Bookbug's first anniversary

Bookbug, Scottish Book Trust's Early Years Programme in which free picture books are distributed to every child in Scotland at certain points of their development, celebrated its first anniversary today with thousands of children taking part in hundreds of free events across the country on the theme of The Great Outdoors. As part of the celebrations, it was announced that one of the books to be distributed was created by a Home-Start Family group in Renfrewshire in collaboration with Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Writer in Residence, Apple Pie ABC author Alison Murray.The picture book, entitled Little Mouse, is the beautifully illustrated story of a little girl who loves sharing books with her mother. The picture below shows Alison (centre) with parents from the group.

PS update - some later coverage of this event.

Bookbug takes over from Bookstart in Scotland

Scottish Book Trust's Early Years Programme (formerly known as Bookstart in Scotland) was relaunched as Bookbug on 30 June. Well-known Scottish illustrator Debi Gliori created the new Bookbug mascot (find out how she went about it on the Scottish Book Trust website).

The core format of the programme will stay the same, but there are a number of changes including:

• bespoke gift packs for Scotland featuring more Scottish authors and illustrators and linking in to Scottish education and parenting strategies;
• improved logistics using a Scottish company Spring Distribution to deliver to local authorities and the NHS
• a greener and more ethical programme (fair-trade canvas bags, improved delivery)

Play,talk,read

The Scottish Government is to spend £580,000 on a campaign, Play, Talk, Read to remind parents that these activities can boost young children's development. See the article in Saturday's Herald for details. The Reading section of the associated playtalkread website has reading tips and reading games that might also be useful to those of you working in nurseries. And good that they advocate joining a library!

Booktrust Early Years Awards

The shortlist has been announce for the Booktrust Early Years Awards, which celebrate, publicise and reward the exciting range of books being published today for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. One of the judges this year is the BBC's Edith Bowman who said ‘It has been such a wonderful experience being on the judging panel this year; I've been able to read so many books to my little boy and it's only made me enjoy reading to him even more. Books are such an important thing in children’s lives and the high standard on offer is incredible.’

The winners in the three categories (Baby Book Award, Pre-school Award and Best Emerging Illustrator) will be announced on 23rd September.