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 packs.

All children are eligible to receive the following two free book packs:

Due to the ongoing Covid 19 situation Bookstart some deliveries to health and education partners were disrupted. Deliveries have resumed and we are working hard to make sure families receive their entitlement.
If you are unsure whether you should have received a pack yet please contact bookstart@inspireculture.org.uk who will be happy to answer any queries.

Bookstart Baby Pack

Yellow Bookstart Baby cloth bag and contents

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

Local Health Centres
Our libraries

The pack contains:

Two board books − perfect to enjoy with your baby (titles vary).
A rhyme sheet and 2 finger puppet cards
A booklet of tips and ideas for sharing books with children from a young age.

There is more information including book suggestions and rhyme videos using the finger puppet cards on the Bookstart website

Bookstart Treasure Gift

Blue bookstart treasure large format envelope and books

The Bookstart Treasure Gift is for children aged 3 years is distributed through:

Early years settings such as nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups
Our libraries.

The Gift contains:

A picture book - wonderful to share with your pre-schooler (titles vary).
Share the Fun - full of top tips and guidance about sharing books and having fun together.
A special gift envelope that your three to four year old will love opening!

Bookstart Packs for children with additional needs

Bookstart also provides packs for children who need extra support to develop a love of books and reading. The packs contain advice and guidance for parents and carers to support their child’s additional needs.

Booktouch packs are for children between the ages of 0 to 5 years who are blind or partially sighted.
Bookshine packs are available for children between the ages of 0 – 5 years who are deaf or hearing impaired.
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.