The Whales on the Bus (New Nursery Rhymes)

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Developed in partnership with libraries, local authorities and families, theprojectwillhelp disadvantaged familieswith youngchildren engage with their local public library so that sharing stories becomes a regular and long-lasting part of family life.Copies of the BookTrust Storytime shortlist will be distributed toall pilotlibraries andused to encourage families to make repeat visits to their local library. The bookswill also beintegrated into a raft of resources and activitiesavailable in a smaller number of librariesto help bring the magic of reading to life. This fantastic duo have done it again with another of their amazing nursery rhyme books. It is impossible not to sing along with this funny and colourful version of Wheels on the Bus. Get ready to meet bees on skis, goats on boats and baboons in balloons amongst many others. A perfect choice to practise listening to those rhyming sounds while having some fun. The families and librarians involved in BookTrust's ambitious BookTrust Storytime pilot have chosen their favourite new book for sharing with babies and young children. Katrina Charman, author said ‘Booktrust is such an amazing organization doing essential work to get books in the hands of children who need them the most, so I am absolutely thrilled that The Whales on the Bus has been nominated for Booktrust’s Storytime Prize this year.’ BookTrust worked in close partnership with libraries, local authorities, families and organisations including ASCEL, CILIP and Libraries Connected to design the pilot, and will now be evaluating the experience and its impact on families, libraries and local authorities. 'Sharing stories is invaluable for young children'

Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, explained that the BookTrust Storytime pilot is part of the charity's ambition to bring the benefits of reading to children in the greatest need.With bits of learning in there - animal names, vehicles, animal sounds and actions, this is a perfect join-in bedtime singalong, which even finishes off with llamas in pyjamas ready for bed. I was very excited to see a third in the series, and it's all about animals, so most likely a winner again. With Sharratt illustrating you know what you're getting, very clear and colourful animals in some rather amusing vehicles. Savanah, mum to 9-month-old Elvis, said: 'We've really enjoyed BookTrust Storytime. It's opened our eyes a little bit too. It doesn't have to be a big, long, boring book. It can be short and sweet, but a lot of interaction with colours and pictures and things.We're all encouraged to get involved and demonstrate to the children as we go through it. 'It's a really positive environment. The library team have been great, so as I think we've got to know them, we come to a place where it's really comfortable and everyone is happy.' For the first time, the BookTrust Storytime Prize shortlist was incorporated into a new library experience pilot, in an attempt to find different ways to support families with young children - especially those who are disadvantaged after BookTrust research showed that only 49% of families in poverty with children aged 0-5 are registered with a public library.

To enter simply complete the Gleam widget below, all entries are optional and each one completed will gain you more entries into the random draw. The Whales on the Bus (Totally Booked UK)This fun new take on a familiar rhyme was praised for its appealing cast of characters, its bright and bold illustrations, the way it introduces new words and its ability to get the whole family joining in with a singalong. Meanwhile, The Whales on the Busauthor Katrina Charman said: 'Our local library is where I developed my own love of books and reading, and I am so grateful to librarians who continue to enable those who may not otherwise get a chance to have access to books, the opportunity to do so.

This charming picture book has reimagined the classic nursery rhyme with brilliant results' - BookTrust's Great Books Guide 2021It was crowned the winner by Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell during a special virtual celebration today (25 January). Every library in England was offered copies of the six shortlisted books to share with families, while over 300 libraries across the country held storytime activities such as weekly sessions where they would enjoy one of the books and accompanying resources and activities.