CHILDREN’S picture book The Snowman has been named Scotland’s best-loved Christmas book after a nationwide poll.
The Scottish Book Trust revealed the results of its survey as the charity launches its first-ever festive fundraising appeal to provide books and support to teen parents and their babies.
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.
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The Scottish Book Trust has now launched its appeal to ensure every baby enjoys stories and rhymes from the earliest moments, regardless of their circumstances.
Almost a third of Scots voted for children’s book The Snowman, which was first published in 1978, as their favourite Christmas read, and more than 80% of Scots parents agree that reading helps them to bond with their children.
Marc Lambert, CEO commented: “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.”
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