Book Dash

"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: /who-we-are/distribution-partners/ #first1000days #bookdash #ECD #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories

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 (/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

It's Children's Book Week (3-9 May 2026) and Book Dash has a variety of age-appropriate books available in 12 official South African languages for you to choose from. Reading together is a fun activity that allows you to explore your child's way of thinking. Ask your little one questions like "What do you think will happen next?” or "Why do you think that happened?". These questions help kids think about why characters make certain choices and see things from different points of view. Find free, downloadable books to read with your children today at bookdash.org/books. #bookdash #earlybookownership #everychild100books #ECD #bookdashstories

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 : /books?s=&bd_themes%5B%5D=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 #bookdash #earlybookownership #everychild100books #ECD #bookdashstories

If you are looking for African storybooks aimed at children from the ages of 0–5 then look no further. We have 200 original titles that have been categorised into 15 themes to assist and spark a love in early years reading. One of the themes focuses on strong role models. Let’s celebrate these role models and the stories this Freedom Day. Read delightful stories around the topic of “powerful female characters” and more at /books?s=&bd_themes%5B%5D=pfc&wpessid=33781. #everychild100books #bookdash #earlybookownership#bookdashstories #ECD

📚 Happy World Book Day 📚 We celebrated with every Grade 1 reader receiving their very own @bookdash book - what a great day of books and reading! #readtodream #bookbybook

At Book Dash we believe “every child should own a hundred books by the age of five”. Books are a valuable tool and can be highly impactful in early childhood development. 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. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the kindness you continue to show our organisation. Your books have become a meaningful part of our campaigns to reduce anxiety and support pain management in children, offering comfort, distraction, and moments of calm when they are needed most. By placing beautiful, engaging stories directly into children’s hands, you help us ease fear, strengthen family connection, and bring light into difficult moments. We see every day how your work changes lives, and we are truly thankful for the hope and emotional support you help us give to every child we serve.” Find free children's books to read and download /books/ #everychild100books #bookdash #earlybookownership #ECD #bookdashstories #literacymatters

"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. Join Book Dash for an online session on 21 April from 10-12 to explore the catalytic role of books and reading for the health and wellbeing of young children. 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. This session is for everyone who is already using books in their programmes with young children, as well as anyone who would like to start introducing books. 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

"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. Join Book Dash for an online session on 21 April from 10-12 to explore the catalytic role of books and reading for the health and wellbeing of young children. 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. This session is for everyone who is already using books in their programmes with young children, as well as anyone who would like to start introducing books. 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

Sharing stories and reading together plays an important role in a child learning and development at any age! Allow your child to ask questions, encourage them to tell their own stories and enjoy this fun activity that brings about quality time together. We love the feedback our partners share with us on the impact of the books in their programme. 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.” Find out how you can get involved: /what-we-do/get-involved #bookdash #bookdashstories #everychild100books #earlybookownership #earlyliteracymatters #ecd

"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. Join Book Dash for an online session on 21 April from 10-12 to explore the catalytic role of books and reading for the health and wellbeing of young children. 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. This session is for everyone who is already using books in their programmes with young children, as well as anyone who would like to start introducing books. 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

With support from Amazon, ChangeX has launched the $150,000 Amazon Hobart, Indiana Community Fund to empower communities in Lake County, Indiana to start impactful projects. Applications are open for Lake County, Indiana based social innovators! Add value to your community, create life changing and memorable moments over stories. A lasting impact in children's lives. ChangeX in partnership with Book Dash brings you the Books for Brighter Futures Challenge - an opportunity to increase children's access to quality storybooks. Reading and sharing stories have a powerful effect on children’s development, supporting language development, numeracy and motor skills, executive functioning and socio-emotional wellbeing. By applying, you’ll stand a chance to receive funding and training to print and distribute 1,000+ Book Dash books to young children and families in your community! Apply here: https://bit.ly/3OC7BXV Being a social innovator has never been anymore simpler... So, don't miss out! Be the champion for the next generation! Be the catalyst for learning, curiosity, imagination, and healthy development. This project has been made possible thanks to support from @changexhq and funding from @amazonwebservices . #booksforbrightfutures #usa #changex #amazonwebservices #everychild100books #earlybookownership #bookdashstories #bookdash