FROM SARAH:

Matt Tavares brings us another brilliant picture book biography that’s perfect for sports fans of all ages. The grit, determination, and passion in Pedro’s story is wonderfully inspiring, but I think the best part of this book is the deep bond of brotherhood shared between Pedro and his older brother, Ramon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Before Pedro Martínez pitched the Red Sox to a World Series championship, before he was named to the All-Star team eight times, before he won the Cy Young three times, he was a kid from a place called Manoguayabo in the Dominican Republic. Pedro loved baseball more than anything, and his older brother Ramon was the best pitcher he’d ever seen. He’d dream of the day he and his brother could play together in the major leagues — and here, Matt Tavares tells the story of how that dream came true.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Dover edition, first published in 1968, is an unabridged and unlatered republication of the work originally pub;ished by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1883.

**Description from Amazon: The winner of numerous awards and recipient of four starred reviews, Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs is a stunning and heartbreaking story of growing up, wrapped in a modern-day fairy tale.Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into ...

FROM SARAH:

A lovely story worth checking out from your library. Be ready to take your kids out for puddle-jumping afterward!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Sarah and her younger brother Charlie go to stay with their grandparents, it rains for days. At first, they have fun exploring inside the big, old house, but eventually they want to explore outside, too. When the storm passes, Sarah, Big T., Charlie and Keeper the dog go exploring. They jump in puddles, draw a puddle map and finally find the biggest puddle in the world.

FROM SARAH:

Part of Jennifer Nielson's absolutely astounding Ascendence series. Highly recommended for ages 12+ (and for mamas who need to get sucked into a book!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Jaron as he embarks on his final adventure!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frank has always been obsessed with elephants. He loves their hosepipe trunks, tree stump feet, and swish-swish tails. So when Miss Fancy, the elephant, retires from the circus and moves two blocks from his house to Avondale Park, he's over the moon! Frank really wants to pet her.

FROM SARAH:

Nobody does Christmas picture books better than Tomie dePaola. This gorgeous rendering of the visit of the Three Wise Kings deserves a place in your permanent home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

FROM SARAH:

I'll admit it—I'm an easy sell on any book by Leo Lionni! I loved this book as a child and have enjoyed revisiting it with my own children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's an extraordinary day on Pebble Island for three frogs when one of them discovers a beautiful white egg. They've never seen a chicken egg before, but they're sure that's what this must be. So when the egg hatches and out crawls a long green, scaly creature, they naturally call it . . . a chicken! From award winning-artist Leo Lionni, here's a hilarious case of mistaken identity that children are sure to delight in.

FROM SARAH:

Who better to teach kids to draw creepy crawlies than the Icky Bug Man himself, Ralph Masiello? With simple, step-by-step instructions—and extra challenges for more experienced artists—this how-to book will have kids on their way to drawing bug masterpieces.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This easy-to-follow guide makes it simple for bug-lovers and aspiring artists alike to learn how to draw creepy crawlies of all different varieties. In step-by-step illustrations, beloved author/illustrator Ralph Masiello shows kids how to use circles, ovals, and other shapes to draw simple, lifelike portraits of their favorite insects. From a beetle to a stink bug to a caterpillar, THE BUG DRAWING BOOK offers a wide range of insects that artists can bring to life as well as an invitation for artists to create their own imaginary creepy crawlers. The simple shapes and sequenced steps will encourage both confidence and creativity for artists at any level.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Kelly McGillis

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 28 min

FROM SARAH:

This series is hands-down my favorite collection of folk tales. Anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Another popular retelling by Paul Galdone joins the Folk Tale Classics series! Convinced the sky is falling, Henny Penny and a band of gullible friends march off to tell the news...

FROM SARAH:

This is a long one, so read it like it's a chapter book. Maurice Sendak's illustrations are just marvelous!

Recommended for ages 4+, including your teens!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

Maurice Sendak designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker and created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book. He joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

**Description from Amazon: The seventh book in the Rose Years series, the story of the spirited daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series.A whole new world opens up for Rose Wilder when she leaves Rocky Ridge Farm and moves to Louisiana to live with her aunt Eliza Jane. Rose is sixteen now, and she thrives in ...

Available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Long ago in London Town, at a time when the muffin man's cries began the day and the lamplighter ushered in the night, two young orphans lived together in the bleak, cold shelter of a public workhouse.

Lucy Wolcott and her little sister Glory have no one in the world but each other. Every day, they labor from dawn to dusk stitching blankets and sacks. There is scant little to eat and the nights are cold and damp. The only ray of light in their lives comes from the stories that Lucy invents, stories about a family she barely remembers, and a lot doll named Morning Glory who, Lucy promises, is destined to return to them someday.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Elizabeth Bessie Coleman was always being told what she could & couldn't do. In an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, it was not easy to survive. Bessie didn't let that stop her. Although she was only 11 when the Wright brothers took their historic flight, she vowed to become the first African -American female pilot. Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination.

