Our Booklist
25 Must-Reads for Ages Birth–12
Beloved books for every reading stage — from cozy lap reads to chapter books that inspire discussion and original ideas.
Tip: mix moods, not just ages — a sleepy baby and a big kid can share the same story.
Sensory Story Seekers · Birth–13 months
High-contrast pages, sing-song rhythms and gentle bedtime cuddles.
Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown
Sleepy & Soothing
Black on White
by Tana Hoban
Curious & Focused
Global Babies
by The Global Fund for Children
Warm & Connected
Peek-a Who?
by Nina Laden
Silly & Surprising
Baby Faces
by DK
Joyful & Expressive
Tales in Motion · 1–3 years
Bouncy read-alouds, repeatable refrains and lots of noisy fun.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
Playful & Predictable
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
Rhythmic & Silly
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Curious & Colorful
Press Here
by Hervé Tullet
Interactive & Giggly
Dear Zoo
by Rod Campbell
Playful & Repetitive
Storybook Creators · 3–5 years
Bigger stories, brave feelings and imaginations that stretch to the stars.
The Day the Crayons Quit
by Drew Daywalt
Funny & Imaginative
Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
Adventurous & Bold
The Rainbow Fish
by Marcus Pfister
Kind & Sharing
Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
Curious & STEAM
Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña
Warm & Thoughtful
Chapter Chasers · 6–8 years
Adventures with memorable characters, strong story structure and ideas worth discussing.
The Book with No Pictures
by B. J. Novak
Silly & Expressive
The Bad Seed
by Jory John
Funny & Reflective
Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts
Kind & Thoughtful
The Most Magnificent Thing
by Ashley Spires
Inventive & Resilient
Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
Brave & Encouraging
Story Makers Studio · 9–12 years
Layered stories that spark critical thinking, discussion, empathy and original writing.
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang
Courageous & Hopeful
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Tender & Powerful
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
Funny & Honest
The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown
Adventurous & Thoughtful
Brown Girl Dreaming
by Jacqueline Woodson
Poetic & Inspiring
Want these stories read aloud with music, movement and magic?
Join a Reading Engagement class or book a private story time.