BookTrust gives The Bumblebear to 700,000 children

BookTrust is delivering 700,000 copies of picture book The Bumblebear (Random House) to every reception age child in England this autumn.

The “amusing and colourful” title by Nadia Shireen will be distributed as part of the charity’s 'Time to Read' campaign. The scheme was launched in September 2016, encouraging parents and carers of primary school aged children to keep reading with their children - even once they’ve learned to read.

BookTrust c.e Diana Gerald said: “We are delighted every primary school starter in England will have their own copy of Nadia Shireen’s brilliant book The Bumblebear to take home and treasure with their family as part of the Time to Read Campaign. It is a playful book, with an endearing tale about friendship and loyalty which we hope every child across the country can enjoy and learn from.”

The title was selected for BookTrust by an independent panel of experts and practitioners, who work with reception-aged children, and will be distributed from September onwards with a 'Time to Read' package which also contains a message about the importance of reading.

Shireen said: “I am so happy and honoured that BookTrust have selected The Bumblebear for their excellent Time to Read campaign. Booktrust is fantastic at turning kids into readers and, crucially, they reach those kids who can't access books so easily."

Andrea MacDonald, editorial director for Penguin Random House Children’s Picture Books, said: “We are thrilled that Nadia Shireen’s The Bumblebear will be reaching so many children across the UK, and to be working with Booktrust to support this wonderful campaign. The book’s message of acceptance and forgiveness, and its joyful celebration of school life mean that it is perfect for children starting reception – and not only that but Nadia’s trademark humour and sense of fun make it a laugh-out-loud experience fit to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”

Around 600,000 copies of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth by Jarvis (Walker) were sent out in Bookstart Treasure Pack in January, to pre-schoolers aged 3-4 across the country.