1000 Books

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Children typically start learning to read in Kindergarten, but a love of reading can start much earlier than that! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national initiative to encourage reading to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is also a great bonding opportunity for a caregiver and child.

The steps are simple
01
Pick up a reading log at your local library or print one from our website.
02
Read, read, read!! After you complete a book, have your child color in one circle on the reading log.
03
When the log is full, bring it to your local library branch for a special prize.

Earn cool prizes at each milestone!Ripple the Otter reading his favorite book.

100 Books: Cool temporary tattoo
500 Books: Free book
1000 Books: Tote bag and completion certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are eligible?

Any books read to a child can be counted, including books read on repeat! Books read during storytime also count.

What books should I read to my child?

Check out our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten booklists for inspiration.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any child between 0-6 not yet enrolled in Kindergarten.

Latest from the Blog

26 May
19 May
12 May

Storytime at Home: Ice Cream

Sarah Fenninger
May 26, 2025
#bookchat
#bookrecs
#childrensbooks
#kidsbooks
#rplrecommends
#storytimeathome
storytime at home
book-reviews
childrens

Welcome to the Storytime at Home series! Every other week, we share a list of book options tied to a kid-approved theme, a craft you can set up to go […]...

Reading in the Middle: Honoring National Foster Care Month

Adriane Marshall
May 19, 2025
#childrensbooks
#kidsbooks
#readinginthemiddle
#rplrecommends
#tweenbooks
academyofamericanpoets
april
book recommendations
book recs
nationalpoetrymonth
poetry
reading suggestions
verse
book-reviews
childrens
reading-suggestions

The term “middle grade readers” refers to children in the middle of elementary school, students between the ages of 8 and 12, or third though sixth grade. These readers have […]...

Storytime at Home: Community Helpers

Sarah Fenninger
May 12, 2025
#bookchat
#bookrecs
#childrensbooks
#kidsbooks
#rplrecommends
#storytimeathome
storytime at home
book-reviews
childrens

Welcome to the Storytime at Home series! Every other week, we share a list of book options tied to a kid-approved theme, a craft you can set up to go […]...