Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives: 42 Million Children's Books Distributed by First Book and Penguin Random House

Celebrating a Milestone in Children's Literacy

On November 17, 2025, Penguin Random House and First Book will celebrate a 25-year partnership that has transformed the lives of millions of children across the United States. Together, they have distributed an astonishing 42 million children’s books to those in need, primarily in low-income communities. This remarkable achievement highlights both organizations' unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved youth.

To mark this special occasion, bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne, renowned for her acclaimed Magic Tree House series, will host a virtual reading and Q&A session for children and educators involved with First Book. This live-streamed event aims to inspire joy in reading, a sentiment deeply echoed by Pope Osborne, who has long championed literacy initiatives. “Every book opens a door to new experiences,” states Osborne, underscoring the profound impact literature can have on children.

The celebrations will also include a virtual panel discussion featuring experts including Dr. Jill Sonke from the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine. Their presentation will address a concerning trend: a 40% decline in Americans reading for pleasure over the past two decades. This statistic serves as a wake-up call to educators and parents alike. Dr. Sonke notes, “Reading not only fosters education but also enhances mental health, creativity, and empathy.”

One of the biggest challenges faced in promoting literacy is accessibility. Education researchers have found that in low-income neighborhoods, there is roughly one book available for every 300 children. In contrast, middle-income communities boast an average of 13 books per child. These statistics highlight the urgent need for initiatives that provide books to children who lack access.

First Book’s mission is to dismantle these barriers. With a network of over 600,000 educators, librarians, and volunteers, First Book provides resources and access to high-quality literature that can transform classrooms and inspire a love for reading. As Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book, adeptly puts it, "Books are power tools for children and adults alike." This partnership with Penguin Random House amplifies their ability to provide these vital resources.

"Educators are essential to fostering love for learning, and our collaboration with First Book empowers them to reach students who need it the most," says Claire von Schilling, Executive Vice President at Penguin Random House. The commitment of both organizations extends far beyond mere donations; they actively work to cultivate a culture of reading as a social norm.

Mary Pope Osborne also plays a pivotal role in this movement. Beyond her writing, her collaboration with First Book has resulted in the donation of over a million books to children in need, setting a model for authors and organizations alike. “By making these stories accessible, we can instill a lifelong enthusiasm for reading,” Osborne asserts.

Among the exciting future goals, First Book aims to reach 6.5 million children annually, with an ambitious target of serving the estimated 27 million children in underserved communities by the year 2030. Achieving this goal will require broad community support, from funding to advocacy. First Book calls upon educators, volunteers, and community members to get involved and help amplify the message of literacy.

The upcoming celebration on November 17 is not just about numbers; it celebrates the countless stories unlocked by these 42 million books. It showcases the shared belief that reading can transform lives, nurture imaginations, and create bridges between generations through shared stories.

Anyone interested in joining this movement can learn more about becoming a First Book member, which provides access to numerous resources designed to promote literacy and ignite a passion for reading among the youth. For further information, visit the First Book website at firstbook.org/register.

Together, First Book and Penguin Random House envision a future where every child has the chance to experience the magic of reading, proving that with the right resources, anything is possible.