 x board books
• 2 x cardboard nursery rhyme puppets
• Sharing Stories with your Baby leaflet with tips and advice

Time to Read packs are for children aged 4-5 and are gifted by their school during the Autumn term of their Reception year. The pack is contained in an envelope and includes:

• A picture book
• An activity for you and your children to enjoy together

Bookstart Online

Bookstart has lots of virtual resources which you can enjoy with your children. Visit HomeTime for games, stories and lots of author videos or try the Family Hub for information and resources for sharing stories and rhymes at home with your children.

Bookstart in Libraries

The Bookstart Bear travels all over Cheshire attending Storytimes and events in libraries, look out for events near you.

You might want to join the Bookstart Bear Club (PDF, 401KB) just ask in the library. 

Contact us

Frances Lennon, Booktrust Coordinator. Telephone 01244 977554 / 07827 954086 or Email: frances.lennon@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Page last reviewed: 13 October 2023