Books About Freedom & Independence for Ages 0–3

Independence at this age is the spoon held for the first time, the walk taken without holding a hand, the fierce insistence on doing it myself. These 137 books celebrate that drive, which is one of the first signs of a person becoming themselves.

137 books

Munsch for Kids #1

The Paper Bag Princess

Robert Munsch

For the child ready to champion their own worth and defy expectations, this empowering tale celebrates cleverness and se

Ages 3–7

The Undefeated

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander's Newbery-winning words and Kadir Nelson's stunning art combine in this ode to Black American strength.

Ages 3–7

Gladys the Magic Chicken

Adam Rubin

Join Gladys, a seemingly ordinary chicken, on an epic journey through Ancient Times. Everyone she meets gets a wish, but

Ages 3–7

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei

Peter Sís

Discover the courageous life of Galileo Galilei, the first to turn a telescope to the skies and reveal a new universe. P

Ages 3–7

The Alphabet Tree

Leo Lionni

When a fierce storm threatens to scatter them, the letters on an alphabet tree learn to band together, forming words and

Ages 3–7

Max and Ruby

Max and Ruby's Show-And-Tell

Rosemary Wells

It's show-and-tell day at Ruby's school, and she's excited to present her cake. Her little brother Max wants to come alo

Ages 3–7

Plugged.in Parody

If You Give a Mouse an iPhone

Ann Droyd

This clever parody of a classic tale explores the "if you give a mouse an iPhone" dilemma, showing how screen time can l

Ages 3–8

Dinosaur vs. #2

Dinosaur vs. the Potty

Bob Shea

Dinosaur insists he doesn't need the potty, even after lots of juice and splashing fun. But when the 'potty dance' start

Ages 3–7

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden

Jill Biden

Explore the early life of Joe Biden, highlighting his journey from a competitive, risk-taking boy who overcame a stutter

Ages 3–7

Deeper Learning Comics #2

Dabung Girl & Children's Revolution: Save the Environment Special Edition

Saurabh Agarwal

Meet Dabung Girl, a fearless Indian superhero with an elastic body and super neurons, who empowers children to find thei

Ages 3–7

Tapping Your Way to a Great Big Smile!

Ana Cybela

Discover EFT tapping, a simple and fun technique for kids to manage emotions, reduce stress, and boost self-confidence.

Ages 3–7

The Heart and the Bottle

Oliver Jeffers

A girl's world is full of wonder until a profound loss leads her to put her heart in a bottle for safekeeping. This deep

Ages 3–7

Born on the Water

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson

This powerful picture book in verse introduces young readers to the 1619 Project, tracing American history from the arri

Ages 3–7

Leo's First Vote!

Christina Soontornvat

Leo's dad, a new US citizen, takes Leo to the polls for his first election. After a cousin casts doubt, Leo learns throu

Ages 3–7

Saint Patrick

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola's classic tale of Saint Patrick, from his noble birth and captivity to his return to Ireland, is now avail

Ages 3–7

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Andrea Beaty

When her Abuelo gets hurt at a dangerous landfill, Sofia Valdez decides to turn the slimy mess into a park. Despite bein

Ages 3–7

Mr. Walker Steps Out

Lisa Graff

Mr. Walker, the human-shaped figure in a traffic signal, feels small watching the world go by. He decides to explore the

Ages 3–7

A House for Hermit Crab

Eric Carle

Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell and needs a new one. Join him on an underwater adventure as he finds a bigger home an

Ages 3–7

Antiracist Baby Picture Book

Ibram X. Kendi

For families starting important conversations about race and fairness. This book offers a foundational language to under

Ages 3–8

Purple People #1

The World Needs More Purple People

Kristen Bell, Benjamin Hart

Join Penny Purple on a fun adventure to become a 'purple person,' someone who embraces their individuality, asks great q

Ages 3–7

Princess Baby #2

Princess Baby, Night-Night

Karen Katz

Join Princess Baby as she navigates her elaborate bedtime routine, from choosing the perfect book to ensuring her "subje

Ages 3–7

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Mo Willems

The bus driver steps away, leaving one crucial instruction: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! But this determined bird

Ages 3–7

Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty

Leigh Hodgkinson

Join Goldilocks as she tries on underwear and searches for the perfect potty, learning to listen to her body along the w

Ages 2–5

The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie

Chris Van Allsburg

Sweetie Pie the hamster is thrilled by his first taste of the great outdoors, but his joy is short-lived when he's confi

Ages 3–7