Free events to get children reading have been planned across Clackmannanshire.
The details have been announced by the council to celebrate Bookbug Week, starting on Monday. This year’s celebrations are based around the theme of Bookbug’s Big Adventure.
Babies, toddlers and their parents will gather at special events across Clackmannanshire to enjoy mini adventures,rhymes, stories and songs. Children who attend the events will also receive a special rhyme mat featuring adventure-themed songs and rhymes, with artwork provided by Scottish illustrator Cate James.
Bookbug in Clackmannanshire is part of Scottish Book Trust’s national Early Years Programme, which supports the gifting of 540,000 free books to every baby, toddler, three-year-old and primary one pupil in Scotland every year.
A total of 2,640 children in Clackmannanshire benefited from this programme last year, with even more set to receive free books in 2013 and 2014.
The Clackmannanshire Council-run programme also runs regular free story, song and rhyme events called Bookbug Sessions, which attracted audiences of 5,613 parents and children in 2012-13 and are held in libraries and community venues.
Education, sport and leisure convener Councillor Ellen Forson said: “Our regular Bookbug Sessions are very popular with parents but if you haven’t come along to one then Bookbug Week is the perfect opportunity to join in the Big Adventure.
“It’s never too early to introduce books to babies and young children and it can help them to develop a lifelong love of books. The earlier youngsters begin to enjoy sharing books, the quicker they will develop their language and listening skills and go on to have a head start in school.
“The Bookbug Sessions are also a great chance to meet other parents, so come along to your local library and catch the book bug.”
Anna Gibbons, Scottish Book Trust’s early years programme manager, said: “Thousands of families come together to celebrate reading with their children at hundreds of libraries across Scotland.
“Bookbug hopes everyone will join in with his Big Adventure and spread the message that sharing books with young children is free, fantastic and fun.”