FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Equipped with a backpack full of supplies, Polo sets off on a little boat--and on a series of delightful adventures that take him across (and under) the ocean, to an island and a frozen iceberg, to space and home again, with a world of magical encounters along the way.

FROM SARAH:

I didn't know anything about this time in history, but this book came highly recommended to me, so I gave it a try. And boy, did it deliver! I especially loved the audio. For historical fiction readers and teens (I think 14+). Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, who meets Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War.

FROM SARAH:

The March sisters are each distinctive in their own way, but they band together to help their mother while their father is serving in the Civil War. We selected this book for our summer 2023 Mama Book Club pick. RAR Premium members can access the Mama Book Club Guide here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.

FROM SARAH:

All of Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels are works of genius. This is book #4 in the series, and is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Recommended for ages 13.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When teenaged Rachel Durham finds a way that she and her eleven stepsisters can sneak out of their Chesapeake Bayside home after midnight, their troubled fundamentalist father enlists the help of Paul Fester, an ex-soldier and traveling juggler, to find out what the girls are up to. A modern retelling of Grimm's fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Few understood David Eliot's anguish at losing Nadine. He came back from the war a shattered and lonely man. But his return to the Eliot family refuge on England's Hampshire coast is gradually pushing back the dark waters of soul and spirit.Nadine and her husband have settled with their children into a wonderful old inn not far away. Surrounded by a wild and mysterious wood, the guesthouse seems to be able to mend minds and bodies. Pilgrims from the past and new ones now finding their way to this healing, comforting oasis sweep readers into a story of intertwining destinies, of love lost, and love forever gained.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Momo can't wait to use the red boots and umbrella she received on her birthday.  All she needs now is a rainy day!  Soft illustrations portray a thoughtful story about patience and growing independence.

FROM SARAH:

A new wintertime classic. From the cozy, intricate illustrations to the heartwarming story of found friendship, this absolutely darling picture book is one you’ll want for your very own shelves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What makes a house a home? This sweet story, with jaw- dropping hand-painted illustrations and die-cut flaps, is the perfect cozy tale for bedtime.

FROM SARAH:

Curl up and get cozy with your littlest ones to share this sweet Christmas story. A holiday board book with beautiful language and timeless illustrations - a classic in my home!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A modern Christmas classic about how the animals prepare a cozy welcome for the baby Jesus, perfect for under the tree or in stockings.

**Description from Amazon: Witnessed through the eyes of a young boy, a captivating story beautifully evokes John F. Kennedy’s return to his ancestral home.When the beloved president visited Ireland in 1963, he described it as the best four days of his life. And for a generation of Irish people, it was a trip they never for...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Drawn from the enchanting tales told to Kipling as a child in India, Just So Stories reveals the magic of the dawn of the world, when animals could talk and think like people. Cats and dogs, kangaroos and tortoises, hedgehogs and jaguars, whales and leopards, and many others are brought to life in an exotic Eastern landscape of "high and far times ago". Children will discover how the leopard got his spots, the elephant his trunk, and the camel his hump through clever tales that subtly hint at the pitfalls of arrogance and the importance of creativity.

FROM SARAH:

Here's a sweet story that will have your students wanting to plant flowers, visit the library, and snuggle on the couch a little bit longer!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How does your garden grow? Book-loving Lola is inspired by a collection of garden poems that she reads with her mommy. She wants to plant her own garden of beautiful flowers, so she and Mommy go to the library to check out books about gardening.

FROM SARAH:

I really appreciate the illustrator's use of light in this book. A lovely addition to your autumnal reading stack.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow! Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dive in to Karma Wilson’s latest collection of more than 100 poems—some humorous, some poignant, and all of them Outside the Box. Illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode, Outside the Box has something for everyone.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Meet Bear. He lives in the forest with his friends Mouse, Hare, Mole, Wren, and others. Bear’s friends try to wake him up from a long winter sleep, but he just snores on. When Bear is awake, he searches for something tasty to eat. But nothing’s quite right. He wants more. Then Bear hears something clattering in the trees up above, and when he discovers who it is, he makes a new friend!

**Description from Amazon: During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets-dragging her chain behind her-f...

For many children, "icky" bugs are endlessly fascinating. This book helps children discover why farmers like the praying mantis, how the water spider breathes underwater, and other intriguing facts about the world of bugs and insects.Kids get a look at the fascinating world of insects while practici...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Mel Gibson

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 24 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:

This familiar nursery tale features a warmly appealing bear family and a naughty, gap-toothed Goldilocks.

FROM SARAH:

Andrew Clements delights kids once again with this school story. In this one, the most popular kid in sixth grade discovers what it means to be a leader.

