Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When it’s time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it’s important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths so good listening can begin. Tips for parents and caregivers included.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of original, United States-themed poetry for children accompanied by striking photos. The book demonstrates a variety of common poetic forms and defines poetic devices.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of original, school-themed poetry for children accompanied by striking photos. The book demonstrates a variety of common poetic forms and defines poetic devices.

There's a poem to celebrate every moment in life-whether it's hitting a home run, watching a sunset, or laughing with your best friend. A poem is a gift of the heart that can inspire, reassure, or challenge us. Memorize it-share it-it's yours forever.In this diverse collection, a companion to her Ne...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A classic celebration of childhood, A. A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young is a collection of poems that have touched the hearts of readers for more than 90 years. His verses sing with a playful innocence, weaving together the worlds of reality and enchanting make-believe. Published two years before Winnie-the-Pooh, careful readers will also discover the very first appearance of the Best Bear in All the World. These treasured poems are perfectly matched by Ernest Shepard's whimsical illustrations, which have delighted countless readers.

In this comprehensive collection, coauthors Julie Andrews and daughter Emma Walton Hamilton share a diverse assortment of their most cherished poems, songs, lullabies, hymns, and more.Featuring a wide range of beloved classics from William Shakespeare, Emily Dickenson, and Robert Frost to playful po...

FROM SARAH:

One of our all-time favorite audiobooks and one of my most frequent recommendations. Just the right amount of thrill and suspense to keep you turning pages. Your kids will never look at an owl the same again! (Heads-up, if you've got a particularly sensitive kiddo, wait until about age 7 or 8 for this one.) Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The second in author Avi’s Tales of Dimwood Forest Series, this tale features a large cast of animal characters, including Poppy, a shy mouse and Mr. Ocax, a great-horned owl and the authority of the forest. As Poppy begins to question the unjust authority of their woodland world, she embarks on an adventurous tale and finds inner bravery.

FROM SARAH:

All of the Ramona Quimby books are worth reading again and again. We love the audiobooks narrated by Stockard Channing. (My daughter, Clara, has memorized large passages by listening to these over and over.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Oh Ramona! There’s so much to learn, and it seems that often, she has to learn it the hard way. These tales about her family are funny and sweet. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a Newberry Honor Book. (We recommend the entire series!)

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In pursuit of his lost shadow, a young boy named Peter Pan dashes into the bedroom of three children named Wendy, Michael, and John. After much blundering about, Wendy manages to reattach Peter's frenetic shadow, and in return, Peter propositions the three siblings to accompany him back to his home in a place he calls Neverland.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of wacky, whimsical poems about books and all the treasures they contain--honored with the Minnesota Book Award; NCTE Notable; Bank Street Best Books; Librarians' Choice; Honor Book - Gelett Burgess Center for Creative Expression; White Ravens book; and Nerdy Book Award. Laura Purdie S...

**Description from Amazon: Is a mealworm a worm or an insect? How long does the pupa stage last? Crawl through the pages of this book, and learn about the life cycle of a beetle.

**Description from Amazon: These contemporary “fables” are instructive, hilarious, and now in paperback!The fourth graders at Aesop Elementary are, well, unusual. There’s Calvin Tallywong, who wants to go back to kindergarten. But when he actually gets the chance, he’s forced to do the squirrel dance and wear a yello...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From the acclaimed author of The Great and Only Barnum—as well as The Lincolns, Our Eleanor, and Ben Franklin's Almanac—comes the thrilling story of America's most celebrated flyer, Amelia Earhart.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To heal the hurt pride of Thomas Jefferson as Congress makes changes to his Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin tells his friend the story of a hatmaker and his sign.

**Description from Amazon: What's an opera singer to do when the appeal of performing in concert halls wears thin? Why, go West, of course! And sure as shootin', that's what Carlotta Carusa does. Out on the prairie, she finds all the adventure she's been craving: snarling wolves, disastrous droughts, and that no-good villain ...

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, I do love a picture book written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! is another one not to miss!) This one is fun to read aloud again and again. The longer-than-usual text makes it best for slightly older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.

Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?

FROM SARAH:

This book is laugh-out-loud funny and oh-so-much fun to read aloud. One of my highest springtime recommendations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. McGreeley had decided to plant a garden. But when bunnies start making nightly visits and eating up his harvest, he plots to keep those twitch-whiskers from stealing any more of his vegetables.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of original, weather-themed poetry for children accompanied by striking photos. The book demonstrates a variety of common poetic forms and defines poetic devices.

**Description from Amazon: Who builds lodges? Who creates amazing towers? Who digs burrows? You’re invited to visit the different homes that animals build.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Professional storyteller Patrick Ryan has brought together the stories that are at the heart of seven of Shakespeare's masterpieces.

**Description from Amazon: Enthralling prose retellings for young readers of some of Shakespeare's most beloved works. This selection of works features The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and O...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Twelve of Shakespeare's greatest tales come to life in this entertaining collection of short, lively stories specially adapted for young readers. Capturing the vital events and using some of the original wording, the stories serve as a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for preteens and as literate refreshers for older folks.

