FROM SARAH:

It's possible these are best early readers on the list! I just can't get enough of Mr. Putter, Tabby, or any of their friends. I was always delighted when my kids chose these books to practice reading on. (I also just enjoyed reading them aloud!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The gentle, affecting first volume introduces elderly Mr. Putter, who decides that a cat will keep him from feeling lonely. Rylant’s texts reflect admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word.

FROM SARAH:

A November classic worth a read, year after year. I love everything Cynthia Rylant writes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends

FROM SARAH:

In general, if a book is written by Cynthia Rylant, then I want to read it. Aloud. Many times. And this is no exception.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them? Perhaps more than we realize.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the 20th anniversary of their first collaboration, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and Caldecott Honor artist Diane Goode reunite for a story about the joy and warmth of Christmastime.

FROM SARAH:

Here's what I know: if Cynthia Rylant wrote it, then I want to read it. This is a lovely poetic tribute to snow, perfect for a cozy winter read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Cynthia Rylant’s lyrical descriptions of the sights and feelings evoked by falling snow blend gorgeously with the rich and beautiful world created by Lauren Stringer’s illustrations, in which a young girl, her friend, and her grandmother enjoy the many things a snowy day has to offer.

FROM SARAH:

There is simply no book Cynthia Rylant has written that I don't love! This one just *feels* like summer in the countryside.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There is no night so dark, so black as night in the country. And while the people dream of daytime things, the nighttime world awakens. Owls swoop, a rabbit patters, and in the yard an apple falls -- pump! -- from the tree.
Listen. Go to the window. Across the field a light glows. Who else is up so late?

FROM SARAH:

I love reading aloud this book before we're about to have company. There's just nothing quite like when the relatives come, is there?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the relatives arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars.
When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer.

FROM SARAH:

Cynthia Rylant famously said that she wrote this book in an hour. Astounding. It stands the test of time for a reason. I love Diane Goode's American folk style illustrations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An evocative remembrance of the simple pleasures in country living; splashing in the swimming hole, taking baths in the kitchen, sharing family times, each is eloquently portrayed here in both the misty-hued scenes and in the poetic text.
-Association for Childhood Education International

FROM SARAH:

Another winning series from master author Cynthia Rylant. The Henry and Mudge books delighted my twin boys, especially. We couldn't get enough of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.

FROM SARAH:

I just love all the Poppleton books (and, in fact, every single early reader written by Cynthia Rylant). Delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poppleton the pig makes a friend, reads a library book about adventure, and helps a sick friend get better.

This one has my vote for the 2017 Caldecott. A work of art, and a picture book that will leave you with fresh hope and eyes wide open to the beauty that surrounds you everyday.

NARRATED BY: Mark Nelson

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 14 min

NARRATED BY: Mark Nelson

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 14 min

NARRATED BY: John McDonough

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 12 min

NARRATED BY: John McDonough

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 10 min

NARRATED BY: John McDonough

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 8 min

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Life with only the sea can be lonely. Just ask Pandora and Seabold—they've lived most of their lives with the sea,  and they're each quite used to being alone. Or they were. But one day, something extraordinary happens... (this book is the beginning of a series)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Tender watercolors capture the charm of this heartwarming story of an old woman who doesn’t know she’s lonely until she meets a plucky puppy who needs a name—and someone to love.

FROM SARAH:

Here's the deal. If you ever (ever ever ever) see a book by Cynthia Rylant, you should buy it and add it to your home collection. This particular title includes Wendy Anderson Halperin's charming illustrations that will certainly keep your kids looking a little longer than necessary! Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With gracious text and enchanting images, Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed illustrator Wendy Anderson Halperin invite readers home--to remind us why there's no place like it!

FROM SARAH:

A lovely book to celebrate everyday beauties, ideal for a springtime read-aloud. Especially good for younger kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This lovely book illuminates all the possibilities a day offers—the opportunities and chances that won’t ever come again—and also delivers a gentle message of good stewardship of our planet.

FROM SARAH:

A simple story that your youngest readers will enjoy. If you're reading with older kids, it's a great book for discussing contrast!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery Medal–winning author Cynthia Rylant and Caldecott Honor-winning, bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson pair up to tell this wintry story about five little penguins enjoying a snowy day. Snowflakes? Many snowflakes. Winter is coming. So begins this ever-so-simple story. As the snow starts to fall, the excited penguins pull out scarves, mittens, heavy socks, and boots, and Mama helps them bundle up. But when it’s time to go out, one timid penguin decides to stay home. Filled with waddling baby penguins, playful text, and delightful illustrations, this book feels like a young picture-book classic in the making.

FROM SARAH:

There isn't a Cynthia Rylant book in existence that we don't love around here. :) This one is perfect for late spring rainy days.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When rain is on its way, some people and animals hurry home and get cozy inside. But others stay out to soak up the glorious showers! Wet drops bounce on leaves and roofs, creeks fill up, trees take a shower, cats have a show, and everyone relishes the rain.

FROM SARAH:

I love, love, love Poppleton! Actually, here's a secret (that's probably not-so-secret) -- I love *every* book I've ever read from Cynthia Rylant. She's the master of the early reader, well told! Don't miss the books in this whole series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poppleton the pig does some spring cleaning, tries to buy a bicycle, and stays up all night in a tent in his backyard

FROM SARAH:

Sweet stories about family, helping neighbors, meeting new friends, solving problems, and enjoying the seasons in their seaside lighthouse home. Everything Cynthia Rylant writes is oh-so-good, and this is no exception!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Life with only the sea can be lonely. Just ask Pandora and Seabold. They've lived most of their lives with the sea -- Pandora in a lighthouse and Seabold on a boat -- and they're each quite used to being alone. Or they were.
But one day, the sea did something extraordinary: It brought Pandora and Seabold together! And even better, the sea gave them the ingredients for an adventure that neither of them had considered before-an adventure called "family."

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For nine-year-old Flora Smallwood, Rosetown, Indiana, is full of surprises, many of the best of which happen at the Wing and a Chair Used Book Shop, where she loves to read vintage children’s books after school in the faded purple chair by the window.

But lately, those surprises haven’t been so good. Her dear old dog, Laurence, recently passed away. Not long after, her parents decided to take a breather from their marriage, and now Flora has to move back and forth between their two houses. Plus, she’s just begun fourth grade, and it is so much different than third.

Luckily Flora has two wonderful friends—one old and one new. And with them around to share thoughts and laughs and adventures big and small, life in Rosetown still has many sweet moments—and even some very happy surprises!