Recommended for ages 8+.

Available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For Hart Evans, being the most popular kid in sixth grade has its advantages. Kids look up to him, and all the teachers let him get away with anything -- all the teachers except the chorus director, Mr. Meinert. When Hart's errant rubber band hits Mr. Meinert on the neck during chorus practice, it's the last straw for the chorus director, who's just learned he's about to lose his job due to budget cuts. So he tells the class they can produce the big holiday concert on their own. Or not. It's all up to them. And who gets elected to run the show? The popular Mr. Hart Evans.

FROM SARAH:

Older kids and teens will enjoy this one a lot-- so will you, mama. It's the classic tale from O. Henry, and I like this edition as well as the one illustrated by P.J. Lynch.

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One dollar and eight-seven cents is all the money Della has in the world to buy her beloved husband a Christmas present. She has nothing to sell except her only treasure—her long, beautiful brown hair. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the sacrifices each must make to buy the other a gift. Beautiful, delicate watercolors by award-winning illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger add new poignancy and charm to this simple tale about the rewards of unselfish love.

FROM SARAH:

Who knew Marie Curie had a sister? Not me! But she did, and she was important to the success of Marie herself. A delightful picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Marie Curie has long been a well-known name around the world. Though Marie made extraordinary scientific advances discovering new elements with her husband, Pierre, many students do not know about the powerful bond that propelled her into science: her sisterhood with Bronia! A force in academia and health care herself, Bronia made significant contributions to the scientific world, along with her loving support of sister Marie.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Blackstone Audio presents another of its popular collections of childhood classics read by celebrity narrators. This time all the stories are centered around Christmas. Included are "The Little Match Girl" read by Robby Benson, "Waldo, Tell Me about Christmas" read by Ralph Waite, "Santasaurus" read by Jonathan Winters, "The History of Christmas" read by Jack Lemmon, "The Gift of the Magi" read by Dudley Moore, and "Miracle on 34th Street" read by Carl Reiner.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a funny and heartfelt celebration of family, vacations, and the joy of the sea, Deanna Caswell and Amy June Bates capture the essence of summer—building sand castles, jumping the waves, and watching the stars come out after a long day at the beach—and the love that warms every moment.

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.

**Description from Amazon: Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round. Chrysanthemum thinks he...

FROM SARAH:

When I worked in a preschool (way back in my college days!), this was the kids springtime favorite. There's something about the predictability of it that's soothing and mesmerizing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An old nursery poem introduces animals, their young and the numbers one through ten.

**Description from Amazon: Nominated for the 2017 National Book Award for Young People's Literature ★ Horn Book ★ School Library Journal ★ Publishers Weekly ★ Booklist ★ Shelf Awareness ★ VOYAFive girls. Three generations. One great American love story. You Bring the Distant Near explores sisterhood, fir...

**Description from Amazon: The second book in the series opens with Hank defending the ranch against the attack of a Silver Monster Bird. Later he is stricken with the dreaded disease, Eye-Crosserosis. Hank visits the cave of a witchy little owl named Madame Moonshine. On the audio version, Madame Moonshine sings the song "I ...

**Description from Amazon: From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.'Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illus...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three Wise Cats is an inspirational tale about three cats and their journey to witness the first Christmas. The old Siamese Ptolemy was alongside his master when a star of unusual brightness was seen in the heavens, indicating an event of momentous significance, and leading to a great place and fulfill the prophecy: The three shall find the one. The three are, Abishag, a sturdy, reliable cat who has never shirked her duty; Kezia, a beautiful young tabby, delicate, a bit vain, but of good heart; and Ira, taller and stronger than the others, with a temper.

FROM SARAH:

What's not to love about Flora? It's rare for a wordless book to be honored by a Caldecott Honor, and this one deserved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A 2014 Caldecott Honor BookIn this innovative wordless picture book with interactive flaps, Flora and her graceful flamingo friend explore the trials and joys of friendship through an elaborate synchronized dance. With a twist, a turn, and even a flop, these unlikely friends learn at last how to dance.

FROM SARAH:

Just when you thought all of Regina Doman's brilliant fairy tales retold were princess retellings. ;) This is #5 in the series and is a retelling of Arabian Nights.

Recommended for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When his computer hacker dad discovers a secret website, Alex O'Donnell and his girlfriend Kateri become embroiled in a mystery that leads to sudden wealth, and murder. A modern retelling of the classic Arabian Nights tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves."

**Description from Amazon: A collection of amusing verses by a variety of poets, including Emily Dickinson, Spike Milligan, Shakespeare, and others. "The illustrations contain caricatures, puns, ridiculous juxtapositions, and frequent references to other artists . . . Just identifying the various characters can furnish hours ...