This Young Reader's Shakespeare series is a favorite.The series is out of print but still worth hunting down.

A dramatic and modern retelling of the classic drama with superb art throughout. Written by an outstanding scholar, this made-just-for-them Hamlet will foster in children a lifetime love of the Bard. The language is simple yet eloquent, and draws the children into the story with superb dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events. The skillful blending of Shakespeare's own lines with modern language and illuminating information enhances youngsters' involvement and comprehension.

FROM SARAH:

This one will probably most appeal for teen girls. I enjoyed it on my own!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren's two suitors―one welcome, and the other decidedly less so―brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.

FROM SARAH:

A retelling of the Grimm's tale by the same name, this well-paced plot will reel in your teens right from the start—and this one isn't just for girls! There's plenty of adventure, romance, and hand-to-hand combat to keep everyone engaged. This is the first in a series by Shannon Hale. Watch her Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, spends the first years of her life listening to her aunt's stories and learning the language of the birds, especially the swans. As she grows up, Ani develops the skills of animal speech, but she never feels quite comfortable speaking with people.

FROM SARAH:

This is not a girl book. It's an adventure story. Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. But not so any longer. Action-packed and riveting! Meet Shannon Hale in her Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.

**Description from Amazon: Growly, Chippy, and Tully have braved the Ocean and a mysterious ruined city to find C.J., the elder bear who disappeared many years before. Now, with time running out, the friends must search for clues to find a way back up The Precipice. As their journey takes them into places unknown, Growly is ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Growly’s adventure has taken him far from home in search of C.J., his grandfather’s long-lost friend who disappeared over The Precipice. Now, the desperate quest continues as Growly, Chippy, and Tully find themselves facing a journey across the Ocean. In a makeshift sailboat, Growly and his friends embark on their greatest adventure yet. It is a journey that will take them to far-off lands and mysterious cities—into the unknown … across the wide, wide water.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tales from Shakespeare is an English children's book written by Charles Lamb with his sister Mary Lamb.

The book reduced the archaic English and complicated storyline of Shakespeare to a simple level that children (and many adults!) could easily read and comprehend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is young William, His mind all ablaze, Who stays up all night Writing poems and plays. And this is a book, unforgettable and wise, that applauds inspiration, creation, story, and the world and works of William Shakespeare

FROM SARAH:

Comic book style depictions of seven of Shakespeare's plays. These are funny and well done. Your library might have this book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Come wend your way along London’s Thames River to the Globe Theatre, where seven favorite Shakespearean plays are being performed! Marcia Williams brings to life ROMEO AND JULIET, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, JULIUS CAESAR, HAMLET, MACBETH, THE WINTER'S TALE, and THE TEMPESTt, making liberal use of Shakespeare’s rich dialogue.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Where's Will? Can you spot him? Look carefully, and you'll find him hiding amongst colourful scenes from some of his best-loved plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Twelfth Night. In addition to Will, there are a number of other characters for you to find from each of the ten featured plays.

Each play is summarized so that, as well as having fun, you can become a mini-expert on the world's greatest playwright and some of his finest works.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

May the verse be with you! Return once more to a galaxy far, far away with this retelling of George Lucas’s Star Wars® Trilogy in the style of the immortal William Shakespeare.

FROM SARAH:

A nonfiction picture book packed with info about the man who was Shakespeare, the Globe Theatre, and many of Shakespeare's plays. An excellent resource to keep in your home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From Hamlet to Romeo and Juliet to A Midsummer Night′s Dream, Shakespeare′s celebrated works have touched people around the world. Aliki combines literature, history, biography, archaeology, and architecture in this richly detailed and meticulously researched introduction to Shakespeare′s world.

From Sarah:

If you're going to read just one biography about Shakespeare himself, I'd suggest making it this one. It makes for a quick and enjoyable read-aloud for all ages.

From the Publisher:

The beloved plays of Shakespeare are still produced everywhere, yet the life of the world's most famous playwright remains largely a mystery. Young Will left the town of Stratford to pursue theater in London, where his work eventually thrived and made him a famous and wealthy man. With black-and-white illustrations that include a diagram of the famous Globe theater, Celeste Davidson Mannis puts together the pieces of Shakespeare's life and work for young readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

**Description from Amazon:  After taking her children to visit Shakespeare’s house, E. Nesbit – one of the greatest of children’s novelists – was faced with a conundrum:   “I can’t understand a word of it,” said Iris.    “And you said it was so beautiful,” Rosamund added, reproachfully. “Wha...

**Description from Amazon: These eight Shakespeare plays, retold in prose by British author Andrew Matthews and beautifully illustrated by Angela Barrett, make a perfect introduction to the most famous writer in the Western world. As fresh today as when they were first performed, these stories are just right for entertaining ...

FROM SARAH:

He's an adorable bear and he's ready for a big adventure! My boys and girls both enjoyed the stories of Growly, starting here with Begin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather's long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home.

