The best fun and educational books for kids

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 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.

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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…


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Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

By John Kenneth White,

Book cover of Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

John Kenneth White Author Of Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Reading was a childhood passion of mine. My mother was a librarian and got me interested in reading early in life. When John F. Kennedy was running for president and after his assassination, I became intensely interested in politics. In addition to reading history and political biographies, I consumed newspapers and television news. It is this background that I have drawn upon over the decades that has added value to my research.

John's book list on who we are, how we’ve changed, and what gives us hope

What is my book about?

It didn’t begin with Donald Trump. When the Republican Party lost five straight presidential elections during the 1930s and 1940s, three things happened: (1) Republicans came to believe that presidential elections are rigged; (2) Conspiracy theories arose and were believed; and (3) The presidency was elevated to cult-like status.

Long before Trump, each of these phenomena grew in importance. The John Birch Society and McCarthyism became powerful forces; Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first “personal president” to rise above the party; and the development of what Harry Truman called “the big lie,” where outrageous falsehoods came to be believed. Trump follows a pattern that was long established within the Republican Party. This is an untold story that resonates powerfully in the present.

Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

By John Kenneth White,

What is this book about?

It didn't begin with Donald Trump. The unraveling of the Grand Old Party has been decades in the making. Since the time of FDR, the Republican Party has been home to conspiracy thinking, including a belief that lost elections were rigged. And when Republicans later won the White House, the party elevated their presidents to heroic status-a predisposition that eventually posed a threat to democracy. Building on his esteemed 2016 book, What Happened to the Republican Party?, John Kenneth White proposes to explain why this happened-not just the election of Trump but the authoritarian shift in the party as a…


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

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about the English language, the moon, and classical music.

The English Language Explore 37 books about the English language
The Moon Explore 129 books about the moon
Classical Music Explore 36 books about classical music