Bookstart Packs

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

Bookstart aims to give free packs of books to every baby in the UK, to inspire and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. And most of all show that books are fun!

In Nottinghamshire, Inspire works together with health professionals and early years settings such as nurseries, pre-schools and children’s centres to make sure every child receives their book pack.

All children are eligible to receive the following pack:

Bookstart Baby Pack

The Bookstart Baby Pack is for babies aged 0 to 12 months. Available from:

Local Health Centres
Our libraries

The pack contains:

A board book − perfect to enjoy with your baby (titles vary).
A finger puppet card
A booklet of tips and ideas for sharing books with children from a young age.

There is more information about the Bookstart baby pack on the Bookstart website

Bookstart Packs for children with additional needs

Bookstart is for every child and families are entitled to any of these packs in addition to their Bookstart baby pack. The packs contain advice and guidance for parents and carers to support their child’s additional needs.

Bookstart Touch packs are for children between the ages of 0 to 5 years who are blind or partially sighted.
Bookstart Shine packs are available for children between the ages of 0 – 5 years who are deaf.
Bookstart Star pack is aimed at children aged three to five who have a condition or disability that impacts on or delays the development of their fine motor skills and includes books and resources to help families enjoy reading together every day.

Contact bookstart@inspireculture.org.uk to find out more or request your pack.

Bright yellow long handled bag with tiger's tail printed on it surrounded by 2 board books for babies and information leaflet.

Two baby board books, one title Peekaboo! and one Never Feed a Shark next to shark and bear finger puppet and information leaflets.

Dark blue square envelope with white ribbon and bow printed on it alongside 2 baby board books and informational leaflets.

Pack contents will vary.

Bookstart Dual Language Books

Book cover for the dual language book Quiet.

For families with English as an additional language, who would also like a book in their home language, Bookstart offer an additional dual-language book. There are books in over 30 different languages for children aged 0-4.

There is a free parental guide on reading with your child translated into over 20 languages.

Reading with your child 0-12 months.

Reading with your child 3-4 years.

If you would like to request a dual-language book or would like more information get in touch with us using the contact details below.