About

Bookstart is a national programme that encourages parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible.

Bookstart gives the gift of free books to children at three stages in their early life, along with guidance materials for parents and carers.

The scheme enjoys sponsorship from around 25 children’s publishers, Red House Books and government funding via the Sure Start Unit.

Visit the Bookstart website for more information

Babies aged up to a year old

The free Bookstart Baby pack consists of a canvas bag containing two board books, a nursery rhyme place mat and leaflets on sharing books with babies

Packs are given out by Health Visitors, usually at a health check before your baby is twelve months old.

If your child is a year old and hasn't had their pack, please ask your local Health Visitor about the scheme.

Toddlers aged 18-30 months

Bookstart Plus packs come in a brightly coloured nylon bag and contain two books, crayons, a colouring book, book plates, a number frieze and guidance materials for parents and carers.  They are available to all children aged 18 to 30 months from every Hampshire library.

Just take along your child’s Health Record Book to receive yours.

My Treasure Chest

The third free pack in this scheme is My Treasure Chest.  It is a treasure box with a secret compartment and contains two picture books, coloured pencils, pencil sharpener, colouring book, book plates and guidance materials for parents and carers.  In Hampshire, My Treasure Chest is gifted to all children entering Year R by their infant / primary school.

Booktouch, Bookshine and Dual Language

Bookshine and Booktouch packs are available for children who have visual or hearing impairment in addition to the three standard Bookstart packs.  

Bookstart produce special booklets to help parents and carers find inclusive books and books to suit children with different needs.  

To help families who do not use English as their first language Bookstart produce books and guidance materials in 26 languages.

For more information about any of these services, please email bookstart@hants.gov.uk or telephone Hantsdirect on 0845 6035631.