Books for Babies: Research

Research into the Bookstart programme was carried out in Birmingham, England, by Professor Barrie Wade and Dr Maggie Moore.

This research has shown that an early introduction to books, language and stories is not only a warm and enjoyable experience for both child and parent but also gives children a headstart at school.

• Read the research article by Barrie Wade and Maggie Moore called An early start with books: literacy and mathematical evidence from a longitudinal study.
• Read a letter from Barrie Wade about the Christchurch Books for Babies programme.
• Bookstart is currently being implemented in Sheffield, England. Read updates from Sheffield's Books for Babies coordinater, Kath Navratil, about how things are going there.
• Read more about the British Bookstart project, the aim of which is to ensure that every new baby in Britain receives a free book. This programme is supported by the UK educational charity Booktrust which also has information about Bookstart.

Links to other sites of interest

Babies Need Books

USA: The Burlington Public Library's Babies Need Books programme.

Beginning with Books

USA: The mission of Beginning with Books is to increase meaningfully the numbers of children who become capable and enthusiastic lifelong readers.

Fertile minds (A Time Magazine special report)

USA: From birth, a baby's brain cells proliferate wildly, making connections that may shape a lifetime of experience. The first three years are critical.

Missouri University Health Sciences Center

USA: A neonatal intensive care unit adopts a books for babies programme.

Read To Me Program

USA

Research Works for Children's Literacy

Lists internation books for babies programmes

Zero to Three

USA: Zero to Three is a leading resource on the first three years of life.