Zimmer, 49, co-founded the nonprofit organization First Book in 1992. Since then, she has devoted her career to providing new books at any place kids gather to encourage a love of reading among children in need.

Do you have a favorite children’s book?

I have millions of favorites that I enjoy with my two boys. I do remember the first book that I read by myself: “The World of Pooh.” I still have the copy that my parents gave to me as a little girl.