Parents' blog
What do Bookstart parents have to say? Find out more and add your comments.
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Family Fun Times with Bookstart
Posted Tuesday June 30th 2009
by Natasha Worswick
Summer is here, and it's getting really hot! And whether you're planning to take a holiday somewhere or are simply on the lookout for some easy ways to fill the time, Bookstart's family activities are just the ticket.
If you have a special event, like a children's birthday party coming up, why not invite your guests using our exclusive e-cards? There are three designs, all by children's illustrators, for you to choose from, so there's bound to be something that fits the bill. Gather round the screen with your little one and get choosing.
Or if you're feeling playful, try your hand at one of our games. There are colouring in and word-based games to carry on the children's book theme. They have been specially designed as an activity to share and are sure to get you talking.
Being a (not so) secretly competitive person, I'm quite partial to the racing game! Good thing Milo isn't old enough to try beating my high score...
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More libraries discover Twitter
Posted Tuesday June 23rd 2009
by Natasha Worswick
It may be the website du jour for lots of newspapers, whether they love it or hate it. But there's no denying that more and more of us are discovering Twitter as a way of reaching out to people. Booktrust has been tweeting away for a while, but the Bookseller reported last week that more and more libraries are seeing the value of connecting to each other, and to readers, authors and publishers.
I think this is a great idea. As the article points out, libraries and individual librarians can now let lots of people know very quickly about the special events they are putting on, as well as promoting the many other services they provide.
Anything that helps to get more little ones, and their mums, dads and carers, into the library to enjoy a world of free books, has to be a very good thing.
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Recommended books for June
Posted Friday June 19th 2009
by Nikesh Shukla
Our Booktrust Children's Books sister site has announced its recommended books for June, which include Smile and The Big Night Night Book, two books that be enjoyed by Bookstart children. Click here to read about all the recommended children's books for June and find something new to read tonight at bedtime!
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Why books are brilliant for your baby part 2
Posted Wednesday June 17th 2009
by Natasha Worswick
So if you didn’t get a chance to catch up with the blog last week, you may have missed the fact that I’ve started a mini-series of posts about why and how books are great for your baby. Take a look at the first one here- it’s all about the kinds of book that your little one will appreciate most.
Now I’m going to look at some of the benefits of books for your baby.
The biggest and most obvious benefit to reading together is that it teaches an infant all about language. Before they even ever start to babble, babies are learning about words – spoken and on the page – and it all helps to improve their ability to speak and understand the printed word. Scientists also say that it makes a difference to overall intelligence too, so reading can count for an awful lot.
But how can this be so? Well, think of your little one as a sponge. They are natural born learners and are constantly absorbing new information. When you read together, they are watching you turn a page. They are noticing you read the words from left to right. And the reinforcing of…
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Announcing the Children's Laureate 2009-2011, Anthony Browne
Posted Friday June 12th 2009
by Nikesh Shukla
Anthony Browne, internationally acclaimed, award-winning author and illustrator was announced as the Children’s Laureate for 2009-11 at a ceremony at Centre Point, London, on 9 June.
Accepting his medal from Andrew Motion, chair of the selection panel, Anthony said:
'It's an honour to be the Children's Laureate for 2009-11. I'm well aware of the amazing things achieved by the five previous Laureates, and I'm in awe of their commitment and hard work.
'Picture books are special – they're not like anything else. Sometimes I hear parents encouraging their children to read what they call proper books (books without pictures), at an earlier and earlier age. This makes me sad, as picture books are perfect for sharing, and not just with the youngest children. As a father, I understand the importance of the bond that develops through reading picture books with your child.
'We have in Britain some of the best picture book makers in the world, and I want to see their books appreciated for what they are – works of art.'
