Happy Children’s Book Week!
As an aspiring children’s book author (update: now a published one!) and a mom who I’m pretty sure has read at least 4,345 books this week alone, I decided to take this week to explore the importance of reading to your kids and the resources for free (or low-cost) children’s books. I’ve compiled everything here in a quick, readable manner (because I know how busy parents are!), so without further ado, let’s dive in!
Why is reading to kids so important?
More than 36 million adults in the U.S. cannot read above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that access to books is one of the strongest predictors of academic success — starting from an early age!
Reading and being read aloud to leaves an impact beyond just hearing stories — in fact, higher reading exposure is 95% positively correlated with a growing region supporting semantic language processing in the brain.
The great part about this is that it’s really simple to start. You can start with one book before bedtime or nap (but prepare for them to ask for more)—something short, simple, and sweet. Personally, I choose books that I also like so I’m not stuck reading something dreaded over and over. But (as you know) children will gravitate toward what they want (I’ve read Three Little Pigs about 50 times in the past 24 hours alone).
If you find yourself facing obstacles to getting books — whether that be time, money, or the mental load capacity, here are ways you can get free (or low-cost) children’s books:
How can I get free (or low-cost) children’s books?
Your local library. We’ve been going to our local library since my 3.5-year-old was just under a year old. Checking out books, participating in story time, and simply being around books are now among our favorite activities. If you’re lucky like us, your local library may even have take-home books and crafts provided at no cost to keep the love for learning growing!
Little Free Libraries. Little Free Libraries are everywhere and so worth the hype. We’ve found them on walks, in parks, outside of stores, and even in odd places such as the side of quiet country roads. Find one near you and grab a book or two! Bonus: if you have a few books you’re done with, you can drop them off and help another reader out.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. We’ve received free books from the Imagination Library for about two years! About once a month, your child (under the age of 5) receives a children’s book at no cost to you. Two things to note with this: First, feel free to vet the books first. We have received a few that don’t align with our values (i.e., highlighting poor behavior or honestly just weirdly written, and as a writer, I can’t do it). Second, if you have more than one kid signed up, you may receive duplicates of some books. This has happened a few times; luckily, we donate to the nearest Little Free Library!
Audiobooks. Audiobooks are a lifesaver when you can’t physically read a book for any reason (you’re driving, cooking dinner, losing your voice, or simply wanting a break and not to read). We’ve been utilizing Spotify in the car to listen to classics such as Green Eggs & Ham and some newer stuff, such as Pete & Cat.
Second-Hand Stores. I’m adamant about thrifting what I can when I can, including books. Goodwill is almost always stocked with a book section, but explore locally owned second-hand book shops too!
How can I help others in need of books?
Maybe you’re fully stocked on the children’s book front but are curious about how you can help others. It’s estimated that 61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children. With so many available resources, we can close this gap and help get children’s books into children’s hands everywhere! Here are a few ways you can help:
- Share this blog post with them!
- Start your own Little Free Library (#goals).
- Donate to local organizations that are literary-focused.
- Gift them books.
- Invite them to your local library story time.
In short, adding reading into your day can be quick, simple, and beneficial for the rest of your little one’s lives. So pick up a book and get started!
Enjoy this blog post? Check out some previous ones:
Heide Rembold 
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