The Reed's Reading Corner

A homeschool family blog with book recommendations, reading lists, and reviews for kids of all ages. Discover fun resources to raise lifelong readers.

Best First Books for Toddlers: Building a Love of Reading Early

Toddlers are curious little explorers, and books are one of the best ways to feed their growing minds. The right books can turn wiggly storytime into cozy moments, build early language skills, and spark a love of reading that lasts.Here are some of my favorite PaperPie (formerly Usborne) books for toddlers — tested, loved, and mom-approved..

1. That’s Not My… Series

  • Perfect for tiny hands, with touch-and-feel textures on every page.

  • Builds sensory awareness and introduces simple vocabulary.

2. Slide and See Animals

  • Interactive flaps and sliders keep busy toddlers engaged.

  • Great for hand-eye coordination and curiosity.

3. Hello, Baby! Books

  • Bold colors, high-contrast images, and simple words.

  • Ideal for little ones just beginning to notice the world around them.

✨Mom Tip: Keep a basket of toddler-friendly books in the living room and rotate them weekly — it keeps storytime fresh and exciting.👉 Want to browse more toddler picks? You can shop my favorites here

5 Preschool Books That Teach Without Feeling Like School

Preschoolers are busy little learners. They want to play, explore, and discover—but they’re also soaking up skills that will set the stage for reading, math, and beyond. The trick? Finding books that teach while still feeling like fun.Here are 5 PaperPie (formerly Usborne) favorites that sneak in learning through play and storytime:

1. Wipe-Clean Alphabet

  • Hands-on practice with letters.

  • Reusable, so kids can write, wipe, and try again.

2. Big Book of Colors

  • Teaches colors, shades, and early vocabulary.

  • Bright illustrations keep kids engaged.

3. All Better!

  • A sweet interactive book with reusable bandage stickers.

  • Builds empathy and fine motor skills.

4. Lift-the-Flap Numbers

  • Helps kids recognize numbers in a playful, interactive way.

  • Encourages curiosity and exploration.

5. Phonics Readers (e.g., “Goat in a Boat”)

  • Simple rhymes and funny stories for early reading.

  • Builds sound awareness naturally.

✨ Mom Tip: Use wipe-clean books during meal prep or car rides. It buys you quiet time while sneaking in learning.👉 Shop preschool favorites here.

Books That Make Science Fun for Elementary Kids

Elementary kids are naturally curious—they want to know why the sky is blue, how animals live, and what makes things work. Instead of endless “why” questions leaving you stumped, the right books can give them answers in fun, interactive ways.Here are some of my favorite PaperPie picks for ages 6–8 that make science and STEM exciting:

1. Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Science

  • Interactive flaps reveal answers to common questions.

  • Perfect for kids who love to ask “why?”

2. 100 Science Experiments

  • Hands-on experiments and crafts.

  • Great for rainy day fun or homeschool science time.

3. 100 Things to Know About the Human Body (or Space / Science)

  • Fun facts in bite-sized chunks.

  • Perfect for kids who like to flip through and learn something new each time.

4. See Inside How Things Work

  • Engaging flaps and diagrams.

  • Explains everyday objects in a way kids can actually understand.

5. Kitchen Science Lab

  • Brings science into the kitchen with everyday items.

  • Simple, fun experiments that show kids how the world works.

✨ Mom Tip: Set aside one afternoon a week for a “mini science lab.” Use a book like Science Things to Make and Do to try a quick experiment together—it feels like play, but it’s learning, too!👉 Browse my favorite elementary picks here.

Get In Touch

Have a question about PaperPie books, homeschooling resources, or need a recommendation? I’d love to hear from you. Just fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you within 2–3 business days.

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This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by PaperPie.
Opinions and recommendations are my own.

Hi, I’m Kathy, and welcome to The Reed's Reading Corner

We first discovered Usborne (now PaperPie) back in 2020. At the time, I thought we’d just pick up a book or two. But what started with a single sticker book quickly turned into shelves full of treasures — puzzles, homeschool resources, storybooks, and more.As a homeschooling family, these books have become part of our everyday life. They’ve helped us with lessons, kept little hands busy, and turned learning into something my boys actually look forward to. Today, at 11 and 12 years old, they still reach for PaperPie books to explore their interests, whether it’s coding, history, or just a fun adventure story.That’s why I started The Reeds Reading Corner. This isn’t just a “book shop” for me — it’s a way to share what’s worked for us and help other families find screen-free, engaging, and meaningful resources for kids of all ages.Here at The Reed's Reading Corner, you’ll find:

  • Book recommendations for different ages and stages.

  • Homeschool tips for weaving reading into everyday learning.

  • Screen-free solutions to keep kids happily busy.

  • A cozy community of parents who want to raise readers.

I’m so glad you’re here. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and make yourself at home in our reading corner.