Some toddlers obsess over toys or TV. Mine? He lives for books, snacks, and music, in that order. While other kids are begging for screen time, he’s flipping pages, pointing at animals, and shouting “AGAIN!” like a tiny book critic. We’re not a Goodnight Moon household (no offense to the classics), but hand him a Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot book and he’s all in. For the past two years, we’ve been on a mission to read 1,000 books before kindergarten. So far, we’ve already made it through more than 700.
🌱 Why 1,000 Books?
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about growing a love of reading from the very beginning. Research shows that early exposure to books helps with vocabulary, emotional development, attention span, and imagination. But honestly? We just love the snuggles, the silly voices, the shared moments, and the way reading has become one of our family’s favorite rituals.
📖 How We’re Tracking It
We’re using Beanstack to log all of our reads. It’s free, easy to use (even when you’re sleep-deprived and trying to log books one-handed), and adds a little gamification with badges and goals. Highly recommend if you’re tracking along at home!
I’ll also be creating blog posts and themed lists so you can follow along or even start your own reading journey with your little one.
♻️ We Shop Secondhand First
Part of our joy in this journey comes from the thrill of the book hunt. Most of our collection is secondhand—thrift stores, Little Free Libraries, hand-me-downs, and our favorite online used bookstores:
- Better World Books – every book you buy supports global literacy
- AbeBooks – perfect for out-of-print and vintage gems
- ThriftBooks – for big hauls on a budget
I’ll include links to where we found each book—new or used—and if you shop through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s a lovely way to support our blog and more cozy reading time!
đź“š What to Expect From This Series
We’re backdating our progress, so over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing:
- Milestone recaps of all the books we’ve read so far
- Themed book lists (think “Big Feelings,” “Seasonal Stories,” and “Books That Actually Made My Toddler Sit Still”)
- Favorite thrifted finds
- Tips for building a toddler library on a budget
- Cozy corners of our home where we love to read
Whether you’re looking for book ideas, want to start your own 1K journey, or just love a good stack of stories—you’re in the right place.
✨ Join the Journey
If you’re starting your own 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten adventure, I’d love to cheer you on. Download our free printable tracker, follow along on Instagram @baublesbubblesb, and tag me in your cozy storytimes!
Let’s raise readers—one bedtime book at a time. 💕
