In 2009 the title of the free book that each reception pupil will receive as a gift in the autumn term is Mr Big by Ed Vere (Puffin). Children in England will also receive The Booktime Book of Fantastic First Poems (Puffin).

Schools with a reception class will automatically receive a schools resource pack along with their book packs. You do not need to place an order or pay anything for school resources.

Every reception age child in England will receive a blue book bag consisting of:

  • Mr Big by Ed Vere (Puffin)
  • The Booktime Book of Fantastic First Poems edited by June Crebbin (Puffin)
  • Booktime Top Tips poster
  • Memo for parents and carers

All primary schools will receive a resource pack containing the following:

  • A big book of Mr Big - to read aloud with groups of children and families
  • A teacher copy of The Booktime Book of Fantastic First Poems
  • A classroom poster featuring Mr Big and other books by award winning author and illustrator, Ed Vere
  • Books for All - a booklet celebrating diversity in every sense, recommending some of the best books for children aged 4-5 years
  • A CDROM - for your whiteboard or PC, with videos, interactive games, downloadable activities and session ideas starring your favourite Booktime characters
  • A Booktime bookmark for every child in reception class
  • A sticker sheet for every child in reception class, with fun Booktime and Mr Big designs
  • Children's Book Week resource guide

This year Booktime worked with The Reading Agency and local authority contacts to offer participating branch libraries a free library resource pack. Read more about the partnership.

Participating libraries will receive:

  • Mr Big big book
  • A sample book pack
  • A Mr Big poster
  • Booktime badges – to encourage library visits and membership
  • Children's Book Week resource guide
  • Books for All booklet

Each book pack is a gift from education and publishing company Pearson and independent charity Booktrust.

Booktime was inspired by Bookstart and is supported in England by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.