News

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has developed a series of print resources to share early literacy tips with families and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

(This article was updated on February 2, 2023 to reflect that the period of time to request materials has expired.)

Available Early Literacy Materials

These brochures are available at no cost to Pennsylvania early learning programs. The materials include:

• Healthy Bodies Brochure: A selection of books that promote healthy eating or gives adults the opportunity to have a conversation about healthy choices. It also includes books that get kids up stretching and moving. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

• Cruise Into Kindergarten Activity Cards (Pack): This set of 16 cards provides simple activities for adults and preschoolers to do together, including rhyme suggestions. Topics include STEAM and other topics addressed in PA Standards for an Early Childhood. Caregivers can order in increments of 25 sets – the maximum order is 250.

• 101 Great Picture Books for Preschoolers: This list includes a wide variety of old and new favorites, award winners, fiction and non-fiction books for preschoolers. It also serves as an introduction to great authors and illustrators. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

• Cruise Into Kindergarten (available in English and Spanish): This brochure provides tips on early learning in areas such as literacy, math, science, the arts and community from a child’s point of view. One side is a gameboard and markers for adults to play a fun game that includes experiences geared to activities that the child is proud to show off and/or needs to learn. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

• Early Literacy Brochure Ages 0-2: This brochure helps adults start the very youngest on a road to reading with tips and book suggestions for babies and young toddlers. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

• Early Literacy Brochure Ages 2-3: Tips for activities, stories and more are included in this brochure that also lets families know that sitting still is not on a toddler’s list of things to do. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

• Early Literacy Brochure Ages 4-5: Books and literacy tips that give adults more ideas for longer, more involved stories and ideas for getting kids ready to learn. Caregivers can order in increments of 50 – the maximum order is 500.

Order Materials

Caregivers can obtain the materials above by filling out the online order form (03/02/2023 UPDATE: The period of time to request materials has expired).

This project was made possible with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.