Looking for more in Reading and Stories or Bookbug?
About Bookbug
Bookbug is Scotland's universal early years book gifting programme which supports families to read, sing, and play with their little ones from birth to give them the best start in life.
What is Bookbug?
The Bookbug programme gifts free bags of books and resources to all children at different stages from birth to Primary 1. Gaelic Bookbug Bags are also available and we have a selection of tactile books for families and children who need additional support.
Bookbug Bags are supported by free Bookbug Sessions, where families can enjoy sharing stories, songs and rhymes with their little ones. Bookbug Sessions take place in libraries and community venues across Scotland.
For people working or volunteering in the early years, we provide a range of funded training opportunities including training to deliver our targeted family support, Bookbug for the Home.
What are the benefits?
- Sharing stories helps your little one's development, language and social skills.
- Spending a few minutes reading together every day helps to build bonds and develop relationships.
- It can have a positive effect on emotional wellbeing for both babies and families.
Bookbug's top tips
- Read a story together – it's never too early to start reading with your little one. They love the sound of your voice and cuddling up for some special time with you.
- Take time to look at the pictures together and don't worry if your baby chews the book!
- Share some songs and rhymes – download our free Bookbug app to share children's songs, nursery rhymes and videos for singing, dancing, and playing with all the family.
Keep in touch
Sign up for news from Bookbug with our newsletters(this link will open in a new window) for families or early years professionals.
You can reach us by email on [email protected](this link will open in a new window), by phone on 0131 524 0160 (Press option 1 for Early Years and Bookbug) or follow us on social media:
Our funders and partners
Bookbug is funded by the Scottish Government's Improving Health and Wellbeing Division and Creative Scotland's Youth Music Initiative. Bookbug also works in partnership with:
- Libraries, local authorities and NHS Health Scotland to deliver local Bookbug activities
- CALL Scotland who provide accessible resources that link to the Bookbug Explorer and P1 Bags
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library who provide books for care-experienced and adopted children in Scotland from birth to five with funding from the Scottish Government
