Books from Birth with RIF

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is partnering with D.C. Public Library to support the Books from Birth initiative. As kids from birth through five years across the District enjoy the benefits of a free book each month delivered right to their home, RIF offers additional digital literacy support to complement their learning. RIF’s book list provides specially curated book suggestions for parent and child to read and enjoy together. For each title, additional extension activities and resources are provided to take learning beyond the book and support D.C.’s earliest readers.  Check out RIF’s booklist below and discover new, diverse titles to nurture your young reader.

3773

0-2 Years

TheMitten.jpg

The Mitten

Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett
When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.
Pre-K - 2nd
15268

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle
The story of the life cycle of a butterfly, told from the perspective of a hungry, growing caterpillar. Charming illustrations capture how the caterpillar eats and eats, builds a cocoon, and them emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
Pre-K - 1st
15343

Smile!

Written and Illustrated by Roberta Grobel Intrater
A baby board book showing smiling babies from different cultures. The accompanying text mimics what...
Infant and Toddler - Pre-K
15928

Be Boy Buzz

Written by Bell Hooks and Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Famed author bell hooks brings us a tight, exuberant story that captures the essence and energy of...
Pre-K - 1st

2-3 Years

15267

Where the Wild Things Are

Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Max is a "wild thing," and after a fight with his mother, he leaves home and travels a long distance...

Pre-K - 3rd
15335

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Written by Bill Martin Jr. and Illustrated by Eric Carle
A series of animals parade across the pages of this colorful book as children read about what...
Pre-K - K

Yoko

Written and Illustrated by Rosemary Wells
When Yoko brings her favorite lunch, sushi, to school all the other students make fun of her. Yoko’s...
Pre-K - 2nd
15929

Rubia and the Three Osos

Written by Susan Middleton Elya and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
The Oso family is going out for a stroll, and Rubia has her eye on their empty casita. A nice bowl...
1st - 2nd

4-5 Years

15298

The Giving Tree

Written and Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
The story of a female apple tree and the boy she loves. Beginning when the boy is child and tracing...
K - 3rd
15520

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

Written by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Janet Stevens
Anansi the spider sees a moss-covered rock and soon discovers its magical powers. He uses those...
K - 3rd
15247

Martin's Big Words

Written by Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by Bryan Collier
This story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. told using his own “big words.”
K - 3rd
15930

Bee-Bim Bop!

Written by Linda Sue Park and Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

Bee-bim bop (the name translates as “mix-mix rice”) is a traditional Korean dish of rice topped, and...

Pre-K - 2nd