Join in the Scottish Book Trust's "Bookbug Week" kicking off today and running until 22nd May.

Kids love getting together over a good book! Join in! (Photo © Paul Watt)

Today sees the start of the Scottish Book Trust's awesome "Book Bug Week" - a week-long series of events and activities sharing all that's great in children's books.

Bookbug Week 2016 takes place between today and Sunday 22nd May with hundreds of free story, song and rhyme events for families with babies and young children held across the country. The theme this year is Bookbug Around the World, an international theme that will inspire children and adults to explore songs and rhymes from around the globe.

Bookbug encourages mums, dads and carers to talk, cuddle, sing, and share stories and rhymes with their children from birth. Bookbug provides every child in Scotland with four free packs of books, and runs free Bookbug Sessions with stories, songs and rhymes for children and their families. Funded by the Scottish Government, Bookbug is Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Programme.

Bookbug Week 2016 will see free around the world themed events taking place in every local authority in Scotland, with special appearances from some of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators. This year’s flagship event will take place at The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre in Stirling on Monday 16 May.

Schools and nurseries across the country can tune in to watch a fun-filled Authors Live event with Ed Vere, streamed live from the BBC’s studios in Glasgow on Thursday 19 May. Some fantastic Bookbug prizes will also be up for grabs in on-line competitions throughout the week.

For more info about Bookbug week visit www.scottishbooktrust.com or pop into your local library.

Join in, be inspired and help celebrate the brilliance of books!