Open access means more impact.
At Book Dash, we know that when we share our books and our model, we can reach more children.
We publish all of our books under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license – our creative volunteers’ gift to the world. Under this license, there is no restriction on what people can do with the books, as long as they acknowledge Book Dash and the original creators. People around the world can republish the books on their own websites, create audio versions and animations, translate and adapt them into any language, or even print and sell them.
We also work with “open content partners” – people and organisations all over the world who re-use and share our books in innovative, impactful ways. Our content has been re-used in dozens of countries and translated into dozens of widely-spoken and marginalised languages, growing our reach by tens of thousands of children.
How our partners help us grow our impact
Our open content partners (OCPs) re-use Book Dash content to reach more children and families by:
Printing and distributing books
Our open content partners print and distribute books in South Africa and around the world. Some use our print-ready files as-is. Others use our editable files to create new translations and versions of existing titles, or to adapt the books into new formats.
Sharing content electronically
Other open content partners re-share our stories electronically: they host original or adapted versions of Book Dash books (with new translations, content or formats) on their own websites, platforms and apps.
Replicating our model
Some partners use our Book Dash Manual to run their own book-making events – whether their goal is to create brand-new content or to adapt existing titles.
Access our how-to guide
If you’re interested in printing Book Dash books; re-using, adapting or sharing Book Dash stories; or replicating the Book Dash model, please check out our how-to guide. And if you do, be sure to fill in this form to tell us about it!
Case studies
Examples of open content partners who have used Book Dash books in exciting, innovative ways include:
- Closing the language deprivation gap for Deaf children: the case of Handlab (2025)
- Books for parent-child bonding: the case of TECEC (2025)
- Book Dash open content partner sharing session (2025)
- ChangeX Community Changemakers (2023-present)
- Open Publishing Fest, Book Dash: The Power of Open (2021)
- Book Dash: The Power of Open (2020)
What our open content partners say
“As a Canadian teacher now living in Mwanza, Tanzania, I’ve seen firsthand the vast educational inequalities that exist. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to be involved with the Book Dash Project in Mwanza. We’re bringing world-class quality books—from the vibrant illustrations to the durable paper and captivating stories—that rival those found in Canada’s top private schools, directly to children in low-income communities. It’s a game-changer for these young learners!”
Edgar Jaramillo, TECEC
“I am very grateful that I could start my multilingual picture book app BookaBooka off with some publicly-available content! I was amazed with the quality of the illustrations of some of the books. The ability to change the pictures and the story itself was key in being able to use this content. Thank you for this broad license.”
Sjors Miltenburg, BrainBro
“Book Dash does incredible work to create highly engaging, quality books for young readers.”
Worldreader
“The Big Think loves Book Dash picture books! We have integrated them into our new primary school personal development programme for children ages 4–7. These books hook and engage a full school assembly.”
Sarah Pengelly, The Big Think UK
“Getting beautiful, relevant and accessible books into the hands of children is a surefire way of creating readers for many years to come. Book Dash offers an innovative solution to growing generations of book lovers, wordsmiths and creative thinkers.”
Mignon Hardie, FunDza Literacy Trust
Support our work
Sometimes organisations that re-use our free materials want to make a contribution to Book Dash, to say thank you and to contribute to our sustainability.