Explore Children's Literature Today
Discover more than 400 children's books suitable for
infants through 8th grade!
Explore Children's Literature Today
Discover more than 400 children's books suitable for
infants through 8th grade!
welcome to "Open a book- open the world!"
Our Mission
Support Material
Our Mission
We believe in the power of reading
to transform lives. Our mission is to
assist parents and teachers in
identifying quality children's books
and recommended reading that will
inform and inspire young people.
Book Lists
Support Material
Our Mission
Our recommended reading lists feature
a variety of children's books that cater
to a range of interests and will engage children of all ages. Highlighted are
both long-time favorites and new titles, books for boys and girls, and books exploring a variety of cultures.
Support Material
Support Material
Support Material
Each month, we will shine the spotlight on one or more books for preschool and school-age children, providing suggestions and lesson plans for incorporating learning activities at home and in the classroom.
We also look forward to sharing your reviews and recommendations.
January 2026 spotlight
Share a Smile- Books with Humor
I love a good joke but am terrible at remembering them. I always forget the punch line! As the new year begins, I thought it would be fun to focus on books that are fun and funny. There were many to choose from, and I ended up including a third book this month for beginning readers.
For young children, The Napping House by Audrey Wood is a cumulative story (think "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly) about a granny who is joined by others as she tries to take a nap. You will love the ending! Other humorous books for preschool include Look! by Jeff Mack and The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak.
This month, I am also sharing one of the books in the Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate. in the first book of the series, Roscoe wants to help his teacher control his class, but he learns you should Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs".
For school -age children, I urge you to read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Although this book was written over 50 years ago, I found myself laughing out loud as a read about Peter and his brother, Fudge. I also recommend Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School, a collection of poems entitled My Dog May be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky, and for those with strong stomachs, How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell.
Grab a blanket and get ready to laugh!
share a smile
Preschool
Beginning Readers
Beginning Readers
Audrey and Don Wood have written a funny cumulative tale about a granny takes to her bed for a nap. But before long, she is joined by a grandchild and some sleepy animals. With everyone piled on top of granny, what will it take to wake them up?
The Napping House will have young children laughing and wanting to out the story out with their stuffed animals!
Beginning Readers
Beginning Readers
Beginning Readers
Meet Rosco Riley, a first-grader who only wants to help! When his class has trouble sitting still while waiting to perform for their parents, Roscoe comes up with a sure-fire way to help that involves super-mega-gonzo glue. Uh-oh! Here comes time-out!
The first book in the Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate.
School-age
Beginning Readers
School-age
Peter knows that being an older brother is hard, but it is nearly impossible when your little brother is almost three, has tantrums, and destroys your things. When Peter's pet turtle, Dribble, goes missing, things really get interesting. Hilarious antics will have you laughing until the final page.
Judy Blume's story has been loved by children and parents for more than 50 years!
December Spotlight
"Tis The Season"
December is truly “the most wonderful time of the year!” Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, this season is about family, faith, and giving. It is a season of love, light, and laughter. Family traditions play an important role as they connect the past to the present. I hope that your family has many special traditions that you celebrate year after year. But don’t let that prevent you from beginning new ones that bring meaning to the season. In addition to decorating the tree and attending Christmas programs, I have added watching the movie “Elf” to our family’s “must do” list in December.
This month, I have selected two books that present this season’s themes. For young children, Corduroy by Don Freeman illustrates how love and giving can change everything. School-age children will enjoy meeting the Herdsman children in Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as they lead everyone to re-examine their beliefs about the Christmas story and their neighbors.
Take time to savor this season with a mug of hot chocolate as you share these wonderful books with those you love. Wishing you a magical and memorable holiday season!
"tis the season"
Preschool
Corduroy , written in 1968, is a tender story of small teddy bear waiting on a department store shelf for a child’s friendship.
When a young girl, Lisa, returns to the store with the money
she has saved and purchases Corduroy, he finds love, friendship,
and a new home. A classic reminder to see the best in everyone!
School-Age
The annual Christmas play will never be the same when the
director breaks her leg and the Herdman children are cast as
leads. Described as the "worst kids in the history of the world",
will they ruin the show or make it the best Christmas pageant
ever? Their unique perspective of the events surrounding Jesus’
birth reminds us of all of what Christmas is really about. Funny
and fast-paced, this is a great read aloud for the entire family
November Spotlight
Native American Heritage Month
This month, we spotlight two books that focus on Native Americans, past and present. Young children will discover fry bread, a traditional Native American food. School-age children will meet Attean, a member of the Beaver clan, who comes to the aid of a while boy who is living alone in the wilderness of Maine in the late 1700's. Both books present Native Americans as kind, helpful, and intelligent. I know that you and your children will enjoy reading them together.
Native American Heritage Month
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Fry bread is a Native American food. But it is so much more. Told in lively and powerful verse and vibrant illustrations, Fry Bread depicts life in a modern Native American family and shares how this
traditional food symbolizes their rich heritage. The recipe for fry bread is included, along with author notes on Native American culture.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
When Matt's father leaves him to bring the rest of the family to their new home in Maine, he must guard his home and land against potential threats. Matt struggles on his own until he meets Attean, a teen boy who is part of the Beaver clan. Attean teaches Matt
survival skills and introduces him to his family. Set is the late 1700's, this book presents Native Americans as wise, helpful, and kind.
October spotlight
Life on the Farm
Farming has been an important part of American life since its beginning. The simple, slow life on the farm is a sharp contrast to the hectic pace most of us experience daily. We all need to be reminded of the values of hard work, family, friendship, and loyalty. This month's Spotlight books teach children (and remind adults) that there is joy in simplicity and love. Pour a mug of apple cider and enjoy these stories with your family!
