Bookbug makes debut at Inverness Book Festival
A new early years reading programme aimed at parents with children up to primary 1 school age was launched today (Thursday 12 August 2010) in the Highlands at Inverness Book Festival.
‘Bookbug’ - created by acclaimed Scottish author and illustrator Debi Gliori - will be the mascot for the Scottish Book Trust’s new programme which was introduced at Eden Court Theatre by The Highland Council’s Library Service.
The Bookbug programme encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible, developing a lifelong love of books for children all over Scotland.
The new early years programme which replaces the former ‘Bookstart’ will see 2,500 free Bookbug packs of books gifted to children in the Highlands at the ages of six weeks, 18 months, three years and Primary 1. Bookbug also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities.
A new parents’ guide to sharing books with children will be included in each pack which will have a reduced environmental impact. The packs will be more inclusive containing information on dyslexia and bilingualism and the improved content will link into the Scottish education system.
Free singing and rhyming Bookbug Sessions in libraries and other community venues across the Highland Council Area will be provided by Highland Libraries staff. A new website is up and running full of tips, advice and information about free Bookbug events at www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug and parents and guardians can sign up to ‘Book Bug Alert’ a new communication e-mail alerts system www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbugalert.
Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust said: “It is a privilege for Scottish Book Trust to be able to devise and deliver a scheme of such social and educational importance, with the support of local authority library and educational services, as well as the NHS. Working together under the fantastic new identity of Bookbug, we will send the message out far and wide that reading with your child in early years is one of the greatest gifts a parent or carer can bestow.”
Councillor Drew Millar, Vice Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee is confident that the improvements to the programme will strengthen its impact on children and parents in Highlands, with the continued aim that more parents will be reading more often with their children, he said: “Babies and toddlers who are exposed to books on a regular basis have a head start in reading, writing, numeracy and listening skills when they reach school. This is why Highland Libraries are pleased to support Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years programme which helps to increase literacy levels in our communities.”
The Early Years programme is managed by Scottish Book Trust and benefits from sponsorship from children’s publishers and central funding from the Scottish Government. Local Authorities and Health Boards also provide funding for the programme through the provision of local staff time and help with distribution of the packs.