FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Having used four of the five wishes she is granted to make on behalf of the hapless citizens of her country, Morwenna flees the kingdom to decide what to do with the last wish.

FROM SARAH:

I can guarantee you this: you will never say, "I wish I had read fewer Frog and Toad books with my kids." :) Worth reading aloud or having your kids practice their developing reader skills on. Delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be. From sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, these two friends have fun together the whole year round!

FROM SARAH:

This gorgeous book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. writing his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Best suited to older kids due to longer text and mention of violence. An inspiring and worthy book to add to your reading.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. "It's terrible to be circling up there without a place to land."

Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

FROM SARAH:

This book is a gem, full of gorgeous pastel illustrations and a wonderful and fresh angle on Beatrix Potter's interesting life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Everyone knows Beatrix Potter as the creator of the Peter Rabbit stories. But before that, she was a girl of science. As a child, Beatrix collected nature specimens; as a young adult, she was an amateur mycologist presenting her research on mushrooms and other fungi to England's foremost experts. Like many women of her time, she remained unacknowledged by the scientific community, but her keen eye for observation led her to an acclaimed career as an artist and storyteller. A beloved author is cast in a new light in this inspiring picture book story.

**Description from Amazon: Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, live in Korea with their parents. Because Korea is under Japanese occupation, the children study Japanese and speak it at school. Their own language, their flag, the folktales Uncle tells them—even their names—are all part of the Korean culture that is now...

FROM SARAH:

I think Marion Dane Bauer writes some of the best poetic text for children around... and this book is a wintry delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise—yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.

**Description from Amazon: Long revered in both East and West, St. Lucia is an early virgin martyr whose life and legacy shine as a light of faith, hope, and compassion in the darkness of winter and sin. Lucia, Saint of Light introduces young readers to both her life and her delightful Christmas-related festival as it is trad...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Seven-year-old Louis Armstrong was too poor to buy a real instrument. He didn’t even go to school. To help his mother pay the rent, every day he rode a junk wagon through the streets of New Orleans, playing a tin horn and collecting stuff people didn’t want.

FROM SARAH:

I just love the narrative in the Jesus Storybook Bible, and how every story points us back to our Lord and Savior. The audiobook is especially fantastic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Featuring the beautiful writing of New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and the award-winning art of Jago, The Jesus Storybook Bible, Read-Aloud Edition tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible, inviting children to join in the greatest of all adventures.

FROM SARAH:

A perfect wordless book to read before your next camping trip.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Inside a tent it's cozy. But what is going on outside? Is it dark? Is it scary? Not if you have your trusty flashlight! Told solely through images and using a spare yet dramatic palette, artist Lizi Boyd has crafted a masterful exploration of night, nature, and art.

FROM SARAH:

If you loved "A Leaf Can Be", this companion picture book is perfect for your youngest nature explorers. Check out the whole series to find out what a leaf, a rock and water can be! What will they become in YOUR imagination?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rocks may seem like boring, static objects—until you discover that a rock can spark a fire, glow in the dark, and provide shelters of all shapes and sizes. Laura 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:

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:

It's not everyday that a sequel to a beloved story is as fantastic as the first, but Katherine Rundell has brought us back into the magical world of the Archipelago with just as much beauty, adventure, redemption and heart as she did in Impossible Creatures. Grab your tissues for this one, friends. It's not to be missed! Recommended for ages 12 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Return to the magic of the Archipelago in the dazzling sequel to the runaway, #1 New York Times bestseller Impossible Creatures, hailed as “an instant classic” (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan)!

FROM SARAH:

It's by Tomie dePaola, so of course it's wonderful! The early reader versions of Strega Nona are every bit as wonderful as the full-length tales they are based on.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover brand-new stories about Strega Nona, by acclaimed author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read series that’s perfect for beginning readers!Strega Nona is excited!

**Description from Amazon: Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller, this stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is t...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Called “a genius of gentle, high concept tales set in suburban middle school” by The New York Times, bestselling author Andrew Clements presents a compelling story of the greatest achievement possible—self-acceptance.

**Description from Amazon: For over half a century, scholars have laboured to show that C. S. Lewis's famed but apparently disorganised Chronicles of Narnia have an underlying symbolic coherence, pointing to such possible unifying themes as the seven sacraments, the seven deadly sins, and the seven books of Spenser's Faerie Q...

**Description from Amazon: Four Months Ago Sara Zapata's best friend disappeared, kidnapped by the web of criminals who terrorize Juarez.Four Hours Ago Sara received a death threat -- and with it, a clue to the place where her friend is locked away.Four Weeks Ago Emiliano Zapata fell in love with Perla Rubi, who will never be...

