FROM SARAH:

I think most everyone knows about this series by now, but juuuuuust in case it slipped your radar: yes, you want to read it. Oh, and so do your kids. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When Reynie Muldoon answers an ad looking for gifted children, he soon meets fascinating friends and finds himself on an adventure that will change his life... and quite possibly the world. First in a fantastic series.

FROM SARAH:

The way I understand it, the author of this book was homeschooled for a time, in which she and her sister (also an author) spent the majority of their time... reading! Being read to, reading to each other, and reading alone. This sparkling story is well-loved by boys and girls alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

FROM SARAH:

My favorite genre of all is picture book biography, and one of my all-time favorite pb biographers? Barb Rosenstock. I think you'll know why when you hear her on RAR episode #151: It's a Story... So What? This story is one of my favorites about Vincent Van Gogh. Gorgeously illustrated by the incomparable Mary GrandPré.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Vincent van Gogh often found himself unable to sleep and wandered under starlit skies. Those nighttime experiences provided the inspiration for many of his paintings, including his most famous, The Starry Night. Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime--but he continued to pursue his unique vision, and ultimately became one of the most beloved artists of all time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Twelve-year-old Georgia assumed she would one day be the last Restorationist protecting art from evil forces. So she was thrilled when her cousin Vincent finally joined the family calling.

But Vincent’s flashier Gift makes Georgia feel like a sidekick rather than a hero. And things only get more complicated and perilous after he willingly steps into the heart of danger.

Will the remnants of the Restorationists’ society fracture under the pressure of the Distortionists’ schemes? Or is Georgia’s Gift really enough to rescue her family, the art world, the Restorationists—and ultimately save the day?

FROM SARAH:

This book tells the story of Lily and her life-changing decision to leave behind almost certain fame to serve the poor is deeply moving. Her vision, creativity and devotion changed countless lives, reminding us that sometimes the greatest adventure is found when we choose a purpose far bigger than ourselves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

“I will make you the greatest living artist in all of England! But you must work very hard at your art, and you must decide between your art and your work with the poor.” This was the choice that John Ruskin, the celebrated Victorian art critic, presented to the young Lilias Trotter. With a storyteller’s eye and ear, Sally Oxley traces the steps that led up to this turning point in Lilias Trotter’s life and the amazing adventure that followed as she turned her back on worldly fame and set out in faith for the mission work in North Africa.

FROM SARAH:

For those of us who have ever loved a painting so much we wish we could reach inside and touch it, this beautiful picture book is an absolute delight. We get to follow Katie as she explores five of Vincent Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings, celebrating the moment where art meets adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Katie as she steps into some of the most famous paintings in the world for an exciting art adventure!

FROM SARAH:

This one is art biography, part activity book. It's a fascinating walk through Van Gogh’s life is filled with opportunities to practice your own art, all while learning more about what inspired some of his most famous works.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

See the world through Vincent van Gogh's eyes and be inspired to produce your own masterpieces.

FROM SARAH:

I think you'll just love Rose’s story. She was the underestimated, unsung hero of her museum, proving that one person’s cleverness, courage and love can change the course of history.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This riveting, “visually stunning” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book biography tells the true story of Rose Valland’s valiant efforts to save thousands of works of art during World War II by becoming a spy in her own museum.

FROM SARAH:

Ravi and his friends are back for the fantastic and thrilling conclusion to “The Restorationists” series. This trilogy is perfect for art-loving kids who enjoy courage filled quests and rich, creative worlds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A foe-turned-friend must learn to trust his new allies or risk losing his chance of finding a forever home in this thrilling conclusion of the award-winning Restorationists trilogy.

FROM SARAH:

An epic, faith-based fantasy full of courage and friendship; this novel is one you won’t want to miss. With its complex themes of light and darkness and wonderfully redemptive storyline, I’d recommend it for readers ten and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A band of misfits seek to fight the darkness that’s slowly overcoming their kingdom—the start of a grand adventure series in the tradition of The Chronicles of Narnia and the Wingfeather Saga.