Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’ birthday! 

At Purple Butterfly Press we like to put a special emphasis on the excitement of days like these where books are able to make headlines and reach many more children. We would love to share some of our team's kidlit favorites (as well as some of our own) that we think would be a great addition to your library. 

From Alexa: 

• Princess Monroe - this was my first children’s book to publish, and it's just gorgeous with the hand painted watercolor illustrations. Also, the messaging of Girl Power is amazing. 

• Hi, It's Me! I Have ADHD - it's diversity and insight into kids with ADHD is just so amazing

• My kids and I loved, and read over and over and over: Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance

Cayce: 

• The Monster at the End of this Book : Lovable, furry old Grover is distressed to learn that there's a monster at the end of this book! He begs readers not to turn the pages, but of course kids feel they just have to see this monster for themselves. Grover is astonished--and toddlers will be delighted--to discover who is really the monster at the end of the book!

• Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus : When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate.

• Princess Monroe : A spirited and independent girl, defies traditional princess norms. She embarks on her own adventures, proving that she doesn’t need a prince to save her! Sporting a tutu on the hockey rink, embodies both girlish grace and fierce determination. She’s a delightful mix of ballerina and puck-chaser!

Raewyn: 

• The World Needs More Purple People : What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.

• The Kindness Machine : In Mr. Wilson’s second-grade class, a mysterious machine reveals the power of kindness. As the students learn to spread compassion, they discover that their very own Kindness Machine resides within, ready to make the world a better place.
• Where the Sidewalk Ends : An outrageously funny and profoundly deep poetry collection. Meet a boy who becomes a TV set, a girl who devours a whale, and the stubborn Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout. This world, where shadows are washed and diamond gardens bloom is a must-have for every kid.
• How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You : Parents and children can never have enough ways to say "I love you"--and America's favorite dinosaurs are giving families a funny book, perfect for bedtime, storytime, anytime. Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care.

Lauren: 

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar : THE all-time classic picture book, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! A sturdy and beautiful book to give as a gift for new babies, baby showers, birthdays, and other new beginnings!

• Goodnight Moon : In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.

  One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf. This board book edition is the right size for little hands and is the perfect gift for baby showers, toddler birthday parties, and holidays.

• Rupert’s Snowman : It’s Christmas Eve and a perfect snow day, or so it seems. Sledging, building snowmen, making snow angels and having snowball fights. But wait! What is this? Why is Rupert racing back up the hill? Join him and his mummy as they are forced to embark on a Snowy Adventure Rescue...

• Corduroy : Corduroy has been on the department store shelf for a long time. Yet as soon as Lisa sees him, she knows that he’s the bear for her. Her mother, though, thinks he’s a little shopworn—he’s even missing a button! Still, Corduroy knows that with a bit of work he can tidy himself up and be just the bear for Lisa. And where better to start than with a nighttime adventure through the department store, searching for a new button!

Maddie: 

• Dear Girl :  A heartfelt love letter crafted for that extraordinary girl in your life. Every girl will discover her own greatness—whether she’s splashing in muddy puddles, adorned with freckles, or dancing atop tables. This book celebrates authenticity and self-love, urging girls to embrace their uniqueness both inside and out.

• Wynken Blynken and Nod : Eugene Field’s timeless bedtime poem whisks us away to a magical world where three children sail through moonlit seas in their wooden shoe. The watercolor illustrations capture the attention of my 1 year old as the words lull her to sleep. The muted shades of blue are incredibly soothing, making it a needed companion for bedtime reading.

• Emma’s Sunflower : Imagine a cozy garden where secrets unfold with each season. Mother Nature tucks a forgotten sunflower seed deep into the soil. Emma watches as it sprouts, stretching toward the sun. And on her birthday, that sunflower blooms—a golden surprise that beckons back the greenfinches she thought were lost.

We hope you use this list to add some new reads to your shelves. Enjoy Read Across America Day, we hope our books influence you to share the love of reading with others. 

We would love to know if you have any of these on your shelves and your favorite books as well! Tag us on Instagram @purplebutterflypress or email us to let us know!