**Description from Amazon: Howard Pyle had many admirers among his contemporaries, including Vincent Van Gogh, who once said that Pyle’s work “struck me dumb with admiration.” Considering the famous painter was talking about artwork, the extent of Pyle’s ability and quality was clear.  In addition to teaching illustr...

**Description from Amazon: After their near-fatal battle with Poseidon, Charlotte and Zee would love nothing more than to relax and forget all over again that the Greek gods are real. But with the world in peril and no one else to save it, that just isn’t an option. Charlotte and Zee meet the Prometheans, an ancient brother...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At once funny and informative, Yaks Yak presents animals acting out the verbs made from their names. Illustrations rich in comic details show hogs hogging, slugs slugging, and other spirited creatures demonstrating homographs, words with different meanings that are spelled and pronounced the same. A chart listing the words, their meanings, and their history is included. Ideal for sharing, this book offers a delightful introduction to a fun form of wordplay.

FROM SARAH:

A wonderful addition to your collection. Notice how the shape of the book adds to the charm of the story, as well.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest.

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for poetry lovers who are weary of winter and ready for the green promise of spring.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color. Ivy In Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this one! It's the best kind of book about a nonfiction topic—lovely illustrations, wonderful storytelling, and worthy of a good rainy afternoon's reading.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A farmer and her son carefully plant seeds in their garden. In the wild garden, many seeds are planted too, but not by farmers’ hands. Different kinds of animals transport seeds, often without knowing it. Sometimes rain washes seeds away to a new location. And sometimes something extraordinary occurs.

FROM SARAH:

I love this reverent picture book with lush illustrations by Susan Jeffers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Full-color illustrations of the Nativity--the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of the Christ child, and the homage of the shepherds and the Magi--bring to life the wonder and joy of the traditional Christmas carol, in this holiday gift edition.

FROM SARAH:

Another gorgeous book in one of my favorite picture book series! This one was inspired by the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, part of the Western Everglades.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over the swamp, the barred owl hoots, and the great egret swoops down on snowy wings. The slow mazes of waterways are quiet with the shush of reeds and grasses. But under the swamp’s soft shadows, there’s a whole hidden world of panthers and orchids, red-bellied turtles and raccoons, lurking alligators and singing frogs. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book reveals all the fascinating creatures living just out of sight in the branches and depths over and under the wetland.

With the help of Ralph Masiello, young artists have learned how to draw bugs, dinosaurs, dragons, robots, roosters and pigs, seahorses and sharks, pyramids and sphinxes, pumpkins and ghouls. Next up: the wonderful world of fairies.From tiny fairies to fairy godmothers, Ralph Masiello has compiled a ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
She was an angel in buckskin on a big spotted horse. With two six guns blazin’, Annie Oakley was the star of Buffalo Bill Cody’s famous Wild West Show for almost 20 years. Your entire family will enjoy this spirited tale of a talented frontier woman whose sharp-shooting exploits brought her international fame. 

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

Little Red Hen is a time-tested cautionary tale about how we reap what we sow. Paul Galdone’s delightfully detailed ink and wash illustrations—packed with charming details—add plenty of sly humor to the well-loved story that not only offers a sage message, but also shows children what it takes to make a cake from the ground up!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood-like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross-to sing for his new label. Meanwhile, the country was on the brink of a cultural revolution.

Available on audio (Audible).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Fluff is the smallest and weakest of the farm kittens, but she surprises everyone with her strength and spirit. Ella falls in love with Fluff straight away, but Ella's mother won't let her have a cat. What happens to kittens that nobody wants?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Growing up on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island, angry Louise reveals how Caroline has robbed her of everything: her hopes for schooling, her friends, her mother, even her name. While everyone pampers Caroline, Wheeze (her sister's name for her) begins to learn the ways of the watermen and the secrets of the island, especially of old Captain Wallace, who has mysteriously returned after fifty years.

The war unexpectedly gives this independent girl a chance to fulfill her dream to work on the water alongside her father. But the dream does not satisfy the woman she is becoming. Alone and unsure, Louise begins to fight her way to a place for herself outside her sister's shadow. But in order to do that, she must first figure out who she is...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Once there was a little island in the ocean. That little island changes as the seasons come and go. The storm and the day and night change it. So do the lobsters and seals and gulls that stop by. Then one day a kitten visits the little island and learns a secret that every child will enjoy.

FROM SARAH:

This inspiring true story of Mary Walker, who learned to read at age 116, is inspiring, hope-filled, and illustrated with Oge Mora's lovely collage style. Highly recommended. This one is an RAR Premium Family Book Club pick.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read.

