educational story books for 5 year olds

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Best Books for 5-Year-Olds

Discover the best books to help beginning readers make the literary leap from prek to kindergarten..

The transition from preschool to kindergarten marks an important milestone in a 5-year-old’s literary journey. Throughout the year, your child will begin to learn how to read, as well as expand their vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills, and master letters and sounds . 

Build an Academic Foundation for Young Readers

Books are one of the most effective ways to build the groundwork for your early reader’s academic success. Reading at home can help them practice their literacy skills outside of the classroom, while fostering a lifelong love of books and sparking their imagination. 

Check out the best new children’s books of the month to share with your early reader and build their home library! 

Books That Support Social-Emotional Learning

Books are not only essential for building avid readers; they also help prepare your 5-year-old  for more sophisticated social interactions in kindergarten.  Social and emotional titles  are great for teaching children how to better understand, navigate, and express their feelings — and  build healthier relationships  as a result. 

For some young kids, exploring humor in books can help them become more curious about their emotions.  Why Did the Monster Cross the Road?  is a hilarious story about two best monster friends Hunny and Funny, who cheer each other up during times of sadness. Written by best-selling children's book artists R.L. Stine, creator of the Goosebumps series, and Marc Brown, creator of the Arthur Adventure series, this fun book teaches valuable lessons about friendship, happiness, and positivity. 

Kids at this age are still learning how to tackle big feelings, like anger and fear.  Rocket and Groot: Little Groot, Big Feelings  shares a charming, lovely story of how Groot learns to get in touch with his emotions. Featuring bright illustrations, this sweet picture book teaches children how to  regulate their emotions  and cope when things get a little out of hand. Plus, young readers will explore how to navigate unfamiliar situations and new experiences.

Make the Leap From Picture Books to Chapter Books

As your child progresses with their reading skills, you can consider  introducing some early chapter books , such as  Scholastic’s Branches series , into their routine. These chapter books combine vibrant illustrations with simple but longer text — and they’re great for readers transitioning from read-alouds to independent reading.

For more ideas on supporting newly independent readers, check out  expert-approved books and series . 

Books 5-Year-Olds Will Love

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• Books for children

50 best books for 5-year-olds

No matter what stage your child is at on their reading journey, these books for 5-year-olds are brilliant both to read together or for more confident readers to enjoy independently..

With their first school years, budding friendships, wobbly teeth and the challenges of learning to read, every day is different for 5-year-olds. With their bright, colourful illustrations and heaps of adventure, there's a book on this list to delight every young reader. 

For more reading inspiration, discover our favourite picture books for children .

The Gardening Dog

By cindy wume.

Lewis doesn’t find it easy to fit in with other children. So when he meets The Gardening Dog, who has all but given up on being adopted from the rescue centre where she lives, the two strike up an unlikely friendship and work together to create a community garden for everyone to enjoy. A touching story about friendship and togetherness, The Gardening Dog encourages us to celebrate our uniqueness and be ourselves.

The Girl Who LOVES Bugs

By lily murray.

Little Evie loves the great outdoors. Every spare moment she can find, she’s outside searching under logs to find new critters to add to her secret bug collection, much to the distaste of her mums and brother. On the day that Evie’s scary Great Gran is meant to arrive, she discovers her bugs have escaped, and are scuttling all over the house! The Girl Who LOVES Bugs is a fun story of family love and the power of curiosity.

The Duck with No Luck

Gemma Merino

The Dragon Who Didn't Like Fire

The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

Harry in a Hurry

Timothy Knapman

The Littlest Elephant

The Big Bad Bug

I am Oliver the Otter

By pam ayres.

It’s never too early to start teaching children about how precious our natural world is, and Pam Ayres’s delightful rhyming picture book will help you do just that. Telling the story of Oliver the otter, whose life changes forever when he meets Ottilie in the green rushes of his waterway home, this heartwarming tale of one of our nation’s best-loved mammals would make a perfect gift for young animal lovers.

My Mum is a Lioness

By swapna haddow.

From the creators of My Dad is a Grizzly Bear comes a story about a boy with a loving family and a vivid imagination. His mum isn’t a regular mum, she’s a lioness, and he can prove it! She runs as fast as a cheetah, pounces and squeezes him tight for a hug, and roars at the top of her voice when he scores a goal at football! And most importantly of all, she takes care of her little ones just like a protective lioness does.

Victor, the Wolf with Worries

Catherine Rayner

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep

Tumford the Terrible

Nancy Tillman

Tumford's Rude Noises

Bill and the Dream Angel

Lucinda Riley

Rosie and the Friendship Angel

Alfie and the Angel of Lost Things

Grace and the Christmas Angel

The misadventures of frederick, by ben manley.

Young Frederick’s sheltered life in his remote mansion is somewhat boring. But when Emily invites him to play outside, Frederick has to say no. After all, he needs to stay safe inside. But Emily refuses to take no for an answer and introduces him to the magic and wonder of the world outside his four walls. Told through the children’s hilarious letters to each other, this charming story of friendship is perfect for early readers.

Winnie-the-Pooh and Me

By jeanne willis.

Introduce your young reader to Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood in this charming new rhyming story, inspired by A.A. Milne’s classic poem ‘Us Two’. When Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin get ready to head off on an adventure, they find they’ve been joined by an unexpected guest. Join the pair as they try to solve the mystery of who it might be.

The Snail and the Whale

Julia Donaldson

A Squash and a Squeeze

Room on the Broom

The Singing Mermaid

Luna and the Sky Dragon

Bethan Woollvin

Three Little Vikings

The Worry Tiger

Alexandra Page

The Fire Fox

Milly-molly-mandy stories, by joyce lankester brisley.

The Milly-Molly-Mandy stories have been charming young readers for almost a century, and this collection introduces them to a new generation. From her idyllic village in the countryside, Milly-Molly-Mandy gets up to all sorts of adventures, from picking blackberries as summer ends to having fun with her friends Susan and Billy Blunt. With easy-to-decode text and bold illustrations, these stories offer a great way for children to practise reading aloud at home.

Now We Are Six

By a. a .milne & e. h. shepard.

Join Christoper Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh in this delightful collection of poems about the joy of childhood as Pooh helps Christopher with his schoolwork and they explore the great outdoors and celebrate Christmas together. Told through the eyes of six-year-old Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne’s Now We Are Six would make a wonderful gift for any young reader in your life.

Colours, Colours Everywhere

Animalphabet

Counting Creatures

Sharon King-Chai

Robin Robin

Daniel Ojari

The Smallest Girl in the Class

Justin Roberts

Coming to England

Floella Benjamin

The Complete Alice

Lewis Carroll

Green Eggs and Ham

By dr seuss.

He does not like them in a box, with a fox, on the stairs or anywhere! The grumpy grouch does not like green eggs and ham, no matter how many times Sam-I-Am asks him. That is until he’s persuaded to finally try a plate. Dr Seuss’s classic rhyming story is a wonderful introduction to the joy of poetry, guaranteed to make children of all ages giggle and want to join in as you read the book together.

The Cat in the Hat

Sally and her brother think they’re in for a boring day at home, but when the Cat in the Hat turns up at their doorstep, he brings everything they need for a day filled with mayhem and fun, including his friends Thing One and Thing Two! A fun-filled rhyming story that has inspired millions of young readers to read along, The Cat in the Hat is a modern classic by iconic storyteller Dr. Seuss.

Slime? It's Not Mine!

Clare Helen Welsh

Wee? It Wasn't Me!

Poo! Is That You?

Sometimes I Am Furious

You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!

Sir Lenny Henry

Whose Dog is This?

