booktrust.org.uk

BookTrust is a children's reading charity. Its programmes, including Bookstart, BookTrust Storytime, Letterbox Club, Bookbuzz and the Writer in Residence scheme, aim to get children reading and sharing stories, mainly from birth to the first years of primary school. It also supports the Waterstones Children's Laureate and commissions and distributes books and resources.

Its work is delivered through partners such as early years professionals, teachers and schools, health professionals, care and fostering professionals, librarians and libraries, and parents and families. Its research and evaluation work focuses on the benefits of reading and on family reading behaviour. BookTrust is funded through donations and fundraising, and invites individuals to become BookTrust Friends.

The organisation was founded over 100 years ago and is based in Leeds. It works with thousands of local partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is the lead partner for the Early Years strand of the National Year of Reading 2026.

Product: Early years reading programmes (Bookstart, BookTrust Storytime, Letterbox Club, Bookbuzz), the Writer in Residence scheme, research and book distribution