The Pennsylvania Center for the Book’s Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy is a nationwide, annual initiative to screen over 1,000 picture books each year with the goal of identifying the top thirteen books that support family literacy program goals and are suited to the interests and developmental characteristics of children between three and six years of age.
This list is released nationally, searchable in the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database, and used by libraries, schools, family centers, and elsewhere to inspire the youngest audience members to become lifelong readers and lovers of books.
The Baker's Dozen initiative began with the first juried booklist in 2003, and as of 2025, is in its 22nd year. The initiative was conceived, designed, and collaboratively co-founded by Dr. Steven Herb, Director Emeritus, Pennsylvania Center for the Book, and Dr. Sara Willoughby-Herb, Professor Emerita of Early Childhood Education, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
The Baker’s Dozen: 13 Best Books for Family Literacy booklist is accompanied by activities tailored to each book on the list (available free, online) to assist parents, caregivers, and educators with enhancing young learner's reading experience while advancing reading comprehension. These activities are authored by jury members with expertise in early childhood education and family literacy.
The "Baker's Dozen" 2025 selection jury:
- Ellysa Stern Cahoy, Distinguished Librarian, Education Library, and Director, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book, Penn State University Libraries, University Park
- Erica King, Instructional Designer, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book, Penn State University Libraries, University Park
- Lori McMonigal, Manager for Innovation and Special Projects, TIU Community Education and Workforce Services, PA Careerlink Mifflin County
- Phoebe Quaynor, Postdoctoral Scholar, Africana Research Center and African studies, Penn State, University Park
- Susan Schubert, retired special education teacher and instructional coach, Camp Hill School District and Capital Area Head Start
- Tugce B. Arda Tuncdemir, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State Harrisburg
- Sara Willoughby Herb, Professor Emerita of Early Childhood Education, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Special thanks to the following PA Center for the Book staff members for their deep and collaborative support of The Baker's Dozen project:
- James McCready, Library Services Specialist
- Casey Sennett, Outreach and Social Media Coordinator
The Baker’s Dozen is co-sponsored by the University Libraries.