Bookplanet: a stash of free books for every Brit kid under 3

From Britain's Sunday Times:
Children only a few weeks old are to be given a free bag of books by the government in an attempt to introduce them to reading at an early age. This week Ruth Kelly, the education secretary, announces £27m of government backing for the Bookstart scheme to deliver a starter pack of books such as Where’s Spot by Eric Hill and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to every child up to the age of three.

Advisers to Kelly said this weekend that the move was designed to encourage parents to read with their children, ensure they are interested in their education from the beginning and to promote reading books as a “lifelong habit.” Authors and publishers whose books do not make it on to the list are likely to complain that the scheme means massive sales for those lucky enough to be chosen.

“A love of reading is having a resurgence but we can’t wait until the Harry Potter phase to get parents and their children to share the passion,” said Kelly. “All the evidence shows us that children whose parents are engaged in their learning do better at school. There is no better time to get parents into the habit of reading with their child than when they are little.”

Other titles on the list include Boo Barney, Messy Lulu, Dear Zoo, I Want to Be, Mister Magnolia, Owl Babies and Tickle One, Tickle Your Tum. The scheme is divided into three age brackets. Bookstart for babies aged up to 12 months will provide a canvas bag of books, a nursery rhyme placemat and a booklet on sharing stories with young children. The Bookstart Plus pack, for children aged 12-24 months, will comprise a satchel-style bag, two books, a scribble pad and crayons and a booklist. The third category, My Bookstart Treasure Chest, is for those aged three to four years. It has “hidden” compartments for small toys or books and includes two reading books, an activity book, a scribble pad and crayons to encourage writing. In her speech Kelly argues that such projects “are crucial in the promotion of social mobility”.

WHAT A WINDFALL for the authors chosen! Instant sales of millions, plus instant young fans by the millions. Is it possible something like this could be introduced in the States?