FROM SARAH:

Fun fact: this is the series that first inspired Karina Yan Glaser to write her modern Vanderbeeker series! If you'd like, pair it with the All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the All-of-a-Kind Family. Together they share adventures that find them searching for hidden buttons while dusting Mama's front parlor and visiting with the peddlers in Papa's shop on rainy days. The girls enjoy doing everything together, especially when it involves holidays and surprises. But no one could have prepared them for the biggest surprise of all!

FROM SARAH:

One of my tippy-top recommendations . . . if your kids haven't met the Penderwicks yet, it's time! A summer of misadventure ensues when four sisters meet a very interesting boy (and a couple of rabbits, too!) at a summer cottage in New England. Boys and girls alike enjoy this whole series. Hear Jeanne Birdsall talk about writing this series on her episode of Read-Aloud Revival. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

*Note: There are a couple of instances of the Lord's name being used in vain by one of the characters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel's sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts.

FROM SARAH:

I love the smallness of this book, from its square shape to its carefully crafted little drawings. Jonathan Bean is a favorite around here, and this book is not to be missed!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On some nights, a snug bedroom is a hard place to fall asleep. On some nights, it's better to get away from slumbering, snoring family members and curl up alone with one's thoughts in the cool night air, under wide-open skies. In this charming bedtime fantasy, a sleepless city girl does just that, finding her surprising way to a serene rooftop version of a backyard campout. With captivating ink-and-watercolor illustrations and a simple, lyrical text, newcomer Jonathan Bean has created a soothing bedtime story that is sure to charm children and parents alike.

FROM SARAH:

Tired of wasting Saturdays doing nothing, the four Melendy children start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club (I.S.A.A.C.). If they pool their resources and take turns spending the whole amount, they can each have at least one memorable Saturday afternoon of their own. Before long, and every Saturday is definitely one to remember. I love this kind of classic big-family tale!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the Melendys, an unforgettable family that lives with their beloved housekeeper in New York City. The Melendy kids are tired of wasting Saturdays, so they start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club. And just what will happen on those Saturdays, I wonder?

FROM SARAH:

The art in this story is just stunning. Love that this is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, a world-renowned classical violinist who famously took his instrument to a busy subway for a free concert. You might be surprised to learn how many stopped to listen, and who. Enjoy this with a Family Book Club guide in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dylan is someone who notices things. His mom is someone who doesn’t. So try as he might, Dylan can’t get his mom to listen to the man playing the violin in the subway station. But Dylan is swept away by the beautiful music that fills the air as crowds of oblivious people hurry past.

FROM SARAH:

Follow along as Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer’s market. Darling. Read this book along with The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street or The Man with the Violin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One bright city morning, Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer's market. On street corners and train platforms, musicians and performers enchant Penelope, speaking to her through their floating, booming notes. The noise of the city keeps the pair moving―until Penelope hears a sound so magical she knows she has to play the instrument that makes it.

FROM SARAH:

I love books like this, where we peek into the windows of a building and see what everyone is up to. It turns out, everybody in the red brick building is up to something! From Caldecott Award winning illustrator, Oge Mora, who also illustrated Thank You, Omu! and The Oldest Student.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A chain reaction of noises wakes up several children (and a cat) living in an apartment building. But it’s late in the night, so despite the disturbances, one by one, the building’s inhabitants return to their beds—this time with a new set of sounds to lull them to sleep.