Andrew Sanders

Constance in Peril

Mr Badger's Christmas Wish

Lily Murray

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20 best books for 5 year olds

This is the age and the stage to show them the beautiful world around them and these books help do just that.

By Amber Guetebier and Diva Anwari Updated August 14, 2023

@KonstantinAksenov/Twenty20

We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy.

Five. It’s a big age. For many children they are transitioning from their small preschool classroom to a bigger elementary school. They are old enough to comprehend so much more than toddlers, and yet they still have all those big feelings. Children are reading more independently, practicing vocabulary and writing letters. Reading can have a big impact on their wellbeing, and using books to facilitate that is a win-win for parents and caregivers and kids alike. 

The best children’s books are the perfect avenue for helping our not-so-little but not-so-big kids explore the world, expand their own imaginations, hone their critical thinking skills, and—of course—feed their love for reading. Five-year-olds are about to embark on a whole new world called kindergarten (if they haven’t already) and that experience can be very exciting, or it can be very scary. But thankfully, books can offer comfort and even a chance to escape, which might be just what an overwhelmed little mind needs after a long day at school.

Related: 23 great books every toddler will adore

How do you choose the best kids books for 5 year olds?

A good book for the incoming or current kindergartener might present them with a problem to solve alongside the characters in the book. It might teach them a valuable lesson about friendship , bullying or loyalty. Or it might be an adventure-packed journey where the reader is inspired by a character who has to be very, very brave.

There is no special formula to follow for choosing the best books for 5 year olds, but this age is undoubtedly one where reading can have a tremendous impact on children’s growth, school engagement, and mental health. The key is to find books that hook them in—whether they’re about trucks or tiaras, human children or baby bear cubs. Fill their bookshelves with wonder, and watch them soar.

As five-year-old minds open up to a bigger world around them, this age offers a great opportunity to spark meaningful discussions about topics relevant to their expanding view. Starting school, learning about new people and places, celebrating families, understanding friendships, and having a good laugh—these books are here to help parents facilitate what will no doubt be longer talks about all of these things and more. Here are our current 18 favorite books for five-year-olds. 

Related: 25+ holiday gifts to delight any 5-year-old

Best books for five-year-olds

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

Whether they are starting kindergarten this year or early next, get them pumped for school with this book that has a simple, effective message: All are welcome! The rhyming book follows a group of schoolchildren through their day, showing diverse students from all backgrounds. Modeling a classroom and a school environment that not only welcomes everyone but celebrates those differences with respect is just the kind of mindset every five-year-old can get behind. Gift this one to an early-elementary classroom teacher! 

Miguel’s Community Garden by JaNay-Brown Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy

This delightfully illustrated book takes children into the heart of a local community garden on the hunt for sunflowers. In the process, Miguel, and young readers, learn all about several other plants, including artichokes, apricots, mulberries and spinach. The book teaches children that their food comes from a garden, not just the supermarket and introduces kids to a variety of healthy foods beyond the usual. And as an added bonus, Miguel has two dads, making this book another excellent addition to a diverse library that normalizes all kinds of family structures (hooray!)

Book of Questions by Pablo Neruda, illustrated by Paloma Valdivia

Based on Pablo Neruda’s original poem “The Book of Questions” this selection of 70 questions will resonate with your curious questioners. A bilingual book in both Spanish and English (English translation by Sara Lissa Paulson), children will love the unanswerable questions presented here in the great poet’s absurd, magical, and mysterious words. Both an excellent introduction to Neruda and a reminder that not all things need answers. 

Frog & Toad: The Complete Collection by Arnold Lobel

At age five, friendships (best! friends!) can be a big part of the everyday vernacular, especially once school starts. Celebrate friendship and all of its ups and downs with the timeless Frog & Toad classics by Arnold Lobel. They’re also very early chapter books, a segway into the world of reading longer books, and make great bedtime stories, too. 

The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How To Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships by Christina Furnival, illustrated by Katie Dwyer

Speaking of friendships, part of discovering what friendship means is learning what isn’t okay to tolerate and this early reader book is an excellent introduction to the topic. Follow one little girl as she begins to understand what boundaries are. Young kids will see a positive example of what friendship is, and what friendship shouldn’t be, a first step in learning to cultivate healthy friendships. To be honest, some of us grown-ups need this book, too! 

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

As children enter kindergarten and early elementary years, even more than preschool, their name, and name pride become a big deal. Not only are your cubbies, backpacks, scissors, etc., all associated with your name, but children are learning all of their new friends’ names, too. That makes this book by Yangsook Choi a perfectly timed read. In “ The Name Jar ,” we meet the new kid in school, a young girl named Unhei who has just moved from Korea. She’s nervous about introducing herself on the first day because no one seems to be able to pronounce her name right. So instead, she announces to her new classmates that the following week she’ll choose an “American” name from a glass jar. Her new friend and her new community encourage her to pick the truly perfect name: her own! A great book to remind children that everyone has different names, and that is a good and beautiful thing. 

Red, A Crayon’s Story by Michael C. Hall

Crayons might be among a five-year-old’s most important possessions, so kids this age will relate to the story immediately because it involves all of the crayons in the box. But the deeper meaning of this funny, sweet story will not be lost on them, either. 

What happens when you just aren’t the thing everyone says you are? This is the case for Red, a crayon who cannot seem to color anything “right” because everything Red colors is blue. Even though his teacher and parents all try to help him, he just can’t get the color right, until one day a new friend offers a brand new point of view. 

Bindiya in India written by Monique Kamaria Chheda, MD, Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta

A winner of numerous awards and honors for both the words and illustrations, celebrate Indian culture with this book that follows Bindiya, a young Indian American girl, who travels to India for a traditional Indian wedding. Using Hindi and English, explore 1990s India with the family. One glance at the artwork for this book and you’ll see exactly why it’s gotten so many accolades. A truly joyous book.  

The Berenstain Bears and Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain

A great lesson for kids of this age, in this classic Berenstain Bears book we find Brother and Sister Bear having broken a lamp and then lying about it. When they are found out, they learn a valuable lesson that breaking trust is worse than breaking a lamp. This book invites discussions about telling the truth even when you are worried you’ll get in trouble. This one will resonate with younger readers, too. 

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly

“ The Proudest Blue” tells the story of two sisters on the first day of school. Faizah is excited for a new school year to start, and her sister Asiya is not only having her first day of school, but it’s also Asiya’s first day of hijab. That means she’ll be wearing a beautiful new blue hijab to school, one Faizah admires. But unfortunately, wearing the hijab is met with hurtful words and misunderstanding. Luckily, this leads the sisters to remember to be proud of exactly who they are. Muslim children will love seeing themselves represented in this gorgeously illustrated book, and non-Muslim children will gain knowledge and understanding of what the hijab represents and why it’s important to be open and kind.

Islandborn by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa

Another great story for young kids starting school , Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz brings a story of immigration, memory, and the magic of place. For Lola, her school is full of children from other places. Lola’s teacher asks her to draw a picture of the place she is from, but the trouble is, Lola doesn’t remember. She was just a baby when she and her family left The Island. And Lola is heartbroken when she is the only one who seems to not know what to draw. But together with the help of her abuela’s wisdom, Lola learns that even if you don’t remember a place, it is still part of you. Leo Espinosa’s drawings made this a 2019 Pura Belpré Honor Book for Illustration.

Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel

With warmth and relatability, this book introduces children to the idea of poverty, raising awareness that not all children have adequate food and face food insecurity every day. An important topic as children share more lunches together, best friends Sofia and Maddi go to the same school and live in the same part of town. But, as young readers will see, while Sofia has a stocked refrigerator, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia promises to not tell anyone because Maddi is ashamed, but Sofia wants to help her. The book includes a call-to-action section for kids to help others. 

Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities by Francie Dolan, illustrated by Wendy Leach

Join Mimi and her classmates as they learn about Mimi’s disability in clear language that teaches children an inclusive vocabulary. Kids will relate to the classroom setting, the feeling of being the new kid, and what it means to appreciate one another’s diverse and different abilities. Children with a disability will love seeing themselves represented in a positive book that aims to educate children, teachers, and adults alike. The book includes vocabulary, reading tips and post-reading activities. And at just $4, consider purchasing one for your school library, too. 

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

In a book that reads like poetry, author Kevin Noble Malliard tells children the story of fry bread, a food that Native American communities from coast to coast identify with. Because fry bread is more than just something delicious to eat, it is a symbol of community, identity, memory, time, family and nation. This book received numerous awards including winning both the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal and the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor. Read it, and you’ll see, and feel, exactly why.  

What Makes A Family? Paperback by Hannah Bruner, illustrated by Sandie Sonke

As children begin to experience more of the world outside their home and immediate family, they start to see unfamiliar things. This might be food, the way another family plays a game, how many siblings there are in one family vs. their own. Give them a foundation of understanding and appreciation for all kinds of family units by using this book as a conversation starter. In it, we meet families that look very different but all have a common thread: love! Foster families, blended families, families with two moms, or two dads, all are represented here.

Nothing Stays the Same, but That's Okay: A Book to Read When Everything (or Anything) Changes by Sara Olsher

We all want to raise resilient children but that doesn’t mean we know exactly how to do that. Sara Olsher has written numerous children’s books aimed at helping families thrive through difficult times, whether that’s divorce, cancer, or another major upset. In Nothing Stays the Same, she reaches out to children going through a broad array of changes: a new house, a new sibling, a parent who leaves, a new school…and using clear, relatable language and bright illustrations, she arms them with the knowledge they need to know everything will be okay. Read this together to help reassure your children that it’s okay to feel scared and anxious when there are big changes, whether that’s a new school or a pandemic closure or anything else.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

This hilarious story by the dynamic Rubin-Salmieri duo is one of those books that’s just silly and really fun to read out loud together. It’s also a great one for them to practice reading on repeat. Find out what happens when dragons eat tacos with spicy salsa (spoiler alert: things burn.)

What Should Danny Do?

Danny and his “Power to Choose” series is a hit with little kids for several reasons. First of all, this is a choose your own adventure style book, which means your little reader gets to decide how the story goes. Secondly, his predicaments (through which he tries to make good choices, but doesn’t always) are relatable—having to share with an annoying little brother, having to do chores he doesn’t want to do, etc. And, if your child loves “What Should Danny Do?” as we think they will, try out the other books in this series too and help Danny make good choices in school, on vacation, and meet Darla, who uses her power to choose as well!

The City Tree

Dani lives on a city block without any trees around. So when a tree moves in, everything changes. The neighborhood transforms but, Dani realizes that the tree needs care if it’s going to survive. This delightful picture book is an inspiring read for young environmentalists.

I Am a Tornado

Tornado is feeling overwhelmed and his emotions are setting him on a path of destruction. Lucky for him, an empathetic Cow is willing to listen and help Tornado through it all. This picture book takes socio-emotional learning to another level and delivers an important message for everyone who has had a bad day.

A version of this article was originally published May 25, 2022. It has been updated.

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The 14 Best Books for 5-Year-Olds

They're starting kindergarten, and reading is a huge deal now. Here are the best books your kids will actually love.

The best books for 5-year-olds depend a lot on the individual kid, but they should all take into account the big changes under way in a 5-year-old ‘s life: The start of school , new friendships and an evolving relationship with parents that can make for a tumultuous and transformative year. The best books for 5-year-olds will hook into their daily emotional experiences and reflect their lives right back to them. These books for 5-year-olds will ensure they remain interested as both the narratives and the ethics of the characters grow more complex. And as your 5-year-old strikes out to learn to read by themselves, they’ll be happy to have stuff they might actually be able to start practicing (with a little help from mom and dad).

The Best Books for 5-Year-Olds

Here's a good egg, trying its best to do the right thing. But the other eggs in the carton misbehave, sending the nice egg into an existential crisis of sorts. What's the point of being good, when others still do bad things? The good egg cracks under pressure, goes on a self-discovery journey and learns that it's OK to be imperfect and that you'll still be loved, warts and all.

Simply one of the greatest and most clever picture books ever written, this one has no pictures. Zero. None. Instead of pictures, parents have to say crazy words like blork or blurf. Kids use their imaginations to fill in the gaps, and this book is that rare one you'll never get sick of reading out loud. Because it never stops being funny.

There's no wrong way to boogie. A whimsical, gleeful look at all the different ways we can cut a rug, from bopping to snapping your fingers to bouncing around. It's a wonderful look at the beauty of self-expression through dance, and how no matter what you do, you're doing something that reflects how you feel.

They may not look like us. They may not sound like us. They not even be a little cute. No matter. Crocodiles need love too. This lovely book shows kids that all creatures are worthy of affection, and that tigers, snakes, and even porcupines are utterly lovable.

When Sarah leaves for her first day of school on the city bus, her pet turtle, Truman, grows worried as his impossibly long day alone stretches on. Jean Reidy's tale of courage in the face of the new operates as a warm-hearted tale but also shows kids the power of metaphor: As Sarah ventures out into the city toward school, Truman begins his own arduous parallel journey across the living room. Both Sarah and Truman are quiet and thoughtful creatures, and their story offers a sweet, pensive atmosphere in which to ponder friendship, feelings of aloneness and the rewards of adventure.

Kindergartners, like the dragons in this book, are likely to be averse to certain foods. And the chaos presented when the dragons get a hint of spice is both catastrophic and ultimately redeeming. It’s an easy read with funky illustrations and a disjointed style reminiscent of how kids tell stories, which makes it a real crowd-pleaser.

This is a book about cows that can type and a very frustrated farmer who wants them to stop. The strangeness of Farmer Brown's farm and the shenanigans of the barely anthropomorphized animals will give kids a certain thrill. That’s particularly true for kindergartners who are willing to engage in rebellions as recognizable as that of the typing cows.

'The Rainbow Goblins' is a tale of mythic proportions and has the air of Kipling's 'Just So Stories.' The book follows a group of color-feeding goblins who catch and drain rainbows on their way to their biggest score yet. But things don’t work out. The illustrations are rich and entrancing and the story is dark and strange. No wonder alt-rock group Primus turned it into a theme album.

In kindergarten kids become very curious about pet ownership and the stories that cater to that narrative have a tendency to be saccharine and unhelpful. 'A Fish Out of Water' came out of an era when kids had consequences, and when one kid feeds his goldfish too much it quickly becomes a local emergency. The urgency and pathos are palpable and the stakes are high. It’s the perfect pet prep book.

Parents who are concerned that their kids could get swindled by hucksters should introduce them to the manic and persuasive main character of 'Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.' There’s plenty of opportunity for interactive call and response and kids will thrill at frustrating the pigeon on every page.

When Jamie Lee Curtis wasn’t being chased by Michael Myers, she found time to pen a pretty great book about self-esteem. As kids get into the kindergarten classroom for the first time, they just may need the confidence boost the book offers on every easily rhyming page.

The classic 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' needs no explanation or experimentation to make its weird food weather easier to swallow. The falling flapjacks and meatball rain are simply presented as meteorological mysteries and the book is so much better for it.

Max is a kindergarten hero and the Wild Things are deeply indicative of the kind of friendships kids build with one another. Every page of 'Wild Things' is affecting, emotional, and perfectly tuned to the temperament of 5-year-olds. It’s also a quick, easy read before bedtime.

