The 2025 Book List

There’s no better way to prepare a child for school than by teaching them to fall in love with books. It is a powerful first step towards success, not just in school but throughout life.

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.

Children receive up to 60 carefully staged books that are hand-picked by a committee of academics, authors, Indigenous advisors, teachers and librarians. The chosen books reflect the diversity of the wider community and include themes and concepts that encourage growing minds to explore, imagine, and learn.

United Way enhances the program by engaging dedicated support coordinators who share reading tips and provide digital resources. These tools maximise the program’s impact, empowering families to make the most of their reading experiences.

It is a simple truth: learning is a skill, and being read to is the very first step. Through shared reading, children develop the curiosity and confidence to embark on their educational journey.

To see the full list of books for this year, click below. Please note: titles may be subject to change.