Start your baby's library and love of reading early with these free resources.
Sharing the magic of books with your child is a wonderful gift—and it doesn't have to cost anything! Let's explore ways to get free books for kids and help them love reading from the start.
"Start reading to your children early," advises Angela Terry from a NYC childhood center. "It cultivates a lasting love for books"
"Reading to children early helps them recognize and remember words, letters, and sounds," explains Terry. "Infants and toddlers may not fully grasp the reading process. However, more exposure to reading shows their brains that it's important and an exciting way to learn."
Melinda Helfer, the manager of collection development for North American Schools at Sora, a company that provides digital content to schools, highlights another benefit. "It's also a great way for parents and children to bond," she notes. "If parents want their children to love reading, one of the best things they can do is show that they love reading themselves."
Terry suggests choosing age-appropriate books "that teach important life lessons in a child-friendly way." She suggests books like ABC and 123, The Wonderful Things You Will Be, and Kindness is My Superpower.
Helfer also suggests reading wordless picture books with bright, bold, high-contrasting images to babies. "Nursery rhymes and other rhyming books with simple, repetitive text are also great," she adds.
Don't forget to introduce your child to classic children's literature. Terry also recommends sharing stories like The Cat in the Hat, Humpty Dumpty and The Little Engine That Could.
Parents can easily access quality literature for free through community services.
"Many great books are free or cheap," says Terry. "Check libraries, schools and children's groups. With millions of books available, there's no shortage of options for young readers. Many people want to help kids get books and resources for learning. This helps them grow into strong future leaders."
Your first stop should be at your local library. While you can usually only borrow books from the library, visiting regularly allows you access to a huge selection of books. Plus, libraries often have regular family events that promote literacy and community.
According to Julianne Buonocore, a book expert and founder of The Literary Lifestyle, a leading online book industry publication, there are plenty of organizations that provide free kids' books. She recommends Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for free physical books. The program caters to children up to age five.
"This charity has an expansive global reach," Buonocore explains. "It is good for parents because it offers free children's books that are age-appropriate, and not income-dependent. I especially love that it takes the guesswork out of sourcing age-appropriate books for busy parents."
Experts in early childhood education categorize the books at The Dolly Parton Imagination Library by age. Buonocore explains, "Year one books cover simple themes like sight and touch. Year five books cover more complex topics like science and poetry. Bilingual (English/Spanish) books are also available."
To see if Dolly Parton's Imagination Library offers books in your area, check their website. "Availability depends on the organization having a local partner to cover mailing costs for the area," Buonocore notes. "If so, parents can apply after the child's birth." Schools cannot apply, but they can make families aware of the program."
Another widespread organization that Buonocore recommends is The Little Free Library. She explains, "These are small book-sharing boxes where people can take and/or leave a book. People typically place them in public spaces like parks or outside homes and businesses. Parents can search for registered ones in their communities here."
First Book is an organization that provides access to new books and educational resources for children in need. First Book Marketplace sells new books and educational materials at impressive discounts, usually 50 to 90 percent off.
However, only members of the First Book Network can access it. This network consists of educators, librarians, program leaders and other professionals serving children in low-income communities. Eligible individuals can sign up for free membership to access these resources.
There are plenty of resources that offer free children's books online. "Try Monkeypen for free PDF children's books. Barnes and Noble's website also has free digital books," says Terry.
Book Bot Kids offers a selection of free digital children's books that readers can access through their website or app. Parents can read these books out loud. Young children can listen and look at the words and pictures.
Terry also recommends exploring public library digital collections and apps to find free children's books. "The International Children's Digital Library, supported by the University of Maryland, is a great resource," she adds.
The foundation provides free digital access to outstanding children's books from various cultures and languages worldwide. Additionally, readers can find free e-books on popular platforms like Amazon Books, Apple Books, and Google Play Books.
While diverse and inclusive books can help your child understand other cultures and ideas and foster empathy, Joe Vercellino, a school speaker with The Lion Heart Experience and author of Ginny The Little Blue Car and All That We Are, says that parents should select books that align with their values.
"Diverse' and 'inclusive' are broad words in our culture; they can mean and encompass anything," he explains. "Parents should be mindful of that. Reading material that aligns with your family values should be the primary focus over aiming for diversity and inclusion."
Vercellino suggests parents should set an example when reading inclusive and diverse books. "Children may not value diverse books if they don't see their parents reading them too," he explains. "Leading by example, even before your children can articulate that, is invaluable."
Katie Woods from San Mateo County Libraries in California emphasizes that reading to babies and children can significantly impact their lives. "Early literacy supports preschool readiness as well as intellectual and emotional success," she explains.
Woods offers practical advice for including reading into your daily routine. She suggests making local library visits a fun, weekly activity. "Check out free books to incorporate into your everyday routine at home," she recommends. Parents and caregivers can seamlessly integrate reading into various parts of the day.
Woods recommends reading before naps or bedtime or starting the day with a story to boost energy. "Reading with your baby is perfect for cuddling and bonding," she notes.
Mandie Caroll, the senior editor of book reviews at Common Sense Media, offers several strategies for parents to nurture their children's love for reading. She emphasizes the importance of parents modelling reading enthusiasm and habits.
Caroll suggests, "Discuss books, share favourites, and read during meals, before bed, or in free time." Reading aloud is a powerful tool to foster a love of reading habits. Carrol notes, "Reading to young children crucially develops early literacy, but children of all ages enjoy listening to stories." She recommends reading with kids at good times like naps or bedtime, no matter their age.
Furthermore, Carroll recommends establishing dedicated family reading time. For older children and independent readers, parents can create a quiet period for everyone to read together. Instead, starting a family book club can be an engaging way to connect with children. Carrol says all reading is good and encourages kids to try different formats like manga, graphic novels, and audiobooks.
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Courtney Leiva has over 11 years of experience producing content for numerous digital mediums, including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends, and evergreen pieces. Her articles have been featured in HuffPost, Buzzfeed, PEOPLE, and more.