Bob Books don’t present the most interesting narratives, but that’s not the point. The point is that they are incredibly easy first books for kids who are just starting to read. The feeling of accomplishment after a kid polishes off a Bob Book on their own will be apparent in their massive grin.

Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This article was originally published on July 11, 2019

23 Classic Children’s Books for 3- to 5-Year-Olds

By sharon holbrook.

These are the children’s books that you give as gifts or buy for your family, because borrowing them from the library and reading them once or twice will never be enough. They are the ones that join generations, which you may have read as a child, and which will be hard to give away when your children outgrow them. They are the ones you may be tempted to hang on to — “just in case” — to read to visiting nieces and nephews and, just maybe, the ones you keep around long enough to read to your grandchildren. That, friends, is what we mean by classic.

Make Way for Ducklings

by Robert McCloskey

Young readers will be charmed by the vividly rendered characters of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, their adorable children, and their eventful journey all over Boston. For the next decade or so, prepare to affectionately call every mallard you see in real life Mr. or Mrs. Mallard.

by Eve Titus, illustrated by Paul Galdone

“In all France there was no happier, more contented mouse than Anatole.” Until, that is, Anatole learns people despise mice. Horrified, Anatole finds a delightful way to regain his pride and repay the people from whom he takes food.

The Name Jar

By Yangsook Choi

Starting at a new school is tough, especially for Unhei who recently moved from Korea and is feeling anxious about fitting in. During her introduction she feels the pressure to pick a name different from her own from a jar, but none of them feel like a good fit. In this classic tale, she discovers the importance of staying true to herself and embracing her identity.

Blueberries for Sal

Sal and her mother are picking blueberries and encounter a young bear and its mother doing the same. A charming story of a summer day in Maine, and the small adventures that can enter ordinary days.

Max and the Tag-Along Moon

by Floyd Cooper

Imagine the joy of having the moon as your companion on your way back home, as promised by your dear Grandpa. Max adores his grandpa and cherishes the moments spent with him. When it's time to say goodbye and head home, Grandpa assures Max that the moon will follow him all the way. During the journey, Max watches in awe. But, when the sky darkens, and the moon disappears behind clouds, Max starts to worry that it might not keep the promise.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

by Peter Spier

Originally published with black and white illustrations, this classic picture book earned Peter Spier a Caldecott Honor. Over 50 years later, the artist returned to it, adding vibrant colors to his gorgeous artwork and making it accessible to a new generation of readers.

By Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Get ready for an exciting adventure with Rosalba and her Abuela as they soar over the bustling streets, and iconic landmarks of New York City! With a mix of English and Spanish, Abuela takes Rosalba on a fun-filled ride, pointing out all the amazing places as they explore together. The bond between this grandmother and granddaughter duo is unbeatable, making their exhilarating story unforgettable. This story is also available in a Spanish-language edition .

by Don Freeman

A tender story of a sweet teddy bear and the girl who counts her piggy bank money out to buy him. “You must be a friend. I’ve always wanted a friend,” says Corduroy.

The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats

Through the appreciative eyes of a curious little boy, the everyday wonders of snow and sticks and wandering play become extraordinary. Brilliant simplicity.

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson

One bull is not like the other roughhousing ones. Gentle Ferdinand likes to lie under the cork tree and smell the flowers, but in the unlikeliest turn of events, Ferdinand is selected for the bullfighting ring in Madrid. A lovely tribute to acceptance of our own and our children’s unique selves.

Millions of Cats (Gift Edition)

by Wanda Gág

This delightful story about an elderly couple adopting a cat is just as fun to read now as when it was published. It received multiple awards (including a Newbery Honor) and charmed generations of pet-loving kids and adults. This American classic is a must-have for any home library.

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

It’s finally the young narrator’s turn to go looking for owls with Pa, long past bedtime. The silent journey through the wintry woods is a rich sensory adventure and a testament to the quiet, steady closeness of parent and child and the wonder of nature.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

No child’s bookshelf is complete without this classic from beloved author Eric Carle. Follow the hungry caterpillar as he chews through the days of the week and an increasing amount of food. With bonus content including sketches, photos, a history of the Caterpillar, and letters from the author and Dolly Parton, this special anniversary edition is a must-have.

The Poky Little Puppy

by Janette Sebring Lowrey, illustrated by Gustaf Tenngren

Each day, the little puppy and his siblings dig a hole under the fence and explore the world beyond. As one of the original Little Golden Books , it's one of the most iconic books for children. It’s no wonder that this charming story became the bestselling picture book of all time.

by Ludwig Bemelmans

You can’t have a list of classic children’s books without mentioning Madeline . After more than 80 years in print, this picture book series featuring a spunky little girl still captivates children worldwide.

Are You My Mother?

by P.D. Eastman

When a baby bird hatches and can’t find his mother, he goes looking for her. He meets all sorts of creatures like a kitten, a dog, a cow, and a Snort, but none of them is his mother. Initially published in 1960, this early-reader classic makes a lovely gift for baby showers and special occasions.

Just Me and My Dad (Little Critter)

by Mercer Meyer

Children and parents alike adore this story about Little Critter’s camping trip with his dad. From setting up the tent to launching the canoe, their misadventures in the outdoors are both humorous and touching.

Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day?

by Richard Scarry

Few picture book authors have created such an iconic and recognizable world as Richard Scarry. This classic picture book takes young readers on a tour of Busytown. From firefighters to farmers, everyone has a job to do.

by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Introduce your child to the American folklore legend, John Henry. This stunning picture book depicts the classic tale of the baby who grew up to become stronger than ten men. For over 25 years, readers of all ages have enjoyed this Caldecott Honor-winning book and its funny, lyrical text.

Dr. Seuss’s ABC

by Dr. Seuss

If you have children, you’ve probably read this classic ABC book. In his unique and zany style, Dr. Seuss introduces the letters of the alphabet to children. As one of the funniest and enthralling alphabet books ever written, it's a popular gift for baby showers and birthdays.

The Velveteen Rabbit

by Margery Williams, illustrated by Sarah Massini

Children that enjoy longer books will appreciate the classic story of the toy rabbit who came to life. Even though the other toys and rabbits scorn the Velveteen Rabbit, the Boy loves him. After a heartbreaking separation, a fairy turns the toy into a real rabbit and reminds him of the Boy’s unconditional love.

Scuffy the Tugboat

by Gertrude Crampton, illustrated by Tibor Gergely

First published in 1946, this classic Little Golden Book has never been out of print and continues to delight children today. A little tugboat wants to see the world, so he abandons the people who care for him and sails down the river. Along the way, he discovers that all he wants is to return home.

Andy and the Lion

by James Daugherty

Based on the folktale Androcles and the Lion , James Daugherty’s Caldecott Honor-winning picture book became a classic. A young boy named Andy gets a book about lions from the library. Soon, an imaginary lion follows Andy everywhere, and they have incredible adventures together. This upbeat and exciting story is perfect for young readers with big imaginations.

So what really makes a children’s book a classic? It’s not simply amusement value. It’s not pop-ups nor holograms nor any other fun gimmick. No, it’s a book’s ability to evoke the essence of childhood — what it is to view the world through a child’s eyes and to feel the world with a child’s heart. It’s giving voice and stories to children without condescension and with uncommon understanding. And, if we are not hardened beyond recognition, it can even speak to that part of us that remembers what it was to be young.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024.

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Monster’s Day Out

Danielle Bruckert

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , Age 6-9 years , All FKB Books , Beginner English , Children , Creative Commons , Danielle Bruckert , Free Kids Books , Grade 1 to Grade 3 , Grade K and Pre K , Monsters , Toddlers

A sequel to the popular There’s a Monster this book explores, in rhyme, a day at the playground with Monster. Sample Page from Monster’s Day Out See also: There’s a Monster eBook More by the Author – Danielle Bruckert And, more books about Monster’s on FKB  

Happy Train

Author: Humayan Rashid Illustrator: Mehedi Haque

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Creative Commons , Grade K and Pre K , Intermediate English , Room to Read , Toddlers , Trains , Transport

A train travels through the country side, first she is very happy, but then getting farther and farther from home and seeing strange people and animals she becomes worried and scared. Fortunately someone comes to help. A great story about exploring emotions. Author: Humayan Rashid Illustrator: Mehedi Haque Sample Page from The Happy Train: Another …

A Day at the Carnival

Author: Syamphay Fengsavanh, Illustrator: Nivong Sengsakoun

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Animals , Beginner English , Family , Grade K and Pre K , mouse , Room to Read , Toddlers

Three brothers, Little Mouse, Littler Mouse, and Tiny Mouse go out for a day to the carnival, they have a really great time, but safety must come first, and it’s important to look out for each other. Luckily they are keeping track! Author: Syamphay Fengsavanh, Illustrator: Nivong Sengsakoun, Translator: Alisha Berger Originally published by Room …

Books for Benjamin

Author R.G. de Rouen, Illustrator Uliana Barabash

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , Age 6-9 years , All FKB Books , Children , Grade 1 to Grade 3 , Insects , Intermediate English , Toddlers

A worm yearns for reading, will he find the answer to his passion? Sample Page from Books for Benjamin         This book is also available in hard cover, paperback, and kindle edition on Amazon Author R.G. de Rouen Illustrator Uliana Barabash See more from the author at R.G. de Rouen’s Website. Books …

Rat Cat – Early Reader

Author: Dropti Sharma Illustrator: Rajeev Verma 'Banjara'

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Animals , Beginner English , Cats , Early Reader , Grade K and Pre K , mouse , Toddlers

Rat Cat is a very short book with cute illustrations featuring Cat and Rat. Perfect for building confidence in early readers! Sample Page Author: Dropti Sharma Illustrator: Rajeev Verma ‘Banjara’ See more Eary Readers on FKB in our Early Readers Section    

Hippo Naughty Hippo

Adaption Danielle Bruckert, Illustrations Megan Andrews

Categories: 5 minutes or less bedtime stories , Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Animals , Creative Commons , Danielle Bruckert , Free Kids Books , Grade K and Pre K , Toddlers

What is Hippo doing? And is she really naughty? Find out in this cute, beautifully illustrated text for young children. Repetition and simple language can also be useful for learn to read age. See also Elephant, Naughty Elephant in this series. Sample Text from Hippo, Naughty Hippo What is Hippo doing, can you guess? Hippo, …

Hungry on the Steps – Early Learning

Author: Nandini Nayar, Illustrator: Nirzara Verulkar

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Animals , Cats , Counting , Creative Commons , Dogs , Early Reader , Grade K and Pre K , Read along video , Rhyming , Storyweaver-Pratham , Toddlers

Count with a hungry family, trekking up the stairs to their house, and someone else is hungry too – join in, in this cute interactive story featuring repetition, rhyme, and counting, perfect for early learning. Sample Text from Hungry on the Stairs “I am hungry!” Pranav shouts. “Hurry, then!” Amma says. “But why?” “You are …

Friendship with the Toothbrush

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Behaviour , Neha Jain , Read along video , Toddlers

A cute rhyming story encouraging brushing teeth, including a star chart at the end. Also available in Hindi Sample page from Friendship with Toothbrush Read along with the video – read by Kiwi Opa  

Gorillas Go to the Beach

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Animals , Beginner English , Creative Commons , Grade K and Pre K , Read along video , Storyweaver-Pratham , Toddlers

What would gorillas do if they went to the beach? A beautifully illustrated short children’s story for young children, also suitable for learn to read age. Author/Illustrator: Jemma Jose See more books about animals in our Animals Category. See more books like this in our Toddlers Category Download or read online the full book by …

Allie’s Haircut

Fatimah Zahra

Categories: Age 2-5 Years , All FKB Books , Beginner English , Behaviour , Bookbot , Grade K and Pre K , Read along video , Toddlers

Allie thinks her mum looks so pretty with short hair, she wishes she had short hair, what do you think she will do? Find out in this beautifully illustrated short book, perfect for reading to young children, or by emergent readers. Read the full book by selecting one of the green buttons below the post! …

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60 Nonfiction Books for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, 5- and 6-Year- Olds

This post may contain affiliate links.

Kindergartners who are 5- and 6-year-old beginning readers need to read nonfiction books as well as fiction books. They’ll practice different comprehension skills & learn how to read for information. Here are some excellent book choices for your readers.

Remember, it’s okay if your children aren’t reading independently. You can read any of these nonfiction books out loud to them.

This list includes nonfiction books, but I’m also including some informational fiction books, too. I like informational fiction (where the characters talk) because they’re like gateway books to pure nonfiction options.

Kindergarten Books

NONFICTION BOOKS FOR ALL AGES

Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Strategies

BOOK LISTS BY AGES

All Picture Book Biographies

Nonfiction Books for 5- and 6- Year Olds

Cicada Symphony written by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Gareth Lucas From their beginnings as nymphs below ground, this exciting adventure shows the cicada life cycle and I love it! Large text shares a narrative story: “To the surface, up they go. No one tells them. They just know. Gripping tight for one last change. Split. Pop! Wriggle. Looking strange.” Smaller text with informational facts peppers the pages, too. “Cicadas can be as noisy as a lawnmower, motorcycle, or chainsaw.” This impressive book will appeal to all readers and parents.

As Night Falls Creatures That Go Wild After Dark written by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Felicita Sala Playful and exuberant, see which animals are awake at night. And then, learn about who eats what…Spiders eat goby fish; bumblebee bats eat spiders; racer snakes eat bats… Nimble weasels sneak and snatch, golden jackals pounce and crunch, and tigers eat what they want- all the other animals! Napoli relates these nocturnal wild animals to you– just like when you want to prowl around your room or jump on pillows at night. Sala’s expressive, playful illustrations capture the personalities of the animals and kids. 

Supermoms! written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, illustrated by Jamie Harper Did you know animals are moms, too? And they make safe, comfy homes like the groundhogs and red-knobbed hornbill. They’re creative with transportation — just look at a wolf spider mom carrying her spiderlings on her back or an American alligator carrying her hatchlings in her mouth. Fascinating facts about animal supermoms are paired with engaging comic-style illustrations.

How Birds Sleep written by David Obuchowski, illustrated by Sarah Pedry Read about 20 different birds and where they sleep. From the Black-legged Kittiwake who sleeps on the choppy waves of the ocean to the Sandhill crane who sleeps on one leg while others in the flock watch for predators, this is a fascinating book about interesting birds and their sleeping habits. Add to that beautiful blue-colored illustrations, and you’ll feel cozy and sleepy while reading about these sleeping birds.

Pigeon Math written by Asia Citro, illustrated by Richard Watson Hilarious! Addition and subtraction never felt so fun!! Add to that flying pigeons and a determined narrator and you get…an increasingly exasperated narrator who is TRYING to tell the story about ten pigeons but it’s not working out! Why? Because the birds come and go, plus there’s a cat, and well, it makes for some great silliness and inviting math opportunities. I absolutely adore every single thing about this book from the narrator’s voice to the math-infused learning opportunities.

