Press Release
Scottish Book Trust’s new Early Years Programme
On Wednesday 7th July, Shetland Library launched Scottish Book Trust’s new Early Years Programme, Bookbug (formerly known as Shetland Bookstart) together with a brand new mascot.
Following consultation with stakeholders and with the support of the Scottish Government, Scottish Book Trust has developed a new book gifting programme which firmly links into Scottish educational and parenting policies.
The core format of the programme will stay the same, although some new benefits have been introduced including bespoke packs, improved parental guidance and an overall greener programme under a brand new Scottish identity.
The new identity has been created by acclaimed Scottish author and illustrator Debi Gliori and the Bookbug will now replace the Bookstart Bear as the new face of the book gifting programme.
The bespoke packs will be especially tailored to the Scottish early year’s environment, feature more Scottish authors and illustrators, and strongly support the Scottish publishing industry.
Councillor Florence Grains said, “I am delighted with the new programme and its continued aim to get more parents sharing books with their children.”
WHAT WILL STAY THE SAME?
• 1200 free packs of books – now called Bookbug packs – will still be gifted to all children in Shetland at around six weeks, 18 months, three years and in Primary One.
• Free singing and rhyming sessions – now called Bookbug Sessions – will still take place in the Old Library Centre and other community venues across Shetland.
• The Book Crawl library joining scheme – now called Bookbug’s Library Challenge – will still be available for the under fours.
WHAT WILL CHANGE?
• The child friendly mascot, Bookbug, created by Scottish illustrator Debi Gliori, will replace the Bookstart Bear.
• The new packs will be greener and have a reduced environmental impact.
• An exciting new parents’ guide to sharing books with children will be included in each pack.
• The packs will contain more inclusive content – information on dyslexia, bilingualism and more.
• The improved pack contents will link into the Scottish education system.
• A new website will be launched, full of tips, advice and information about free Bookbug events – www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug
• Communication with parents will be improved through the all-new Bookbug Email alerts system – www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbugalert