Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated with financial literacy for a long time. I have an MBA and have worked in banking and the mortgage industry for more than 15 years. I am passionate about helping people understand concepts and terms that, at times, are obfuscated. Now that I have a son of my own, I am constantly looking for books that expose him to a variety of topics, not just financial. I am always checking out library books for him that will educate him about the world around him. My list of books is curated to some of my favorite educational books that he and I both love!


I wrote

Financial Fun from A-Z

By Brooke Lapides,

Book cover of Financial Fun from A-Z

What is my book about?

This book is centered on financial literacy for children. It’s a charming book written in an A-Z format. From Assets…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Moon! Earth's Best Friend

Brooke Lapides Why did I love this book?

I absolutely love reading this book to my son. No matter how many times we read it, he keeps asking for us to read it again! He went through a phase (pun intended!) where he was obsessed with the moon and wanted to learn all about it.

This book is educational and teaches kids about the moon, but it is still a fun and engaging read with adorable illustrations. 

By Stacy McAnulty, Stevie Lewis (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Moon! Earth's Best Friend as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Stevie Lewis, Moon! Earth's Best Friend is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the moon―told from the perspective of the moon itself.

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts…


Book cover of Computer Engineering for Babies

Brooke Lapides Why did I love this book?

My son and I love reading this book together.

It’s a rare children’s book where I absolutely learned from it as I don’t have a background in computer engineering. The buttons and lights keep the book super interactive, which is important for engaging children. Each page is written in a simple manner that makes sense for kids (and non-computer engineer parents!).    

By Chase Roberts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Computer Engineering for Babies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of B is for Bison: A National Parks Alphabet

Brooke Lapides Why did I love this book?

My family is trying to slowly work our way through visiting all 63 US National Parks. So far, my 2.5-year-old has been to 6!

Because we love the National Parks so much, my husband and I love reading this book to our son. It covers 26 different National Parks, as well as many of their features and native animals, in a fun A to Z format. 

By Greg Paprocki,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked B is for Bison as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Introduce your toddler to 26 national parks found in the United States with this colorful alphabet primer, from the creators of BabyLit.

An engaging collection of illustrations showing amazing features of 26 national parks across the United States. Features of each park include popular animals, landmarks, and scenic views. Have fun reading with your child as you come across letters such as: G for Grand Canyon National Park, L for Lava, O for Old Faithful, and Y for Yosemite National Park. Illustrator Greg Paprocki’s popular BabyLit alphabet board books feature his classically retro midcentury art style that’s proven to be…


Book cover of Allegro: A Musical Journey Through 11 Musical Masterpieces

Brooke Lapides Why did I love this book?

This book is a little different than a typical children’s board book or picture book. It’s a hardcover book that plays 11 different snippets of classical music that coordinate with the story as it progresses.

This book was the first time my son was exposed to classical music, and it’s how we found out how much he loves it. He has had this book for about two years, and it’s still an absolute favorite!

By David W. Miles, Anita Barghigiani (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Allegro as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Meet Allegro, an ordinary boy who can't stand practicing the piano. Those black dots on the page drive him crazy―until the music itself whisks him away on a breathtaking journey. Each beautifully illustrated scene on Allegro's journey is accompanied by a famous classical theme that can be played with the press of a button. Hear Grieg's "Morning Mood" while meandering through a misty meadow, Dvorak's "New World Symphony" while exploring uncharted lands, Debussy's "Claire de Lune" while pondering a shimmering night sky, and 7…


Book cover of Organic Chemistry for Babies

Brooke Lapides Why did I love this book?

My husband has a PhD in chemistry, and this book is a fabulous way for him to begin introducing some chemistry and STEM terms to our son. It’s written in a simple way that is easy for a young child to follow.

Even if you’re not a chemist, it’s still a great book to share with your kids. And you might learn something, too! (I did!)

By Cara Florance, Chris Ferrie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Organic Chemistry for Babies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fans of Chris Ferrie's Rocket Science for Babies, Quantum Physics for Babies, and 8 Little Planets will love this introduction to organic chemistry for babies and toddlers!

It only takes a small spark to ignite a child's mind.

Written by an expert, Organic Chemistry for Babies is a colorfully simple introduction to the structure of organic, carbon-containing compounds and materials. Gift your special little one the opportunity to learn with this perfect science baby gift and help them be one step ahead of pre-med students! With a tongue-in-cheek approach that adults will love, this installment of the Baby University baby…


Explore my book 😀

Financial Fun from A-Z

By Brooke Lapides,

Book cover of Financial Fun from A-Z

What is my book about?

This book is centered on financial literacy for children. It’s a charming book written in an A-Z format. From Assets to Banks to Credit Scores and beyond, each page of Financial Fun from A-Z is adorned with vibrant illustrations and accompanied by simple explanations, making complex financial topics accessible to children ages 0 to 9.

Through this easily digestible book, young readers will not only learn about money but also develop a solid foundation for financial wisdom that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Book cover of Moon! Earth's Best Friend
Book cover of Computer Engineering for Babies
Book cover of B is for Bison: A National Parks Alphabet

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Falcon's Call

By Mike Waller,

Book cover of Falcon's Call

Mike Waller Author Of Falcon's Call

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I lived in a small valley sheltered from the night city lights. I could see the stars, and from that time, that is where my imagination dwelled. As a teenager, I read several of the books I have listed here, and from that point, I was inspired to read more and also to write myself. I sincerely believe that despite our current problems, humanity will outlive its troubled childhood and reach for the stars. We are destined for the stars, and only in the works of science fiction writers is that future explored. The books below helped me to become a successful author in my own right.

Mike's book list on scifi humanity’s future in space and time

What is my book about?

An alien starship appears in the Solar System! Humanity faces a glorious future, or total extinction, and only Joe Falcon can make the choice. Never would Joe have imagined it would fall to him to make the decision that would alter the destiny of two worlds, launching humanity towards a glorious future, or to extinction.

Falcon's Call is an action packed dive into the unknown, written in the style of the great, classic, science-fiction stories. If you like surprising plot twists, compelling characters and a hero who actually cares, you must read this new novel by Mike Waller.

Falcon's Call

By Mike Waller,

What is this book about?

Reader's Favorite Gold Medal winner 2019
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree 2019
Chill With A Book Premier Award 2019

In a heart-pounding battle for humanity's survival, one man holds the key to a glorious future or utter extinction.

In a race against time, Earth and Mars race to claim a derelict alien ship as it enters the Solar System, both aware that whichever planet succeeds might in so doing achieve technological advantage over the other. But who should they send? Joe Falcon, an unlikely candidate, never saw himself as the "right" person. Accompanied by a crew of misfits, each fleeing their own…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the English language, the moon, and classical music?

The Moon 130 books
Classical Music 42 books