Animals in the Sky  by Sara Gillingham Riddles prompt kids to guess the animal in the constellations and then check to see if they’re right with lift-the-flap answers and more information. “ I have a big bushy mane, a long tail, and a loud roar. I am the king of the jungle! What animal in the sky am I? I am the Lion. My brightest star is called Regulus, which means “little king.” ” The white and gold text and illustrations pop out off the page.

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures  written by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga A delightful introduction to both collecting and to famous scientists when they were curious children and their later contributions as adults.  Gorgeous illustrations and clear text will captivate readers as they learn about kids like Diego who collected snails as a child and later became a herpetologist, Mary who collected caterpillars and eventually wrote a book on metamorphosis, or Bonnie who collected sea slugs and later helped discover a new kind of sea slug. Readers will be inspired to start their own collections and see where their curiosities take them!

Packs  by Hannah Salyer Beginning with minimal text, these  gorgeous, captivating illustrations show groups of animals –herds, pods, packs– animals together. As you’re invited into the book, the author presents more interesting text written from the collective we like this, “ We frogs can become one noisy army…Together, we sing! “

Willow The Therapy Dog (Doggy Defenders) Willow works as a therapy dog to help people feel better if they are sad — like patients in the hospital and students at a school and retired veterans. And the photos of Willow in her pajamas after a long day of work are absolutely adorable.

Tiger The Police Dog (Doggy Defenders) Tiger is a Belgian Malinois police dog. Tiger works with a police officer to protect the city. Tiger sniffs for danger in different places like a school or a metro trash can. Also read: Stella the Search Dog (Doggy Defenders) .

Amazing Dogs DK Level 2 by Laura Buller Not only is this nonfiction book relatable because of most kids interest in dogs, but it’s also fascinating. (I learned a few things myself.) Talk about a great high-interest nonfiction book for beginning readers! Added to FAVORITE DOG BOOKS FOR KIDS.

What Do They Do With All That Poo?   written by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Allison Black Learn about the poop of different zoo animals — pandas, hippos, elephants, hyenas, bats, and more. You’ll read what’s in each animal’s poo, the shape and color, and other pertinent facts. “ Each rhino’s poop has its own unique smell. Rhinos smell dung to gather information about one another. ” Then, the book answers the title’s question –what does the zoo do with so much poop? Well, they put it in trucks and dump it into landfills, send some to scientists, or make compost. Among other things. If you’ve ever been curious about animal poop, quell your curiosity with this informative picture book.

You Are a Raccoon!  written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck Written in  the second person point of view , you are a raccoon.  As you read, you’ll learn about your family and den and sounds. Read about getting bigger, finding food, and waking at night with other  nocturnal animals . Playful  verbs  invite you to act out raccoon actions. A must read for  preschoolers ; it’s informative,  interactive , and fun.

Animals in Pants  written by Suzy Levinson, illustrated by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell These  funny poems  will delight readers with their rhyming and silliness.  Manatees in dungarees, kangaroos in jumpsuits, giraffes in kilts, and spiders who put on their pants one leg, one leg, one leg, times eight at a time.

Mad Libs Junior Animals Invent super silly stories with your friends and family. No need to remember parts of speech because the junior book uses pictures instead so even 5 and 6-year-olds can write these fun stories.

Hippos Are Huge!  written by Jonathan London, illustrated by Matthew Trueman Excellent writing and illustrations make this one of the best nonfiction animal books  because you don’t realize you’re learning so much about hippos because it’s so interesting and well laid out! Bigger text pairs with smaller factual text to give readers maximum learning. Hippos are COOL and DANGEROUS — you’ll find out when you read this book.

Winnie The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh  written by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss Did you know that Winnie the bear was a real bear?  Canadian vet and WWI soldier, Harry Colebourn, rescued a bear who he named Winnipeg and took her with him to training in England. But when he was sent to battle, Harry sent her to the London Zoo so she would be safe from battle. That’s where Christopher Robin and his father, A. A. Milne, met Winnie. You’ll love the photographs of the real Winnie!

Feathers: Not Just for Flying  written by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen I think this nonfiction picture book actually has the perfect ratio of words to text! It’s informative without being an epic essay and the warm water-color illustrations are gorgeous.  Readers learn that feathers can shade, warm, protect like sunscreen, make high-pitched sounds.  Plus, they will discover examples of birds in the wild with each feather fact. Honestly, I never appreciated feathers before this book. It’s so well-presented, it should be included in all classroom studies on  birds .

I, Fly The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are   writtenby Bridget Heos, illustrated by Jennifer Plecas I liked this picture book with comic dialogue about the oft-neglected fly.  You see, kids always study butterflies and rarely know that flies metamorphose, too — and Fly wants to convince you that you should really know more about him! Flies are so interesting — they make noise (butterflies don’t) and they have big families (500 maggots) and help solve crimes (age of maggots on a dead body . . . ) just to name a few things.

Nonfiction Books for Preschoolers

Nonfiction Books for 7 Year Olds

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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NYC kindergarten students learning about penises, vulvas through city’s HIV/AIDS curriculum

N ew York City public school students as young as 4 are learning the ABCs of HIV in kindergarten, including through a book that identifies vulvas and penises, The Post has learned.

The city’s HIV/AIDS curriculum, which was revamped in September, centers lessons for 4- and 5-year-olds around a book called “These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are My Toes,” by Lexx “The Sex Doc” Brown-James, a St. Louis-based sex educator and therapist.

“Some girls wear dresses, some girls won’t, some girls have vulvas and some girls don’t,” the book says. “Some boys have a penis but not all boys do. To always use your manners, ask ‘What may I call you?,'” it continues.

“EJ is not a girl or a boy. So not he or she. To show you care, always use ‘they,’ ‘them’ and ‘theirs.’”

The lessons, which include a video of the book created and adapted by Brown-James specifically for NYC Public Schools, lay the foundation to learn about the human immunodeficiency virus — which can lead to AIDS — down the road.

The K-12 program, “Growing Up and Staying Safe: New York City K-12 HIV Education Curriculum,” is the city’s response to state-mandated HIV/AIDS lessons, and was funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It’s beyond inappropriate,” said Natalya Murakhver, an Upper West Side mom and co-founder of the nonprofit Restore Childhood.

“This is graphic content that, if it’s introduced, I think it should be introduced in the home, not in the schools,” she added.

One Brooklyn mom of a kindergartener received notice last week that her 5-year-old would be getting the lessons — and was given no option to opt-out.

“It makes me nervous because, if they’re going into this much detail in kindergarten, what is it going to be like by third, fourth grade?” she said.

In first grade, kids learn that HIV can be transmitted through the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

While COVID is “easy to pass,” HIV is “harder to pass,” according to the lesson plans and slide decks provided to teachers through the city’s WeTeachNYC portal.

Second graders learn about blood and medication and by third grade, students are expected to be able to “summarize what HIV is and identify ways it can and cannot be passed.”

Fourth graders learn that HIV can specifically be passed through unclean needles used for drugs or tattoos and sexual contact.

Throughout March, credit-eligible, “culturally responsive” webinars were offered to teachers through the Office of School Wellness Programs. They included “HIV Education: Exploring Curriculum Concepts and Skills” and “HIV Education: Strategies for Effective Instruction.”

The DOE announced the revamped K-12 curriculum in September, making the first update to the material since 2012.

“This new HIV curriculum incorporates direct feedback from our educators and student focus groups, is grounded in equity and anti-bias, and is aligned with Social-Emotional Learning Competencies,” schools Chancellor David Banks said at the time.

It reflects a “commitment to student health and well-being, inclusivity and respect, and access to quality sexual health education,” Banks said.

