The 2024 Book List

This article features the 2024 book list from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Please note that this list is no longer current. To view the most up-to-date information, check out the 2025 book list.

We know that there is no better way to prepare a child for school than teaching them to read. It is a powerful first step towards success at school, and beyond.

By putting a book into a child’s hand each month over 5 years, we give them a head start on their learning journey. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library supports parents and carers to be a child’s first teacher. It is a preparation for learning that helps to make reading a habit for children from birth.     

Children receive up to 60 carefully staged books that are hand-picked by a committee of academics, authors, Indigenous advisors, teachers and librarians ensuring they reflect the diversity of the wider community and include themes and concepts that support developing minds to grow.

United Way also engages dedicated support co-ordinators with reading tips, alongside digital resources to enable the greatest impact.

It is a simple truth; learning itself is a skill. Being read to is the very first step in a child’s journey of learning to learn.

To see the complete 2024 book list click below.