FROM SARAH:

I love a beautiful picture book that explores nature AND tells an incredible story at the same time. The lyrical text by Candace Flemming and lush illustrations by Eric Rohmann bring vivid detail to the life of a honeybee, and the ending pages are full of fascinating information that will intrigue your older readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A tiny honeybee emerges through the wax cap of her cell. Driven to protect and take care of her hive, she cleans the nursery and feeds the larvae and the queen. But is she strong enough to fly? Not yet!

Apis builds wax comb to store honey, and transfers pollen from other bees into the storage. She defends the hive from invaders. And finally, she begins her new life as an adventurer.

The confining walls of the hive fall away as Apis takes to the air, finally free, in a brilliant double-gatefold illustration where the clear blue sky is full of promise-- and the wings of dozens of honeybees, heading out in search of nectar to bring back to the hive.

**Description from Amazon: "Alborough's simplicity results in another gem." —School Library JournalBobo needs a hug. But his friends don't seem to understand. "Hug," he implores, time and again. Time and again his puzzled pals—from the smallest chameleon to the tallest giraffe—shrug and cuddle with their jungle mothers....

FROM SARAH:

The story of St. Patrick for the youngest set.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the author of Strega Nona comes the story of the shepherd who heard the voice of God and converted the Irish people, now in a special format just right for the youngest readers.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, there's a reason why we all still love this book! Our funny and lovable main character keeps us turning the pages. Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

FROM SARAH:

Oh my, the color on this one! 😍 This collection contains excerpts from several of Herriot's books, as well as some lovely photographs and thoughts from his grown kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

James Herriot's timeless, heartwarming, and perceptive stories about animals and people have charmed millions of readers around the world, and millions more have watched the popular PBS series All Creatures Great and Small, which is based on his four books.

** Description from Amazon: The South Orange River (S.O.R.) School is big on sports and famous for not losing a game all season. That all changes when the school insists that some seventh-grader non-jocks form a soccer team. The new team is sure that losing their first game 32-0 will put an end to their athletic adventure, but...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Before becoming one of the greatest violinists of all time, Itzhak Perlman was simply a boy who loved music. Raised by a poor immigrant family in a tiny Tel Aviv apartment, baby Itzhak was transformed by the sounds from his family’s kitchen radio—graceful classical symphonies, lively klezmer tunes, and soulful cantorial chants. The rich melodies and vibrant rhythms spoke to him like magic, filling his mind with vivid rainbows of color.

After begging his parents for an instrument, Itzhak threw his heart and soul into playing the violin. Despite enormous obstacles—including a near-fatal bout of polio that left him disabled for life—Itzhak persevered, honing his extraordinary gift. When he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show at only 13, audiences around the world were mesmerized by the warmth, joy, and passion in every note.

FROM SARAH:

This one is just fun. :) See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Spring calls in this classic Broadway number, brought to life in a beautiful picture book―perfect for sharing! Jump in puddles, raise umbrellas, and dance with joy through the pages of this visual story. With colorful, springy scenes and the familiar lyrics, this is a beautiful, gift-worthy, feel-good read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This was the first novel I read by Ann Patchett, and I just loved it. It surprised me, and I found myself copying random passages in my reading journal, just because the author has such a way of crafting beautiful sentences!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Since their mother's death, Tip and Teddy Doyle have been raised by their loving, possessive, and ambitious father. As the former mayor of Boston, Bernard Doyle wants to see his sons in politics, a dream the boys have never shared. But when an argument in a blinding New England snowstorm inadvertently causes an accident that involves a stranger and her child, all Bernard Doyle cares about is his ability to keep his children—all his children—safe.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely, light-filled book, perfect for Christmas reading. Julie Berry was inspired to write this book after giving birth near Christmas. The nativity took on fresh meaning for her, and she shares it with all of us in this picture book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The miracle of Christmas comes alive in this luminous celebration of unconditional love and the joy and hope and promise in every child from Printz Honor recipient Julie Berry!

FROM SARAH:

This is a sweet story of friendship and perseverance. When Bear asks for her friends to come, they do, and despite mounting obstacles, they band together to make it to their friend!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bear never asks for anything. So when a letter arrives for the little chipmunk Izzy, urgently requesting her presence, she can’t refuse--even if there is a blizzard on the way! This heartwarming tale of friendship from bestselling author Brian Lies will melt even the chilliest of hearts.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From Harrison Scott Key, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, How to Stay Married tells the hilarious, shocking, and profound story of one man’s journey through hell and back when infidelity threatens his marriage.

FROM SARAH:

You may have heard of Thomas Edison, but do you know the story of one of his longtime rivals in electricity, the young and brilliant Nikola Tesla? (Yes - the automotive company Tesla was named for this inventor!) You don't want to miss this fascinating story about a man whose work so greatly impacts our world today. (Recommended for ages 7+.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a Serbian boy named Nikola Tesla was three, he stroked his cat and was enchanted by the electrical sparks. By the time he was a teenager, he had made a vow: Someday I will turn the power of Niagara Falls into electricity. Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio — all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions.