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Syracuse woman arrested in death of 5-year-old daughter as police search for girl's body

by Emma Misiaszek and Conor Wight

This story has been updated with new information from the Onondaga County DA and the Syracuse City School District:

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSTM) — A mother's grim confession brought law enforcement to a baseball field in Syracuse armed with shovels and forensic equipment. Court documents show 29-year-old Latasha Mott confessed to hiding her 5-year-old daughter's body there sometime over the past few months, with police charging Mott with manslaughter for an alleged beating turned deadly in early January.

Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said that relatives flagged a potential problem with 5-year-old Nefertiti Harris, leading police to question Mott in what began as a missing person's investigation. According to officers, Mott said that she hit Harris multiple times with a belt in the shower at 127 W. Beard Ave. on Jan. 6 of this year. The DA said that "excessive corporal punishment" caused Harris to die, based on Mott's account, with police describing the beating as "recklessly causing her death."

Mott is also facing a disposal of a corpse charge in addition to manslaughter. The mother told officers that she hid Harris' body in a "wooded area" deliberately to prevent a criminal investigation into her death.

This brought police to a baseball field behind the parking lot of the Brick School Terrace Apartments, a building that used to be a school but now primarily houses seniors. The apartment complex appears to have little direct connection to the case, with outstanding questions as to why Mott brought the body to that field, nearly four miles away from the West Beard Avenue address. The investigation at the field is still ongoing, with the DA sharing that police intend to bring ground penetrating radar into the equation Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officials were also canvasing a home on McKinley Avenue, listed as Mott's home address on court paperwork. CNY Central's crew observed police bringing evidence out in boxes while bringing shovels and flashlights inside the home.

A spokesperson for the Syracuse City School District confirmed Harris was enrolled in Meachem Elementary's kindergarten program. CNY Central asked if district officials contacted authorities about Harris, presuming she has been out of school since Jan. 6. The district's media team said it is working on that question, with a statement from Superintendent Anthony Davis referencing the active investigation.

“It is with profound sadness that we learn the news of the reported passing of one of our Syracuse City School District students, Nefertiti Harris," Davis' statement reads. "The entire school community is heartbroken, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected during this difficult time. We are providing support and counseling services to any students and staff who may need it. As this is still an active investigation, we will be very limited about what we can say but are cooperating with authorities. Please keep our school community in your thoughts and prayers.”

This is a developing story.

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32-year-old mom who makes $143,000/month in passive income: 5 books that helped me get started

When I started my side hustle, I didn't have a mentor, a big social media following, or any startup capital. I just had a drive to help people find great careers, and advice from some of my favorite books. 

In 2022, I quit my six-figure recruiting job at Amazon to grow my YouTube channel and launch my business, PayBump . I make videos about remote work and unique income streams, and create kits to help people make their resumes and cover letters shine.

Today, my business brings in $143,000 a month in passive income , mostly from digital product sales and YouTube ad revenue. And I only work two hours a day.

Here are five books that helped me get started:

1. 'The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage'

By Daymond John

This is a practical playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business from the ground up. It draws on the "Shark Tank" investor's experiences, as well as insights from other self-made millionaires.

I learned how to bootstrap my online business, connect with likeminded people, develop partnerships, and use free marketing strategies to drive sales and make a profit. 

2. 'Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not'

By Robert Kiyosaki

Kiyosaki writes about the habits of two men, and how one ultimately obtained wealth, while the other struggled, in large part because of the differences in their money mindsets.

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to   earning passive income online

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" showed me the value of the "on-the-job" skills I already possessed, and how I could use them as the blueprint for my business. It gave me the confidence to harness my experience in fintech, project management, and recruiting to get PayBump off the ground. 

3. 'The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses'

By Eric Ries

Inspired by Ries' years as an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, "The Lean Startup" taught me how to identify what my customers really want, and test out new ideas at a low cost. 

One concept he writes about is the "minimum viable product," essentially the most basic and least expensive version of what you want to offer. 

This inspired me to release an early version of my digital membership to a small group of people. I collected data about their experience, and thanks to all their feedback, I was able to boost my customer retention rates by 50%. 

4. 'The YouTube Formula: How Anyone Can Unlock the Algorithm to Drive Views, Build an Audience, and Grow Revenue'

By Derral Eves

Eves is a TV producer, content creator, and the founder of the VidSummit conference. His book was a great crash course for me when I started my channel . 

I learned how to structure my videos, create eye-catching thumbnails, use analytics to improve the performance of my content, and make connections with brands.

All of that helped me turn audience members into repeat customers and create a thriving online community.

5. 'Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires'

By Esther and Jerry Hicks  

"Ask and It Is Given" is all about how to use the law of attraction to help you visualize and achieve your dreams. The premise is that whatever you think about and feel strongly about, whether it is positive or negative, that will be drawn into your life. 

Inspired by their advice, all of the goals I made vision boards for — my marriage and son, good health, hitting financial milestones — have become a reality.

Ultimately, this book helped me be more intentional about where I put my time and energy, and figure out what was important to me. 

Jasmine "Jazzy Mac" McCall is a career expert & CEO and co-founder of Paybump , a career development platform that helps everyday people land remote, corporate roles. Follow her on  YouTube  and  LinkedIn .  

Want to make extra money outside of your day job?  Sign up for CNBC's new online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Register today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD.

Watch CBS News

Book made with dead woman's skin removed from Harvard Library amid probe of human remains found at school

By Li Cohen

Updated on: March 28, 2024 / 8:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Harvard Library says it has removed a book that's been in its collection for nearly a century that is partially made with human skin that was taken from a deceased hospital patient without consent. The book's space in the library has long been in question, as it was bound with a woman's skin and included a handwritten note from its first owner saying, "a book about the human soul deserved to have a human covering." 

The library announced that it would remove the book, "Des Destinées de L'âme" ("Destinies of the Soul"), earlier this month. The book, published by Arsène Houssaye in 1879, was not originally made of skin. That part was added by the book's first owner, French physician Dr. Ludovic Bouland, who, according to Harvard Library, "bound the book with skin he took without consent from the body of a deceased female patient in a hospital where he worked." 

Bouland included a handwritten note in the volume that says, "a book about the human soul deserved to have a human covering," Tom Hyry, associate university librarian for archives and special collections, said in a Harvard Library update. 

"Evidence indicates that Bouland bound the book with skin, taken from a woman, which he had acquired as a medical student," Hyry said. "A memo accompanying the book written by John Stetson, which has since been lost, told us that Bouland took this skin from the body of an unknown deceased woman patient from a French psychiatric hospital."

Bouland died in 1933 and the book was added to Harvard's collection in 1934 on deposit. That note also included a description of the process that was used to treat the skin so that it could be bound with the book. The book was formally donated to the university in 1954 and Harvard Library said that it tested the binding in 2014 to confirm that it was bound with human remains. 

Until recently, the book had been available to "anyone who asked for it," Harvard Library said, "regardless of their reason for wishing to consult it." 

"Library lore suggests that decades ago, students employed to page collections in Houghton's stacks were hazed by being asked to retrieve the book without being told it included human remains," the library states. "Harvard Library acknowledges past failures in its stewardship of the book that further objectified and compromised the dignity of the human being whose remains were used for its binding. We apologize to those adversely affected by these actions."

Anne-Marie Eze, associate librarian of Harvard's Houghton Library, said the book's removal was the culmination of years-long efforts and "as part of the University's larger project of addressing human remains in its collections." 

In 2022, the university published a report about human remains found in university collections. A committee found remains of 15 people who "may have been enslaved" in the Peabody Museum, which also holds "one of the nation's largest collections of human remains of Native American individuals." Most of the human remains found across the university collections system are rooted in archaeological context or are used for educational purposes. 

