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
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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
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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.
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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.
August 2026 Spotlight
Imagination Unlocked!
One of the best things about summer is that children have more free time to use their God-given abilities to imagine. Making up stories, games, and even imaginary friends are important in a child’s development of identity, independence, and creativity. Imagination also provides an outlet for dealing with difficult or confusing situations. It can even help fill those “I’m bored!” moments that summer break inevitably brings. This month’s Spotlight books encourage children to stretch their imaginations and develop a love for the “what if”s of life. And dear adult, I strongly encourage you to seek ways to strengthen your own imagination. Share your thoughts with your child. Consider the possibilities. Laugh at the whimsical ideas that evolve. Let your imaginations soar!
Young children will fall in love with Beekle, an imaginary friend who doesn’t have a real child friend. When all the other imaginary friends have been chosen by real children, he sets out to find his own special child. He finally meets Alice, his perfect match. Together, they set off on adventures. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend won the 2015 Caldecott Medal.
Older children will be inspired to use their imaginations when they read The Egypt Game. It is the story of two girls from different backgrounds who share a love of all things Egyptian. But when they turn an abandoned area into a place to put their imaginations to work, strange things begin to happen.
This month I am introducing a new genre of books to my recommended lists: For Parents Only. These books will cover a wide range of topics to educate, encourage, and inspire you as you raise your children. The first book I am recommending is Mem Fox's Reading Magic:
Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. The author of numerous children's books, Mem Fox explains how reading aloud to even very young children can open their minds to the wonder of words and literature. She discusses the "learning to read" process and provides ideas for encouraging non-readers.
I would love to hear what great things your children create in their minds. Best summer wishes and Happy Imagining!
Imagination unlocked!
Preschool
On one very special, very beautiful day, an imaginary friend (who will one day be named Beekle) is born on an island far away. There, he and other imaginary friends wait for their turn to be picked and imagined by a real child and be given a special name. For Beekle, it seems like it’s just never his turn. Tired of waiting, he sets off to look for his special friend. Just as he’s about to give up, he meets Alice. They learn that they are perfect for each other and embark on adventures together. Winner of the 2015 Caldecott Medal.
School Age
The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?
Parents Only
Parents Only
In this updated edition of Reading Magic, Mem Fox reveals the impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read. With passion and humor, Fox speaks of when, where, why, and how to read aloud. This edition includes chapters on boy readers and phonics, as well as a list of "Twenty Books That Children Love."
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July 2026 spotlight
Happy Birthday, America
This month, we celebrate our country's 250th birthday. We celebrate the 4th of July every year, but this year is especially significant. As your family honors the United States, the books chosen for the July Spotlight will help your child learn more about our nation's history and what makes America great. Patriotic themes, American concepts, historical events, heroes, and culture are highlighted in two very special books.
For young children, best-selling author Ainsley Earhardt's America, I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating the Country We Love presents an exuberant look at America through rhythmic prose and vibrant illustrations. In an interview, she stated that her grandmother would always tell her on her birthday, "I'm so glad you were born." She wrote this book to share with others that same joy for America's birthday. Themes such as freedom, equality, and opportunity are presented in a child-friendly manner.
Older children will enjoy perusing the Smithsonian's American History: A Visual Encyclopedia of United States History. Filled from cover to cover with photos, maps, and illustrations, this book presents the people, places, and events that have shaped America. Whether your child reads it from beginning to end or reads specific sections of interest, American History is the perfect resource for information and inspiration.
Happy birthday, America
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
America, I’m So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating the Country We Love by Ainsley Earhardt; illustrated by Kim Barnes
This joyful picture book celebrates America’s birthday (4th of July) by highlighting the ideas and things that make our country great, including our foundation of freedom, our heroes, our diversity, and the opportunities we have to be anything we want to be. Earhardt’s rhythmic prose and Barne’s exuberant illustrations will inspire young children to grow in their love and appreciation for this great nation.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
American History: A Visual Encyclopedia of United States History published by the Smithsonian Institute
This complete encyclopedia of American history showcases the incredible journey the United States of America has made to become the major
21st-century power it is today. Written for children aged 9-15, it is the
ultimate reference tool to explore America’s history, including the Battle of Yorktown and the American Revolution, the legends of the Wild West,
the "Roaring Twenties", and events up to the present day.
June 2026 Spotlight
Fantastic Fantasy!
Does your child have a strong imagination? Reading books with an "it could happen" flavor helps develop a child's creative thinking skills and provides a foundation for determining fact from fiction, impossible ideas into "it just might be possible" ones. Psychologists also recognize that fantasy books may help children process difficult concepts and experiences, such as death, abusive relationships, and bullying, as well as feelings of anxiety and low self-worth.
This month, we highlight two books that fit the fantasy genre. For young children, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak introduces young Max, who has a creative mind but doesn't always mind (obey) his parents. When he is sent to bed, what follows is an adventure that children for generations have loved.