**Description from Amazon: Xander planned a panda party. Yes, a dandy whoop-de-do!But Xander was the only panda. Just one panda at the zoo.The zoo’s paucity of pandas doesn’t impede Xander’s party planning for long. He decides to invite all the bears. But Koala protests. She’s not a bear—she's a marsupial! Does that...

FROM SARAH:

My mom (a 2nd grade teacher of 30-some-odd years) sent me this book in the mail with a note, telling me it's her new favorite. It didn't take long for me to figure out why! A sweet story with an even sweeter (yet subtle) message.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A heartwarming winter story perfect for fans of classics like The Snowy Day, The Mitten, The Snowman, and The Giving Tree. Drift was a very plain snowman. Every day he dreamed of wearing a stylish hat, a scarf, and mittens just like the other snowmen—and, most of all, having a pointy orange carrot nose. Then, he knew, he would finally be perfect—and he would finally belong. Until one special, snowy day, Drift’s deepest dreams come true. But when dark clouds roll in and a terrible blizzard begins to blow, can Drift face giving up what he loves most and become the most perfect snowman of all? From celebrated cartoonist Chris Britt, The Most Perfect Snowman is a touching story about kindness, friendship, and the importance of giving.

**Description from Amazon: Here is every line of every nonsense book written by Edward Lear. In a single volume you get "A Book of Nonsense," "Nonsense Songs," "More Nonsense Songs," "Laughable Lyrics," and "Nonsense Songs and Stories. No other low-price edition offers this complete collection.You will meet such old favorites...

FROM SARAH:

A winter classic. You may even forget this one is wordless, it's so rich in storytelling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On a snowy winter night, a young boy builds a snowman in hopes that it will come to life. When his wish comes true, the boy and his snowman share silly and tender moments--dressing up, sneaking around the house, skateboarding, and much more.

FROM SARAH:

The first book from Kate Dicamillo . . . and it's still my favorite of them all! A fabulous read-aloud for ages 7-14, especially if you've got dog lovers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

India Opal is at the grocery store when she makes a new friend -- a dog she names Winn Dixie (after the store, of course!). Winn Dixie helps Opal navigate Naomi, Florida, and find the inner courage to learn about her mom who left when she was 3.

FROM SARAH:

An absolute delight and a joy to read aloud, this hilarious chapter book will keep readers giggling through the whimsical adventure between a kindly dragon, Miss Drake, and her pet human, Winnie. I'd recommend this one for kids 6 and up who love precocious main characters and lots of witty banter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Fans of How to Train Your Dragon will love this whimsical tale, the first in a series, by a Newbery Honor winner, featuring charming illustrations and pet "training tips" in each chapter.

FROM SARAH:

This one has a Clara and identical twin boys, so I like to pretend Tomie wrote it for me. ;) Anything by Tomie dePaola is worth owning!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this brand-new story from acclaimed author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, Strega Nona babysits twins in a Level 1 Ready-to-Read book that’s perfect for beginning readers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Recommended by "Dear Abby" upon its first publication in 1982, millions of parents and educators have turned to Jim Trelease’s beloved classic for more than three decades to help countless children become avid readers through awakening their imaginations and improving their language skills. It has also been a staple in schools of education for new teachers. This updated edition of The Read-Aloud Handbook discusses the benefits, the rewards, and the importance of reading aloud to children of a new generation. Supported by delightful anecdotes as well as the latest research (including the good and bad news on digital learning), The Read-Aloud Handbook offers proven techniques and strategies for helping children discover the pleasures of reading and setting them on the road to becoming lifelong readers.

**Description from Amazon: This map-tastic middle grade story from Andrew Clements gives the phrase “uncharted territory” a whole new meaning!Alton Barnes loves maps. He’s loved them ever since he was little, and not just for the geography. Because maps contain more information than just locations, and that’s why he l...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An in-depth study of Lewis’s great love of literature and his monumental work as a literary critic.

**Description from Amazon: Paul Fisher sees the world from behind glasses so thick he looks like a bug-eyed alien. But he’s not so blind that he can’t see there are some very unusual things about his family’s new home in Tangerine County, Florida. Where else does a sinkhole swallow the local school, fire burn undergroun...

**Description from Amazon: The legendary adventures of King Arthur, his Knights of the Table Round, and the court of Camelot come to life in a lively and accessible retelling by Howard Pyle.

FROM SARAH:

Stunning art in a sweet, wordless tale.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fisherman takes his son for a trip out on the water. When they encounter a whale entangled at sea, they realize a connection that transcends the animal kingdom.