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 138 books celebrate that drive, which is one of the first signs of a person becoming themselves.

138 books

Bad Kitty #10

Bad Kitty Does Not Like Candy

Nick Bruel

Kitty wants all the candy in the world, but something might just stop her. This funny early reader teaches a lighthearte

Ages 3–7

I Am Not Going to Get Up Today!

Dr. Seuss

For children who feel the pull of a cozy bed, this playful Dr. Seuss story perfectly captures the universal morning stru

Ages 3–7

Princess Baby

Karen Katz

This charming picture book follows a spirited toddler who rejects all her parents' sweet nicknames, firmly declaring tha

Ages 3–7

The Rainbow Bridge

Audrey Wood

This lyrical picture book shares a traditional Chumash Indian legend about the origin of dolphins. It's a gentle story o

Ages 3–7

Queen Esther

Tomie dePaola

Discover the dramatic story of Esther, a young woman who becomes queen and must choose between her own safety and reveal

Ages 3–7

The Dumb Bunnies #1

The Dumb Bunnies

Dav Pilkey

Meet Poppa, Momma, and Baby Bunny, a family whose logic is delightfully upside-down. From ice skating in a library to pi

Ages 3–7

Let's Celebrate #1

Martin Luther King, Jr., and His Birthday

Jacqueline Woodson

Discover the story of Martin Luther King Jr., a brave civil rights leader who dreamed of a world where everyone is treat

Ages 3–7

Biscuit #1

Biscuit Takes a Walk

Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Biscuit loves walks, and this one to Grandpa's house is full of exciting sights and smells. But even a fun journey has a

Ages 3–7

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

Debbie Levy

This picture book biography introduces young readers to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from her childhood to her impactful career

Ages 3–7

Leslie Patricelli Board Books #6

Potty

Leslie Patricelli

Join Baby as they ponder the big question: to potty or not to potty? This playful board book uses humor and simple illus

Ages 1–3

Munsch for Kids

Thomas' Snowsuit

Robert Munsch

Thomas doesn't want to wear his snowsuit, leading to a comical battle of wills with his mother, teacher, and principal.

Ages 3–7

Maybelle, the Cable Car

Virginia Lee Burton

Maybelle, a cheerful cable car, loves her job carrying people up and down San Francisco's hills. But when city leaders d

Ages 3–7

Little People, BIG DREAMS #104

Taylor Swift

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Follow Taylor Swift's incredible path from a country music hopeful to one of the world's biggest pop superstars. This pi

Ages 3–7

Beginner Books #20

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

Dr. Seuss

For the child who loves to dream big, this whimsical adventure sparks endless creativity and encourages boundless imagin

Ages 3–7

The Berenstain Bears #1

The Berenstain Bears' New Baby

Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

For the child preparing for a new baby or adjusting to a growing family, this story gently explores the changes and emot

Ages 3–7

Goodnight Moon ABC

Margaret Wise Brown

For little ones winding down at bedtime or learning their letters, this gentle story invites comfort and curiosity throu

Ages 1–4

Pop-Up Peekaboo!

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Disney Princess

Frankie Hallam

Turn sturdy pages to reveal five delightful pop-up surprises featuring beloved Disney Princesses like Ariel, Moana, and

Ages 0–3

Harold and the Purple Crayon #1

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Crockett Johnson

For children who love to imagine, this whimsical tale celebrates creativity and the power of a child's mind to shape the

Ages 3–6

Penelope

Penelope Says Good Night

Anne Gutman

Help Penelope the blue koala cook dinner, take a bath, and get ready for bed in this interactive pull-tab book perfect f

Ages 2–5

The Treasure of Topo-el-Bampo

Scott O'Dell

Two brave burros work in a dangerous silver mine but ultimately return home to save their starving village in this movin

Ages 3–7

Little Penguin's Tale

Audrey Wood

A curious little penguin wanders away from his troop to find adventure in the polar world, narrowly escaping a hungry wh

Ages 3–7

Harold and the Purple Crayon #2

Harold's Fairy Tale

Crockett Johnson

Harold takes his purple crayon into an enchanted garden to solve the mystery of the missing flowers and meets a king in

Ages 2–5

Love You Books #9

Spread Your Wings

Emma Dodd

For parents guiding a little one through the exciting and sometimes scary journey of growing up and gaining independence

Ages 2–5

The Flying Dragon Room

Audrey Wood

When Patrick is given a set of magic tools, he builds a world of fantastic rooms where his imagination soars. A colorful

Ages 3–7

Popular Series in This Category

Harold and the Purple Crayon

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