Do you remember when your little one got their first Bookstart pack? Can you remember the delight when, at 3-years-old, your mini bookworm was given the pirate treasure box and you hurried home to read the books and use the paper and crayons? I can and that’s why I’m taking part in the campaign to help celebrate and support 20 years of Bookstart and to help secure it for future generations.

Bookstart began some twenty years ago and over that time it has given away 30 million free books to babies, toddlers and 3-year-olds. Sadly, like so many things these days Bookstart, despite proven results of its success, is facing continuous cuts. To raise awareness the Bookstart 20 campaign is asking all its supporters to pledge to share 20 books.

All you need to do is share 20 books. How you share them is up to you – from simply reading them at home to your own children, to a school group or taking part in book swaps and recommending online or in person. It’s up to you!

In our house we have quite a few favourites which I would like to share with you, perhaps you already love these ones or perhaps I might even encourage you to pick up a copy from the library or buy it on Amazon. What would obviously be even better is if you read the books and also sign up to the pledge and show your support for this wonderful resource.

I have included a linky below and would love it if you wanted to write a post about any of your favourite children’s books and then attach it below. Maybe you’ve written past book reviews/posts? Go on, pop those on the linky too!

To get the ball rolling I’ve given our top 3 books (it’s very  hard to choose) – hope they inspire someone to use them as part of the Bookstart 20!

1. Library Lion, Michelle Knudsen

The kids were bought this book by their Grandma and I have to say it is a marvellous story. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in places the characters in this book (a strict Librarian, her jealous assistant and a Lion) really come to life. In particular the dialogue is so believable and realistic that reading it aloud really makes it come alive. I struggle to finish it without tears pouring down my face. The illustrations are also really beautiful. It’s quite a long book for really young kids but from age 3+ they pretty much sit there as still as statues engrossed in the story.

2. All Afloat on Noah’s Boat by Tony Mitton

Mitton is a bit of a hero in our house. His series of Amazing Aeroplanes and Terrific Trains etc were the backing track to Noah’s early years (the books came with CDs which were played in our house until they were blank with overuse!) So, finding another book by Mitton which was equally enjoyable seemed unlikely until All Afloat on Noah’s Boat turned up. OK, so we might be a bit biased by the title but really it’s such a fantastic book. Mitton’s poetry about how the animals on his ark argue is so enjoyable. He then goes on to describe how Noah encourages them to take part in a talent show and how the caterpillars are too shy to take part. Of course, the caterpillars end up being the magical finale when they turn into butterflies. A great read which the kids find delightful.

3. Horrid Henry series, Francesca Simon

Basically any Horrid Henry book we get out the library or buy leads to us all being in hysterics. Henry is, as the name suggests, pretty horrid. In particular he’s really mean to his brother Perfect Peter – but we think Peter deserves it a lot of the time. An all time favourite of ours is the Christmas adventure – it all goes horribly wrong from the moment Henry, who is playing the Inn Keeper in the school nativity, decides to say there is room at the inn, oh and a flatscreen TV too…

I’d love it if you share some of your favourite reads  - we will certainly give them a go at mummyratesit HQ. Also, please make sure to pledge to Bookstart 20.

Other book reviews on www.mummyratesit.co.uk:

Justin’s Jokes

Operation Alphabet

Why a library should never close its doors on children