Free book on way to all primary school starters

EVERY child in their first year of primary school will receive a free book to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

The Scottish Book Trust said it will distribute the books through its Bookbug gifting programme, with 60,000 copies of What The Ladybird Heard, by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, sent to classrooms throughout Scotland.

Ms Donaldson has been named as patron of the campaign. “Showing children how much fun and excitement books can bring has always been a subject close to my heart,” she said.

“I hope that my patronage will highlight the excellent work being done by the Bookbug programme to encourage parents and children to discover the joy of sharing books.”

Ms Donaldson has written 160 books, including The Gruffalo, which was made into an Oscar-nominated animated film last year.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be gifting 60,000 copies of What The Ladybird Heard to all P1 children this year. It was the winner of the Scottish Children’s Book Awards Early Years Category in 2010, voted for entirely by children, so we are confident that it will be a very popular choice.”

“We are also delighted that Julia has agreed to be the patron of the Bookbug programme, especially during what might be her busiest time ever as Children’s Laureate.”

The programme also distributes books for younger ages, with packs given to parents by health visitors and libraries for children aged six weeks, 18 months and three years. Primary one is the final intervention point.