Bookstart in Richmond upon Thames

Bookstart is the national programme that aims to provide free packs of books for all babies and preschoolers. Each pack contains free books to share with your child, as well as helpful advice and other fun resources.

This is how the scheme works in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Bookstart Baby Pack

For babies aged 0 to 12 months.

In Richmond these are given by the Health Visitor Team during the baby's first year.

The Bookstart Baby Pack contains:

• Two board books – perfect to enjoy with your baby.
• Baby's First Shapes – from birth, your baby will enjoy looking at the black and white images in this booklet.
• Babies Love Books – get top tips about sharing books, recommendations for more books to share and a £1 book token.
• Bookstart rhyme poster – great to put up on your wall or fridge to enjoy rhymes together at home every day.

Bookstart Treasure Pack

For children aged 3 to 4 years.

In Richmond most children will receive their Treasure Pack via their early years setting, i.e. pre-school playgroup or nursery.

The Bookstart Treasure Pack contains:

• Two picture books – wonderful to share with your preschooler.
• Treasure: A Book of Ideas – full of top tips and guidance about sharing books and having fun together, plus a £1 book token.
• My First Marks – a pad for you and your child to make marks, draw and write in together.
• Colouring pencils – so you can both get started with mark making right away.

More information about Bookstart

Visit the Bookstart website for more information.

If you have any queries on how the scheme works in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, please contact Janice Pratt (Librarian) by phone on 020 8734 3328, or Email: j.pratt@richmond.gov.uk.