Every book a child picks up has the potential to spark curiosity, build empathy, and shape their understanding of the world. That’s why Children’s Book Week is such a special celebration—it’s a time to highlight the magic of storytelling and the lifelong impact of reading. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the U.S., dedicated to inspiring young readers and fostering a culture of books in schools, libraries, and homes.
At Beanstack, we know firsthand how stories can change lives—because our story started with a children’s book.
Our Story: Inspired by a Children’s Book
Our company’s journey began with All the World, a beautifully illustrated book by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee. In its pages, our co-founders, Jordan Lloyd Bookey and Felix Lloyd, saw a reflection of their own interracial family—something they hadn’t often encountered in children’s literature. Inspired by the power of representation in books, they launched a subscription service to help families discover diverse stories that spoke to their experiences.
That passion for reading has since evolved into Beanstack, an EdTech company dedicated to helping schools, libraries, and communities build a reading culture. But the heart of our work remains the same core belief: reading changes lives, starting with our children.
Why Children's Books Matter
Books do more than entertain—they help children build the foundation for their future. The stories kids read shape their values, expand their knowledge, and influence their understanding of the world. Like nutritious food and exercise nourish the body, books nourish the mind, encouraging imagination, emotional growth, and lifelong learning.
As parents, educators, and librarians, we have the opportunity to shape children’s experiences through storytelling. The books we introduce to them today will impact their perspectives and choices for years to come.
Staff Picks: Our Favorite Children's Books
To celebrate Children’s Book Week, we’re sharing some of our team’s all-time favorite children’s books—stories that made us laugh, taught us something new, or simply left a lasting impression.
Picture Books
- Bear Came Along – Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
- Eyes That Kiss in the Corners – Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
- H.O.R.S.E. – Christopher Myers
- In My Heart – Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
- Milo Imagines the World – Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
- Not Quite Narwhal – Jessie Sima
- One Morning in Maine – Robert McCloskey
- Our Incredible Library – Written by Caroline Crowe, illustrated by John Joseph
- Say Something – Peter H. Reynolds
- Stuck – Oliver Jeffers
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
- The Book with No Pictures – B.J. Novak
- The Library – Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
- The Monster at the End of This Book – Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin
- The Ocean Calls – Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
- When Dinosaurs Came with Everything – Written by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small
Chapter Books & Middle Grade
- Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery
- Ella Enchanted – Gail Carson Levine
- James and the Giant Peach – Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
- Matilda – Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Monster – Walter Dean Myers
- The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
- Prairie Lotus – Linda Sue Park
- Sal and Gabi Break the Universe – Carlos Hernandez
- Ways to Make Sunshine – Renée Watson
Beloved Book Series
- Amelia’s Notebook series – Marissa Moss
- Dory Fantasmagory series – Abby Hanlon
- The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series – Crystal Allen
- Ramona Quimby books – Beverly Cleary
How to Celebrate Children's Book Week
Looking for ways to make this week extra special? Here are a few ideas:
- Visit Your Local Library – Explore new books, attend a storytime event, or ask a librarian for recommendations.
- Host a Family Reading Night – Set aside time to read and discuss your favorite stories.
- Start a Reading Challenge – Challenge kids to read a book daily or explore new genres.
- Write Your Own Story – Encourage young readers to create and illustrate their own books!
Children’s Book Week reminds us of the power of stories to connect, inspire, and shape our futures. Whether picking up an old favorite or discovering a new book, celebrate this week by visiting your local library, where countless stories await reading.