New books for deaf children

Bookstart launch ‘Bookshine’ pack aimed specifically for deaf children

To celebrate the 2008 National Year of Reading and encourage all parents and carers to enjoy books with their children from an early age, Bookstart has produced a new pack called ‘Bookshine’, which offers free books and information specifically designed to suit deaf children’s needs.

The pack aimed at parents of deaf children aged 0 to 5 includes a touch-and-feel book, a book featuring simple British Sign Language (BSL) signs and an image of a child with a hearing aid as it is important that deaf children see themselves in books.

The ‘Bookshine’ books and accompanying materials have been chosen in parntership with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and parents of deaf children.

Bookstart already provide ‘Booktouch’ packs for blind and partially sighted children. This pack has also been revised and fully updated.

Alex Strick, Bookstart Consultant says: ‘Bookstart is for every child. We are very proud to be expanding its existing Bookstart range by offering parents of deaf children a selection of specially chosen books and advice. Thanks to our partnerships with specialists such as the NDCS and the RNIB, we are confident that the new Bookshine pack and the revised Booktouch pack will provide many more families with the impetus and advice they need to help their children enjoy books from an early age’.

Visit the Bookstart website