It's Bookbug Week in Scotland and Dolly Parton is helping promote the event with a special message and her song, "I Believe in You."

Bookbug Week kicks off on Monday 16 May, at the Battle of Bannockburn visiting centre in Stirling. The inspiring theme, Around the world with Bookbug encourages children and adults alike to explore songs and rhymes from around the globe.

Dolly Parton, the founder of children’s book gifting programme Imagination Library, has recorded an exclusive video to promote Bookbug Week and the importance of sharing rhymes and stories from birth. Dolly said,

"We believe that if every kid grows up with a song in their heart and a book in their hand, well then, there's a pretty good chance that their dreams will come true."

Dolly also contributed a special bonus track, "I Believe in You" to the new Bookbug Toddler CD, gifted to every toddler in Scotland as part of the Bookbug toddler bag. Scottish Book Trust also supports the delivery of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Scotland (free books delivered monthly to every Looked After Child aged 0-5).

Catriona Wallace, Head of Early Years at Scottish Book Trust, has called upon all parents and carers in Scotland to share stories and songs from around the world with their children. Catriona said,

“Songs, rhymes and stories exist in all countries and are a universal thread in children’s early experiences. At least 160 different languages are spoken in Scotland alone, so this year’s Bookbug Week theme offers a fantastic platform to explore and celebrate the many beautiful songs, stories and languages on our own doorstep, as well as from around the world.”

The flagship event to mark the launch of Bookbug Week will take place at the Battle of Bannockburn visiting centre in Stirling on Monday 16 May. Stirling and Clackmannanshire libraries have come together to create a free event packed with activities including a visit from author Simon Puttock and illustrator Eilidh Muldoon, yoga for toddlers, outdoor games and international themed Bookbug Sessions. Children’s author and Bookbug patron, Julia Donaldson said,

“Bookbug Week is the perfect chance to find out more about the Bookbug programme and about free story, song and rhyme sessions in your local area. Introducing children to books at an early age has many wonderful benefits including giving speech and language development a real boost. This year, Bookbug Week encourages you to explore songs and stories from around the world and to discover and enjoy new rhymes and stories from across the globe.”

Discover more about Bookbug Week in Scotland.