ALT We're happy to announce the date and time of our annual Book Dash Open Content Partner sharing session. It will take place on 9 June 2026, online, at 12:00 (SAST) and we'd love for you to join us! The sharing session will be 90 minutes long and its purpose is to act as a: - reminder of/introduction to how the Book Dash stories and model can be re-used, adapted, printed - networking opportunity for different Book Dash Open Content Partners to share real-life examples of how the Book Dash stories and model are being used all across the world - space for questions and learning. Please complete the questions to let us know if you can make it – we'd love to have you join us! (You're welcome to join if you're interested, even if you are not an Open Content Partner!) Register now by clicking on this link: Looking forward to seeing you there! #bookdash #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories #ECD

ALT We're happy to announce the date and time of our annual Book Dash Open Content Partner sharing session. It will take place on 9 June 2026, online, at 12:00 (SAST) and we'd love for you to join us! The sharing session will be 90 minutes long and its purpose is to act as a: - reminder of/introduction to how the Book Dash stories and model can be re-used, adapted, printed - networking opportunity for different Book Dash Open Content Partners to share real-life examples of how the Book Dash stories and model are being used all across the world - space for questions and learning. Please complete the questions to let us know if you can make it – we'd love to have you join us! (You're welcome to join if you're interested, even if you are not an Open Content Partner!) Register now by clicking on the link https://forms.gle/vMxkbpjDkGXWXWUq8. Looking forward to seeing you there! #bookdash #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories #downloadbooks #ECD

ALT "Books are as important to children's wellbeing as immunisations and mother’s milk." Dr Miemie du Preez, paediatrician and reading champion at Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape. Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/VHJ0KL-Lt5U This online sharing session took place on 21 April 2026. We explored the catalytic role of books and reading for the health and wellbeing of young children. The session covered: - the landscape and systems around early years book usage in healthcare - research around the impact of books on young children's health and wellbeing - different distribution models and uses of books in healthcare settings - best practice case studies from South African healthcare practitioners who use books in their programmes and who have seen the benefits. Find out more about joining our distribution partner network here: https://bookdash.org/who-we-are/distribution-partners/

ALT Watch our amazing writers read the Book Dash stories they wrote, and bring them to life. 📚 Remember that you can find all the stories on our books page (https://bookdash.org/books/) From fun adventures to talking animals, there’s a story waiting just for you. Grab your favourite blanket, snuggle up, and let’s get reading together! 📽️ Watch the full playlist here: https://bit.ly/3Pt0yRI #bookdash #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories #ECD

ALT This 1 May South Africans everywhere celebrate "Workers day". How often do we see our little ones imitate what we do or how we work? Read delightful stories around the topic of "Let's learn" including different stories about the things your child could be when they grow up : https://bookdash.org/books?s=&bd_themes[]=ll&wpessid=33781 We have 200 original titles that have been categorised into 15 themes to assist and spark a love in early years reading. Find free books to read, download and print at www.bookdash.org #bookdash #earlybookownership #everychild100books #ECD #bookdashstories

ALT Distribution partner Harry Gwala Hospital: As children wait preoperatively, we offer books they can read with parents or caregivers. This calming activity helps reduce anxiety, encourages positive interaction, and provides a comforting distraction. By placing books directly in children’s hands, we highlight the value of reading, expose families to new stories, and promote literacy as an enjoyable daily habit. All families take the books home, extending these benefits beyond the hospital. In this way, the books strengthen family connections, support early literacy, and enhance emotional wellbeing.

ALT "Books are as important to children's wellbeing as immunisations and mothers milk." Dr Miemie du Preez, paediatrician and reading champion at Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape. The session will cover: - the landscape and systems around early-years book usage in healthcare - research around the impact of books on young children's health and wellbeing - different distribution models and uses of books in healthcare settings - best practice case studies from healthcare practitioners who use books in their programmes and who have seen the benefits. We particularly invite those working within the healthcare system, interacting with children in the early years, and supporting caregivers to build nurturing, loving and stimulating environments for the little ones. Register here https://bit.ly/41AznH5 for the online session. We hope to see you there! #first1000days #bookdash #ECD #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories

ALT Thobani Ndlovu at Khanyisela Projects (Book Dash Distribution Partner) shares; “Our mission as an organisation is to bring quality education into rural spaces. Part of that is to promote literacy through supporting the formation of a reading culture. Having books in children's homes exposes them to the culture of keeping and using books from a young age. The pride that it brings to children to own a book of their own is immeasurable. Parents are encouraged to go through picture books with their children, asking questions as they "read" the books to build meaning. This also creates intentional activities that parents can spend with their children supporting the formation of healthy attachment styles that are so necessary for their all round development.”

ALT "Books are as important to children's wellbeing as immunisations and mothers milk." Dr Miemie du Preez, paediatrician and reading champion at Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape. The session will cover: - the landscape and systems around early-years book usage in healthcare - research around the impact of books on young children's health and wellbeing - different distribution models and uses of books in healthcare settings - best practice case studies from healthcare practitioners who use books in their programmes and who have seen the benefits. We particularly invite those working within the healthcare system, interacting with children in the early years, and supporting caregivers to build nurturing, loving and stimulating environments for the little ones. Register here https://bit.ly/41AznH5 for the online session. We hope to see you there! #first1000days #bookdash #ECD #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories

ALT Book Dash has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Awards 2026. A total of 263 candidates from 74 countries have been nominated for the 2026 award. The list includes authors and illustrators, as well as storytellers and reading promoters. The nominations have been submitted by organisations from all over the world. The list of candidates is now public at alma.se/en. We are elated to be nominated for such a prestigious award alongside so many esteemed candidates. #astridlindgrenmemorialaward #ALMA2026 #alma2026 #everychild100books #bookdash #earlybookownership #bookdashstories

ALT Book Dash books are available to purchase online. Simply email team@bookdash.org for our latest list of available titles and languages. Our beautifully curated digital library is organised into specific themes. This means that you, our readers can quickly find the book of their choice. Pssst… did you know that our books are also available in audio? To find the audio books in our library simply look for books that have the sound icon at the bottom right hand corner of the book. Find out more here https://bookdash.org/how-to-buy-our-books/