FROM SARAH:

An exquisite story. In fact, there are five books in the series and they just keep getting better and better! This is storytelling at its best. I highly recommend the audio versions, which are narrated by actress Glenn Close. Get the Family Book Club Guide for the whole series in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the late 1800s, Anna’s father advertises for a wife and mother for Anna and her brother Caleb. Sarah answers the ad describing herself as “plain and tall,” but of course, she is so much more. Great for fans of Little House on the Prairie!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There is nothing like the first experience of having a child, a life-changing experience that completely transforms the meaning of love. While all babies in the family are special, a new sibling can be an especially challenging emotional transition for the firstborn, and this unique story addresses those insecurities head-on in a most gentle and lyrical way. You Were the First is also a touching tribute to any baby's early milestones--those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here's a loving ode to every child's--and parent's--momentous "firsts."

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan and Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola have joined forces to create a stunning and lyrical new bedtime picture book that’s sure to become an instant classic.

FROM SARAH:

From the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. All year long Lily and Liam look forward to the holidays at their grandparents’ farm. It’s always the perfect trip, but this year it's different than any other... Also available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This holiday classic from a beloved author rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.

FROM SARAH:

I love this book so much, I selected it for its own Family Book Club at RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan’s poignant text and award-winning artist Kenard Pak’s gentle and rustic illustrations paint the picture of a beautiful red barn and the people who call it home.

FROM SARAH:

Patricia MacLachlan and Micha Archer pair up in this stunning book... it may be one of my favorites on this list! We chose it for RAR Premium Family Book Club and got to talk with Micha about making the gorgeous collage illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Cool summer mornings begin with the rose orange sun and the smell of earth, and fade into hot summer nights with a yellow moon, covered in a quilt of stars. There are wagon rides, farm dogs, trips into town, and games of kick the can. These are prairie days.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Could anything be more perfect than a prairie wedding? As the Witting family comes together for this most special day, Cassie sees that life brings the change of seasons, brother Jack on Grandfather's lap, joy, sorrow, and a special dance only Grandfather does.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!?

FROM SARAH:

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Maine was beautiful, but Anna missed home, and Papa. And as the weeks went by, she began to wonder what would happen if the rains never came. Would she and Caleb and Sarah and Papa ever be a family again?

FROM SARAH: 

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets.

Recommended for ages 7-14.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. That is, before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn, and everything changes.

FROM SARAH:

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Change is inevitable, even on the prairie. Something new is expected, and Sarah says it will be the perfect gift. Cassie isn't so sure. But just as life changes, people change too. And Cassie learns that unexpected surprises can bring great joy.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely story from an RAR favorite author about being lonley, being needed, and having something to contribute. We met the delightful illustrator (and her fantastic boots!) in RAR Premium. Premium members can access a Family Book Club for this book right here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nora and her family have just arrived from Russia and are making a new home on the American frontier. The prairie is very different from the forested hills Nora is used to. Most of all, it’s lonely. Nora has no one and nothing to call her own until Papa brings home a dozen chicks and two geese. Nora names each one, and they follow her everywhere—even to church! But what will happen when one of her beloved chicks goes missing?

FROM SARAH:

Micha Archer is (easily) one of my favorite current illustrators. Her collages in this story are particularly rich and vibrant, and I love the way she uses light. A book worth adding to your permanent collection. There is a Family Book Club Guide available for this title in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the very last evening before the new year, when the snow is falling soft and thick, two black horses wait for the jingle of their sled. As they ride about town, they will spread light to their beloved neighbors, bidding farewell to the last night—and saying hello to the first morning.