For school-age children, we recommend the book Poppy by Avi. Poppy is a tiny deer mouse who faces her fears to stand up to the fierce horned owl who rules over the Dimwood Forest. With lovable characters and a strong family focus, children will cheer as Poppy takes chances to help her family and will dance with her family as they celebrate their success.
Don't miss the recommended follow-up activities for this month's Spotlight books. Click on the Book Lessons/Activities tab at the top of the page.
Fantastic fantasy
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
When young Max dresses in his wolf suit and creates chaos in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail
to an island inhabited by the Wild Things until he is reminded
of home. Children for decades have enjoyed meeting Max
and the interesting creatures he meets on his adventure.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
Poppy by Avi
In the third book in the Tales of Dimwood Forest, a tiny
deer mouse named Poppy overcomes her fear and dares
to stand up to a tyrannical owl. She also learns to use logic
and trust in what she believes to help her family.
Everyone will cheer and dance with Poppy in her success!
May 2026 spotlight
Mom, I love you!
May is all about mothers. This month, I have chosen two books that look at mothers from a different perspective. In A Chair for My Mother, fire has destroyed the family belongings, including the chair that Rose's mother sat in to relax after work. Rose and her grandmother save their coins to be able to purchase a new chair for her.
In the novel Esperanza Rising, when forced to leave Mexico, the main character must adapt to life in America during the Great Depression. Esperanza's mother becomes ill and she must find work to support her family while waiting for her grandmother to come.
Bother of these books highlight the love and commitment found in close families. May your family experience these same values in all circumstances. Take time this month to share your love of family with those close to you, as well as extended family members- wherever they live!
Mom, i love you!
Preschool
A Chair for My Mother, written by Vera B. Williams, tells the story of a family trying to recover when their home is destroyed by a fire. Rose's mother works hard all day as a waitress and looks forward to relaxing in her comfortable chair. When the chair is destroyed in the fire, Rose and her family save their coins to buy new chair for her. A story of commitment and the love of family. Also available in Spanish.
School-age
Esperanza Rising, written by Pam Munoz Ryan, is an inspiring immigration tale set in the 1930s. A wealthy young girl is
forced to flee Mexico with her mother after her father's death.
When her mother becomes ill, Esperanza must find a way to
take care of her and earn money to live, while waiting for her grandmother to come from Mexico.
April 2026 spotlight
Getting to Know You- Biographies
This month, we take a break from fiction books to focus on stories of actual people and events. For you children, we celebrate Easter with Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box. This book shares the early life of Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit. When given a set of watercolor paints, Beatrix used her interest in plants and animals to become one of the best-loved children's authors/illustrators.
For older children, we learn about a real-life rescue of a boys' soccer team that was trapped in a cave for 17 days. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team describes the ordeal the boys and their coach faced, as well as the people from across the world who gathered to rescue them.
getting to know you- biographies
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box by David McPhail shares
the story of a young girl whose love of nature and drawing is encouraged when she is given her mother’s box of paints.
The animals she painted became characters in stories,
with the most famous being Peter Rabbit. Ms. Potter's
books continue to be loved across the world. For children age 4-8.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
On June 23, 2018, 12 boys and their soccer coach entered a
cave in northern Thailand and became trapped one-half mile underground. Seventeen days later, with the entire world
watching, they were rescued. All Thirteen: The Incredible
Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by
Chrstina Soontornvat is written for young people,
and includes personal information about the boys and
rescuers, as well as numerous photos. An inspirational story!
For children age 10-14.
March 2026 spotlight
Being Unique
Everyone likes to be part of a group, to be accepted by others. But sometimes it's more important to be ourselves, that unique, one-of-a-kind person with special interests, talents, and abilities. The two books that I have chosen to highlight this month present main characters who don't exactly fit in with their environment, but who ultimately find happiness in being themselves. The Story of Ferdinand by Munroe Leaf was written more than 90 years ago but continues to encourage children to do what makes them happy.
For children in grades 4-8, Jerry Craft's graphic novel New Kid, the main character must handle the pressures of a fitting in when the differences between him and the other students are obvious. Issues regarding race, social status, and parental expectations are addressed candor and humor.
being unique
Preschool
Ferdinand isn’t a typical bull. He would rather sit and look at flowers than run and play with the other bulls. What will he do when picked for the bullfights in Madrid? Written in 1936, the story of Ferdinand is as relevant now as it was 90 years ago! A true classic children will love! Also available in Spanish.
School-Age
7th grader Jordan Banks is starting a new prestigious school,
when what he really wants is to attend art school. This graphic novel follows Jordan as he learns it is not easy to fit in when you don’t look like everyone else. Can Jordan stay true to who he really is while making new friends? An honest look at stereotypes and diversity
in the awkward world of middle school.
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!
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.