The book was not included in that category – and it's not the only piece of human remains believed to be in the library system. 

"There is a bone fragment purportedly of Saint Sebastian (ca. 3rd century) in a medallion reliquary," the report states. 

The library says that it's now conducting additional research into the book, Bouland and the female patient whose skin was removed, and that the skin itself is in "secure storage at Harvard Library." They are also working with France to "determine a final respectful disposition of these human remains." 

Eze said that the book has been "fully digitized" – sans binding – and that those scans have been made publicly available. All images of the skin have been removed from the online catalog and blog posts, and the book itself will only be made available to researchers in the future without its cover. 

"The core problem with the volume's creation was a doctor who didn't see a whole person in front of him and carried out an odious act of removing a piece of skin from a deceased patient, almost certainly without consent, and used it in a book binding that has been handled by many for more than a century," Hyry said. "We believe it's time the remains be put to rest."

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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Parents are using Target's unusually generous returns policy to exchange outgrown or worn-out Cat & Jack kids clothes for cash

• Target offers one-year returns on own-brand items, including Cat & Jack children's clothing.
• Some parents use the policy to get cash back or new outfits when their kids outgrow their clothes.
• While some retailers are introducing limits on returns, Target is trying to make the process easier.

Kids can grow fast, and the cost of keeping them well-dressed can add up quickly.

Some parents have taken advantage of Target's apparent version of the infinite-money glitch to save money.

"Attention all moms," Jazmine Valdivia, a Target shopper and TikTok user, said in a video posted on TikTok in 2022. "If you guys buy Cat & Jack for your kids, there is a one-year warranty that Cat & Jack offers if your kid outgrows the clothes, whether it's stained, ripped, whatever it is, they'll refund you."

In the video — which has racked up 1.2 million views, almost 85,000 likes, and 26,000 shares — Valdivia shows receipts from returning a large bag of clothing used by her three children for a total of $537.80.

"Didn't spend a single dollar for back-to-school clothes," she added in an overlay.

Valdivia declined a request for an interview.

Other TikTok users have uploaded similar — albeit smaller — refund journeys in which they test out the company's policy for themselves.

"Reason number 16293836286 why we love Target!" the user JMS_Steph captioned on a video showing return receipts worth $164.21.

While some videos and comments suggest the company is cracking down on the practice, Target's return policy for Cat & Jack products remains the same as for its more than 45 private-label brands. Workers told Business Insider they continue to process returns on large batches of used children's clothing.

The employees requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

A hugely popular brand with an unusually generous policy

Target says its Cat & Jack label is the biggest kids' clothing brand in the US .

Related stories

"We sell well over 300 million units of Cat & Jack a year, which comes out to about eight Cat & Jack items for every child in America under the age of 12," said Jill Sando, Target's head of apparel merchandising, during the company's annual meeting in March.

Like all of Target's private label offerings, the brand is backed by an unusually generous one-year return policy .

"If you're not satisfied with any Target Owned Brand item, return it within one year with a receipt for an exchange or a refund," the policy states.

A Target spokesperson said the return policy reflects the company's confidence in the value of its private-label offerings.

Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington highlighted the brand on an earnings call last year, emphasizing the policy of "one full year with free returns should anything not meet our guests' expectations."

Some returns are unwashed or in 'terrible condition.'

A worker in Illinois said the largest receipt she processed was about $300. "Absolutely used and in terrible condition."

A lot of the clothing is returned without being washed, she added, and those products get tossed straight into the trash.

A worker in California said she had seen the trend increasing this year as parents returned for another year, and their friends decided to try it for the first time.

The largest receipt she processed was about $417 — higher than normal because it included a lot of shoes. She said the thing that bothered her wasn't the monetary value; it was the slow process of manually typing in item codes on the computer. Even working quickly, the return took nearly 20 minutes to complete.

Returns without proof of purchase are capped at $100 a year per customer, but items with a receipt or purchased with a Target Circle membership are basically unrestricted.

Some shoppers say on social media their locations have begun taking a somewhat stricter stance in response to the TikTok trend, including requiring more specific documentation of purchases. Others focus more on the "satisfaction" angle of the guarantee, with heavy use indicating that a customer was satisfied with the product.

Still, the California worker said many people were disappointed by the value of their returns, which tended to be smaller than they expected due to various discounts at the time of purchase.

Either way, the total value of Cat & Jack returns is almost certainly a small percentage of the total revenue generated by the brand, which now pulls in more than $3 billion a year for Target.

Besides, what do many shoppers do right after returning a batch of Cat & Jack? Buy more Cat & Jack .

If you are a Target worker who wants to share your perspective, please contact Dominick via email or call/text/Signal at 646.768.4750. Responses will be kept confidential, and Insider strongly recommends using a personal email and a non-work device when reaching out.

Watch: How 'The Target Effect' gets customers to spend more money than they were expecting

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Liam's Adventures in Space: An Educational Adventure for Children Aged 5 - 8 years old (Reach for the Stars: Kids Books Ages 2-10) Paperback – January 30, 2023

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Blast off in a thrilling journey to the stars and discover the wonders of new planets with "Liam's Adventures in Space". --- Get an amazing FREE Coloring Book - included download with every purchase ---

Filled with stunning illustrations, this is perfect for parents looking for an entertaining story that will spark their child's imagination and curiosity. It covers a wide range of space-related topics, such as planets and encourages children to explore and learn about the world around them.

"Liam's Adventures in Space" is a must-have for any library, especially for children who love science and space.

Don't miss out on the chance to ignite a love of science and space in your child with "Liam's Adventures in Space"! What Amazon readers are saying: ★★★★★ 'A real gem! What an adorable book with great illustrations.' ★★★★★ 'Super cute story! I bought one for my class room and can’t wait to read it to the kids.' ★★★★★ 'My grandchildren loved it, and so far I have read this book to them at least a half dozen times.' ★★★★★ 'This amazing story encourages kids to go after their passions. Beautifully illustrated from the front to the back' Tag: space book for kids, kids space book, children book about space, children space book, kids book ages 4-6, children book ages 5- 7, childrens books ages 3-5, kids book 3-5, childrens books ages 4-6, childrens picture book, children story book, kids picture book, kids story book, space book for children, space book for kids

• Part of series Reach for the Stars: Kids Books Ages 2-10
• Print length 39 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inches
• Publication date January 30, 2023
• ISBN-13 979-8375489179
• See all details

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Get a FREE coloring book when you buy or borrow "Liam's Adventures in Space"

From playful puppies to mischievous monkeys and everything in between, this FREE animals coloring book is sure to keep your child entertained for hours on end.

Inspire your child's imagination and curiosity with " Liam's Adventures in Space "

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Grab your copy now and get this FREE amazing Animals Coloring Book as well (plus many more).

Editorial Reviews

Product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTG9TH6X
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 30, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 39 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8375489179
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inches
• #129 in Children's Aeronautics & Space Books (Books)
• #621 in Children's Science Fiction Books (Books)
• #4,176 in Children's Literature (Books)

About the author

J.p anthony williams.

J.P Anthony Williams is a bestselling children's book author, known for his enchanting tales and vivid illustrations. His stories are loved by young readers all over the world.

Born and raised in a small town, J.P developed a love of nature and storytelling at an early age. He spent his childhood exploring the woods and fields near his home, and he loved nothing more than curling up with a good book.

J.P's stories are known for their vivid imagery and richly-detailed illustrations. He takes inspiration from the natural world and from the myths and legends of his childhood, and he weaves them into tales that are both entertaining and educational.

In his free time, J.P can be found exploring new places and seeking inspiration for his next book. He is also a big advocate for environmental conservation, and often uses his platform to raise awareness about nature and its preservation.

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