**Description from Amazon: Avi's haunting ghost story is available for the first time as a Scholastic paperback!When 12-year-old Kenny Huldorf moves to Providence, Rhode Island, he soon discovers that his attic bedroom is haunted by the ghost of a teenage slave named Caleb. Before long, Caleb summons Kenny back in time, where...

**Description from Amazon: Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing.    This modern fable is filled with funny--and profound--insights about the me...

FROM SARAH:

The quiet, gentle wakening of an island. Beware: you just might want to take a trip to a peaceful, quiet island after reading this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Conjuring the morning life around a cabin fragrant with berry pancakes, this timeless book wakens the child in every reader to the wonders of nature that greet every new day in the charmed world of a northern woodland island.

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 THE PUBLISHER:

"What good shall I do today?" How Ben Franklin answered that question -- through his work as a writer, printer, statesman, and inventor -- forever established him as one of America's greatest figures.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A new take on The Little Red Hen -- Cajun stylePoor Monsieur Gator is getting old and is moving so slow he can't catch himself a taste of possum or otter, or even a whiff of skunk. Day after day those animals tease and taunt him until, finally, he decides to cook up some gumbo just like Maman used to.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Candace Fleming deftly maneuvers between the plight of Russia’s poor masses and the extravagant lives of the Romanovs, from their opulent upbringings to the crumbling of their massive empire, and finally to their tragic murders. Using captivating photos and compelling first-person accounts throughout, The Family Romanov is history at its most absorbing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Imogene Tripp, a plucky girl with a passion for history. As a baby, her first words were “Four score and seven years ago.” In preschool, she finger-painted a map of the Oregon Trail.

FROM SARAH:

If I'm reading to a group of kids (especially at homeschool co-op), I will almost always choose this book. It's page-turning-tension and perfect read-aloud cadence makes it a kid favorite again and again. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young children will delight in repeating the refrain "OH, NO!" as one animal after another falls into a deep, deep hole in this lively read-aloud. This simple and irresistible picture book by hugely popular picture book creators—Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist Eric Rohmann—feels like a classic-in-the-making. Fans of Rohmann's Caldecott Medal­-winning My Friend Rabbit, will be thrilled to see a new book created in the same expressive and comical style.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Fans of adventure, romance, and a strong heroine will love this this action-packed historical trilogy by three-time Newbery Honor winner and New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Holm.1855.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

But does Little Otter listen? Oh, no! No. No. No. Little Otter thinks he's a big otter now, big enough to take care of himself. But watch out, Little Otter, because no matter how big you get, it's good to have loved ones looking out for you.

FROM SARAH:

I feel like I recommend a book by David Macaulay just about every week. This is one of my favorites, and it inspired my then-twelve-year-old daughter to create an entire, accurate castle out of clay. Macaulay's work is the epitome of illustration you want to look at longer than necessary. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawing...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s 1951, and twelve-year-old Pete Collison is a regular kid who loves detective stories and radio crime dramas. When an FBI agent shows up at Pete’s doorstep, accusing Pete’s father of being a Communist, Pete is caught in a real-life mystery. Could there really be Commies in his family?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
He may be just thirteen, but Jonathan knows he's ready to go to the war against the British. He can handle a gun. He yearns to battle for glory, just like his brother and cousin.

So when Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling men to fight, he runs to join them. He doesn't realize that in just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever altered -- by the war, by his fellow soldiers, and by the terrible choices he must make.

**Description from Amazon: A mouse has to do what a mouse has to do.Ragweed is determined to see the world. He leaves his family and cozy country home and sets off by train for the big city. What wonders await him: music, excitement, new friends...and cunning, carnivorous cats! Silversides is the purring president of F.E.A.R....

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winner of the Newbery Medal, Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an action-packed mystery and adventure from master storyteller Avi.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to return home from her school in England to her family in Rhode Island in the summer of 1832. But when the two families she was supposed to travel with mysteriously cancel their trips, Charlotte finds herself the lone passenger on a long sea voyage with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. Worse yet, soon after stepping aboard the ship, she becomes enmeshed in a conflict between them! What begins as an eagerly anticipated ocean crossing turns into a harrowing journey, where Charlotte gains a villainous enemy... and is put on trial for murder!

**Description from Amazon: Four stories are told simultaneously, with each double-page spread divided into quadrants. The stories do not necessarily take place at the same moment in time, but are they really one story?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Text and black and white illustrations show how the Romans planned and constructed their cities for the people who lived within them.

FROM SARAH:

I feel like I recommend a book by David Macaulay just about every week. Macaulay's work is the epitome of illustration you want to look at longer than necessary. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Readers worldwide recognize Caldecott Medal winner David Macaulay's imaginary Cathedral of Chutreaux. This critically acclaimed book has been translated into a dozen languages and remains a classic of children's literature and a touchstone for budding architects. Cathedral's numerous awards include a Caldecott Honor and designation as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Macaulay's intricate pen-and-ink illustrations.