FROM SARAH:

One of the best tales representing the world of Ancient Rome- slave galleys and battles at sea, chariot races, centurions, and more, all set against the backdrop of the life of Christ. A stunning epic that teens- especially boys- love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A timeless work of inspiration, perseverance, and faith, Ben-Hur was a bestseller from the time it was published in the 1880s well until the 1930s. It has been adapted into a play and an Academy Award-winning film. No wonder Wallace’s desire to be remembered as a highly successful military hero has been thwarted. Instead, he is best known as the author of this well-loved tale of human despair and redemption.

**Description from Amazon: A subject dear to children’s hearts is in the spotlight as Leslie Patricelli’s beloved baby character returns. Everybody does it: Kitty, Doggie, Daddy — even Mommy! And when Leslie Patricelli’s beloved bald baby does it while running, it sounds like a train. This frank and very funny look at...

FROM SARAH:

Your young gardeners may find sunflower inspiration in this one! Eve Bunting is one of my favorite picture book authors.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A charming tale about inventive children who plant some summer fun.

More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out...

FROM SARAH:

A sweet, inspiring wordless story. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The story of a girl who chooses to walk with Vanessa after she is bullied.. and that makes all the difference. Sweet and inspiring.

**Description from Amazon: A baby who howls all night, parents at their wits' end, and a big sister who accidentally on purpose started it all. With warmth and wry humor, Marla Frazee's refreshingly unsentimental interpretation of a timeless folk lullaby will bring a smile to the face of even the most exhausted family member.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, I just love this book so much. Who hasn't stood on the edge of a diving board, wondering if they can garner the courage to jump? Delightful from start to finish. I think this one is worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

FROM SARAH:

A perfect picture book to pair with your World War II studies!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

World War II is in full force across the seas. It's 1943, President Roosevelt is in office, and Diana's father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief advisor. And Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some well-intentioned missteps, the President requests her help with his newest plan for the country's survival: Victory Gardens!

FROM SARAH:

Of all of Sally Clarkson's books, this remains my favorite. It was the book I needed when I was drowning (and yes, desperate) with six young kids, three of them age 1 and under. I both read it and listened to the audio version.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It’s for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the “experts” have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality.

FROM SARAH:

Best for your very youngest kids, this is a book in Grace Lin's colorful Storytelling Math series.

Recommended for ages 0-6.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Olivia and Mei jump in the snow all the way to the tall tree. Mei takes a few big leaps like a deer. Olivia makes lots of smaller hops like a bunny. Each jumps “more” in a different way. A playful exploration of measurement, proportion, and friendship.

FROM SARAH TEAM:

Another cozy read from Karma Wilson in her beloved "Bear" series, this is a wonderful book to mark that exciting milestone of a lost tooth!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bear and his friends are munching on their lunch when all of sudden… Bear feels something wiggling and wobbling in his mouth. Oh no! What can it be? It’s Bear’s first loose tooth!

In this sweet story, Bear’s friends ease his concerns about his wiggly, wobbly tooth and help him understand that losing a baby tooth is perfectly natural.

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.

**Description from Amazon: Retells the traditional Mexican story about the country's patron saint, the Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to a poor Indian named Juan Diego in 1531

FROM SARAH:

This book is a masterpiece. Truly. Buy it. Keep it forever. And note the masterful use of circles all throughout. RAR Members, don't miss the Family Book Club on this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Be transported to the seaside in this timeless tale of life inside a Lighthouse. This book won the 2019 Caldecott Award for good reason. Spend some time enjoying the lush illustrations.

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for Nature Study any time of year, this sweet picture book invites us to use our imagination and dream about all the things a leaf can be. Check out the other books in this series and treat your readers to beautiful illustrations and brand-new ways to think about the simplest elements of nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A leaf can be a...shade spiller, mouth filler, tree topper, rain stopper. Find out about the many roles leaves play in this poetic exploration of leaves throughout the year. Purdie Salas's lyrical, rhyming text and Violeta Dabija's glowing illustrations make simple yet profound observations about seemingly ordinary objects and encourage readers to suggest "what else it can be!" Using metaphors for a leaf (tree topper / rain stopper), a rock (hopscotch marker / fire sparker), and water (thirst quencher / kid drencher), these insightful picture books creatively highlight a variety of roles and relationships in nature.

FROM SARAH:

A fun story similar to Mr. Gumpy's Outing, but with Minnesota flair and a whole lot of humor!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I set off one morning in my little red canoe.My dog wagged his tail."Can I come, too?""You bet," I said."A trip for two―just me and you."When a girl and her dog set out on a canoe trip together, they're expecting a quiet afternoon for two. Then a beaver decides to join them, even when the girl pro...

FROM SARAH:

A stunning, heart-breaking-and-remaking twist on the ancient Greek myths, this beautiful novel is a tribute to friendship and the kind of love that lasts long after loss. It deals heavily with the death of a parent, but it is redemptive and hopeful, leaving readers 8 and up with a sense of joy and gratitude for the life we have been given.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Critically acclaimed author Corey Ann Haydu crafts a spellbinding tale following the modern-day descendants of ancient Greek gods—and how two young girls struggling against the weight of the family history end up becoming their own epic myth with large consequences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this unique collection, Tomie dePaola shares his love of Christmas and all the delightful twists his life has taken. Christmas Remembered is a delightful window into the life of one of the great American children's book author/ artists.

