The results were revealed by the Scottish Book Trust as it launched a festive fundraising appeal to provide books and support to teen parents and their babies. Almost a third of Scots voted for children’s picture book The Snowman, which was first published in 1978, as their favourite Christmas read, and over 80 per cent of Scots parents agree that reading helps them to bond with their children. Trust CEO Marc Lambert said: “It’s very fitting that a children’s picture book has topped our nationwide poll of Christmas books. This underlines how important books and sharing stories are to us all, in childhood and as parents or carers.Sharing stories is one of the best ways for parents to bond with their babies from the earliest moments. Even before they are born, babies can hear sounds, and reading from these early stages also supports important early development such as language learning. We are appealing to people to support our mission by donating £5 to give the gift of reading this Christmas and ensure no baby misses out.”
Findings from the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships shows that younger parents are less likely to read with their babies, particularly from the early stages. Many teen parents also face challenging circumstances such as social isolation, poverty and lack of confidence. Through its appeal, the Scottish Book Trust wants to ensure every baby enjoys stories and rhymes from the earliest moments, regardless of their circumstances.
And it is aiming to help 1000 families by providing pregnant teens with a copy of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s The Snail and the Whale, recommended for its repetition and rhyme. The teens will also receive support to begin a reading journey and ensure parent and baby have the best start together.
For further information and to donate, go to scottishbooktrust.com/ChristmasAppeal
