June is extra special in our house because it’s Eric Carle’s birthday month! His beautiful, heartfelt stories have been favorites in our family for years, and I genuinely believe every home library should have at least a few of his books. Eric Carle’s stories are perfect for preschoolers and early learners. Not only are they high-interest with his signature stunning artwork, but they’re also packed with rich background knowledge about animals, nature, colors, counting, and life lessons. As an...

Beatrix Potter’s works have earned a cherished spot in family home libraries for generations, and for good reason. Her charming watercolor illustrations, memorable stories, and the obvious love she poured into every page continue to captivate children and parents alike. All of Beatrix’s tales center on animals (mostly in the beautiful British countryside) getting into delightful little adventures and mischief. It was an easy decision to include her books in the family read-aloud section of my...

What Your Child Needs to Know is an 8-book series written by E.D. Hirsch, an education reformer and the creator of the popular Core Knowledge curriculum (this is not the same as Common Core). You’ll spot these books in the education section of many bookstores and big-box stores, and for good reason. Before I share why I like them, let me clear up a few things I often see parents get confused about. Do your kids really need to know everything in these books at that exact grade level? No, not...