**Description from Amazon: A classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, America's beloved storyteller. When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The for...

**Description from Amazon: Faith, Hope and Poetry explores the poetic imagination as a way of knowing; a way of seeing reality more clearly. Presenting a series of critical appreciations of English poetry from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day, Malcolm Guite applies the insights of poetry to contemporary issues and the con...

FROM SARAH:

Do you remember the excitement of your first sleepover? Maybe you felt a little nervous like Ira and wanted to bring a buddy along. This classic picture book is a delightful reminder that the best kind of friend will always welcome you (and your teddy bear) with open arms.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A charming and relatable picture book about a child's first sleepover experience from the beloved author-illustrator of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.

**Description from Amazon: This collection contains one tale for each hour including "Master Clock: How Boots Befooled the King," "The Three Little Pigs and the Ogre," and others. A large measure of Pyle's amazing success with youngsters is his genius as an illustrator and this book includes some of his most unforgettable d...

**Description from Amazon: Inside an ordinary middle school in an ordinary city, a small redheaded eighth grader is doing something very ordinary, indeed. Ever since Charlotte Mielswetzski and her cousin, Zee, saved the world, life has been rather ordinary. Ordinary, that is, if you call being ultramegagrounded (in Charlott...

FROM SARAH:

"School" can mean many different things, and nobody knows his better than a homeschooling family! In this book set in Chad, Africa, the children build a school as their first "lesson." Lovely, inspiring, a joy to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It is the first day of school in Chad, Africa. Children are filling the road. "Will they give us a notebook?" Thomas asks. "Will they give us a pencil? Will I learn to read?" But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson."

FROM SARAH:

A classic fantasy novel that my older kids loved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children discover an ancient map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. They know immediately that it is special. It is even more than that -- the key to finding a grail, a source of power to fight the forces of evil known as the Dark.

Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don't know each other . . . and they're not sure they want to.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Author/illustrator Ralph Masiello explores the world of dragon lore, from the mystical Australian rainbow serpent to the revered imperial dragon of China. Just follow the steps in red to create your own mythical, magical beasts. Extra bonus steps in blue show how to add realistic scales and more advanced details.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: John Cleese

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 25 min

FROM SARAH:

This series is hands-down my favorite collection of folk tales. Anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young readers are sure to delight in Galdone's version of this classic story, and the lively illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it perfect for reading aloud with little ones.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Where the Wild Things Are is fifty years old! Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. A must for every child's bookshelf.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Reenie and her mama love to go fishing down by the river. But the peace of their idyllic fishing spot is often marred by the appearance of Peter Troop and his daddy. Peter is up-jumpy and loud, scaring the fish away. And the Troops harbor some resentment toward them, too.

**Description from Amazon: The eighth and final installment in the Rose Years series, which tells the story of the spirited daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series.Rose Wilder has become an independent young woman. She leaves Rocky Ridge Farm, first for Kansas City to learn how to be a telegrapher, then for ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ferdinand is the world's most peaceful--and--beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree.

Also available on LibroFM.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ralph is not like the other mice at Mountain View Inn. He is always looking for excitement! Now all of his adventures are here in one audio collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in nearly everything else, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it all in, especially the cornet blowing of  Joe "King" Oliver. But after a run-in with the police, 11-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored Waif’s Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the school’s revered marching band.

Available on audio (Audible).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Christmas has been canceled in the town of Gloomsbury, and something must be done. So the Prince and Princess of Gingerbread attempt to save the day in this fun-filled holiday classic, written by Tim Raglin and Eric Metaxas and read by Susan Saint James.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart reveals the surprising ways seashells provide more than shelter to the mollusks that inhabit them.

FROM SARAH:

A lift-the-flap adventure for history-lovers and mystery-solvers! Vibrant, fascinating and tons of fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With more than 80 lift-the-flaps and with flaps under flaps, this book introduces readers to the truth behind some of ancient Greece's most incredible stories and superstitions. Children will learn about the society of ancient Greece, its sports, social hierarchy, and so much more. This immersive book unearths some of the most astonishing aspects of an illustrious culture.

FROM SARAH:

Another classic from Eric Carle! Be sure to include this one in your gardening/seeds/springtime stack.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Eric Carle’s classic story of the life cycle of a flower is told through the adventures of a tiny seed. This mini-book includes a piece of detachable seed-embedded paper housed on the inside front cover. Readers can plant the entire piece of paper and watch as their very own tiny seeds grow into beautiful wildflowers.

FROM SARAH:

I just love the BBC series based on these books, so I had to choose this one as a Mama Book Club choice in RAR Premium! All Things Bright and Beautiful picks up where All Creatures Great and Small leaves off, with James newly married to Helen.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Now newly married, Herriot journeys among the remote hillside farms and valley towns of the Yorkshire Dales, caring for their inhabitants―both two- and four-legged. Throughout, Herriot's deep compassion, humor, and love of life shine as we laugh, cry, and delight in the portraits of his many varied animal patients and their equally varied owners.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley - a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry - and anyone who reads about him - will find unforgettable.