Life on the Farm
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farm, his farmer, and he especially loves the little calf in the next stall. They become
great friends, but when the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond,
Otis must find a way to save him. Loren Long has written
other Otis books, so you will want to read them all.
Available in Spanish and as a board book or picture book.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
Born the runt of the litter, Wilbur the pig is saved by Fern Zuckerman. Wilbur enjoys life on the Zuckerman’s farm. His only worry is that
one day he will be slaughtered as other pigs are. His friend Charlotte, the spider, promises to help him. Written in 1952, when farms were more common than today, E.B. White's second children's book won the Newberry Award for 1953. Don't miss this beautiful story of
friendship, loyalty, and the circle of life! Also available in Spanish.
September Spotlight
A Child's Best Friend
Who doesn't love a cute or a "so ugly it's cute" pet? This month, we are celebrating the joy that animals bring to our lives. If your child has a live pet or a favorite stuffed animal, this month's books will make everyone smile. Two dogs, Biscuit for the young ones and Winn-Dixie for the older children, will entertain and delight! BTW- The boy in this photo is one of my grandsons with his new puppy, Oaklee!
A Child's best friend
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Meet Biscuit, the most adorable golden puppy ever. Mention the name Biscuit to anyone who has read these precious books, and they will immediately smile. Pre-readers will love hearing the stories and beginning readers can easily master them. With more than 70 books in the series, choosing one to read will be the hardest part. Caldecott Honor book * Also check out the activities on the Lessons page!
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
One summer day, 10-year-old India Opal Buloni goes to the
local supermarket (yes, Winn-Dixie) for some groceries and
comes home with a dog. Winn-Dixie helps Opal make friends
and finds the courage to ask important questions. Author Kate DiCamillo said about her book, “This book is (I hope) a hymn of
praise to dogs, friendship, and the South.” Newberry Honor book
* Also check out the lesson activities on the Lessons page!
Lynn's reading nook
January 2026- Start the Year with a Smile
Welcome to 2026! I hope that you are expecting great things for your family this year. While I enjoy the hectic holiday season, January brings a return to a normal schedule and a sense of calm. If you happen to live in an area that gets snow (I don’t!), the white blanket of snow gives everything a sense of cleanness and newness. As we begin a new year, I thought it would be fun to start by sharing some humorous books. I am terrible with jokes, but love the rib-tickling stories in this month's Spotlight books. I have even included an extra Spotlight book for beginning readers. It was too good to pass over. I pray that these books will remind you to keep your home’s atmosphere fun, light-hearted, and filled with joy!
December- "Tis the Season"
December is truly “the most wonderful time of the year!” Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, this season is about family, faith, and giving. It is a season of love, light, and laughter. Family traditions play an important role as they connect the past to the present. I hope that your family has many special traditions that you celebrate year after year. But don’t let that prevent you from beginning new ones that bring meaning to the season. In addition to decorating the tree and attending Christmas programs, I have added watching the movie “Elf” to our family’s “must do” list in December.
This month, I have selected two books that present this season’s themes. For young children, Corduroy by Don Freeman and Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Take time to savor this season with a mug of hot chocolate as you share these wonderful books with those you love. Wishing you a happy and faith-filled holiday season!
November- Family, Friends, Food, and Heritage
For many people, November is the month between Halloween and Christmas. But it is so much more. As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we reconnect with family and friends over mounds of food. Many people who do not have family close by celebrate the day with friends ("Friendsgving"). November is also Native American Heritage Month. As a child, I was fascinated by the culture of American Indian tribes. Their music, crafts, food, and dress captured my imagination. This month's preschool Spotlight book, Fry Bread, looks at a traditional food prepared by a contemporary Native American family. The school-age Spotlight book, The Sign of the Beaver, shares the story of a white boy who is befriended by a boy from the Wampanoag, or Beaver tribe. Both of these books present Native Americans as kind, helpful, intelligent, and family-oriented. May your family be blessed this month!
October- Fall in Love with Fall
I love fall- football, falling leaves, food, and family! During this season, I tend to reflect on old-fashioned things like farms, family reunions, and all things "apple". Fall is also a great time to make new family memories. Go for a hike, play in the leaves, or visit a petting zoo. Make an apple pie, attend a state fair, or visit extended family.
Even better, visit the library and check out books that celebrate the season. Two of these, Otis and Charlotte's Web are in the Spotlight section this month. Other books you might like include The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, The Very Busy Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman, The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, and A Gathering of Days by Joan Blos. Grab a blanket and take your books outside to enjoy the changing season! Happy Fall, Ya'll!~ Lynn
WELCOME!
I am so excited to share this site with you. As an educator, school psychologist, and most importantly, a grandmother, I have a desire to see children develop a love for learning through engaging children's books. Books are a major source of knowledge and can help children expand their horizons. However, walking into a library or bookstore can be overwhelming, especially when searching for the best elementary reading options. The printable lists shared on this site can help guide your selections, including preschool book recommendations and toddler book lists. You may ask, 'How were books chosen?' I made an effort to include both classic and newer books, books for boys and girls, and books about various cultures. The printable lists feature additional recommended reading not highlighted on the website, along with important book information such as number of pages and reading levels.
I encourage you to use these lists throughout the year. As I have learned with my own grandchildren, they can serve as 'wish lists' for birthday and Christmas gifts. Children can mark the books they have read and those they would like to read. The lists can help children choose books for reports or for pleasure. However you use this site, I wish you and your children many hours of happy reading!
- Lynn S. Wogamon, Ed.D.