Sharing stories doubles the fun

Coming up to Christmas, the shops and libraries are full of colourful picture books, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that these are just for the youngest members of the family. Little ones love sharing picture books with their grown-ups, but it’s also a great opportunity to involve older children, too. For an older child, sharing books with younger children can increase their confidence and improve their own literacy skills, as well as encouraging them to enjoy reading for pleasure and younger children love an older sibling or friend to read to them, as it makes them feel valued and special.

If you are looking for some good places to start, this year’s Bookbug Picture Book Prize features three excellent Scottish picture books produced this year: Little Owl’s Egg by Debi Gliori, illustrated by Alison Brown; Gorilla Loves Vanilla by Chae Strathie, illustrated by Nicola O’byrne; and The Fourth Bonniest Baby in Dundee by Michelle Sloan, illustrated by Kasia Matyjaszek. Voting has now closed, but you can watch the authors read their stories on our website: scottish book trust. com/bpbp/ resources-videos, then read them yourself at home. The winner will be announced on 15 January. Scottish Book Trust is a charity, changing lives through reading and writing. Go to scottishbooktrust.com for book suggestions for all ages.