**Description from Amazon: When a ferocious storm hits their ship, young Mary and Jean become stranded on a deserted island. They're not the only survivors; with them are four babies. Immediately the sisters set out to make the island a home for themselves and the little ones. A classic tale of courage and dedication from a N...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rhett and his brother, Nash, have never been allowed to play board games. It's their mom's most important rule; the twins don't know why, but they know not to push her on it.

When their mom suddenly disappears, they're reunited with Ace, their long-lost grandfather, who reveals that their family is descended from a board game character who escaped his game and lived in the real world. Their family now has the ability to enter the world of any game they want—but this gift also comes with a price. A game character who’s wanted revenge against their mom for decades has finally caught her and is holding her hostage in the world of a game. Which game? That’s up to Rhett and Nash to figure out, even if it means breaking Mom’s most important rule.

But as they learn to use their newly discovered ability, exploring new worlds and facing new challenges and risks, the brothers quickly realize that saving Mom won't be all fun and games. It’s game on… or game over.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The novel is set in Indiana. Most of the action takes place either in or around the Limberlost Swamp, or in the nearby town of Onabasha. The novel's heroine Elnora Comstock is a poor girl who lives with her widowed mother Katharine Comstock on the edge of the Limberlost Swamp.

**Description from Amazon: “Rarely does a biography so robustly engage the audience's emotions.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Historians claim him as one of America’s most revered presidents. But to his rambunctious sons, Abraham Lincoln was above all a playful and loving father. Here is Lincoln as seen by tw...

FROM SARAH:

I listened to this audiobook with my 16yo son, and it gave us lots to talk about! Short and easy to listen to. Be sure to look up the political references so you don't miss what Orwell was doing with this satire.

Available on (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

George Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution is an intimate part of our contemporary culture, quoted so often that we tend to forget who wrote the original words. It is an account of the bold struggle that transforms Mr. Jones' Manor Farm into Animal Farm, a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. Out of their cleverness, the pigs Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball emerge as leaders of the new community in a subtle evolution that bears an insidious familiarity. The climax is the brutal betrayal of the faithful horse Boxer, when totalitarian rule is re-established with the bloodstained postscript to the founding slogan: But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.

FROM SARAH:

OH my goodness, I love everything about this book. The story, the text, the charming illustrations. I'm keeping my eye on Lisa Anchin for more like this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Little Green Girl is no ordinary topiary. She dreams of visiting far off places and exploring the world beyond her garden's walls. And haven't we all felt just like that, rooted to the ground but longing to fly?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Did that pumpkin just quack?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Even the roughest, toughest readers will want to turn off their engines and snuggle up with these sweet and soothing bedtime stories. Gentle rhyming text and vibrant art make these books surefire bedtime favorites for train- and construction-crazy kids everywhere.

FROM SARAH:

This historical novel will take you to the American frontier with a girl who faces the harsh natural world in order to find out what it really means to be home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle’s homestead claim. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle’s claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home.

Find out why boa constrictors swallow their meals whole, learn why gila monster's tails are so fat, and meet a lizard that is larger than most people.As young readers turn the pages of this beautifully illustrated book, they will find that reptiles aren't really so "yucky." In fact, reptiles are amo...

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

The three goat brothers brave the terrible troll in a colorful version of the classic tale.

FROM SARAH:

I was surprised at how much all of my kids enjoyed this when we read it a few years ago! The American Girl "Surprise" books that celebrate Christmas are really quite delightful.

Recommended for ages 5+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Felicity is invited to a dancing lesson at the Governor’s Palace, the most wonderful honor she can imagine. Mother promises to make a beautiful new gown for her. As the splendid event draws near, Mother becomes dreadfully ill. Felicity spends all her days caring for her, sadly accepting that there will be no new gown and no chance to go to the Palace. No chance, that is, until a glorious surprise reminds her that Christmastide is a time when hopes and dreams do come true.

FROM SARAH:

Older kids and teens will enjoy this one a lot-- so will you, mama. It's the classic tale from O. Henry, and I like this edition as well as the one illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger.

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store. O. Henry paints a masterly portrait of unfaltering love, a haven from the harsh world outside. The poignancy of his story is captured in P.J. Lynch's eloquent art, wherein every glance, every gesture, tells a subtle truth.

FROM SARAH:

For anyone familiar with the road of grief, this volume comes with both heavy familiarity and comfort. We fall in love with Emma's comrades as she navigates a difficult season. Our team LOVES this series, and if you're this far into the series, it's safe to say you do too. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I took Treasure Island to church with me as a talisman.
“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Morgan Freeman narrates this poignant retelling of the Nativity, weaving together the gospels of Matthew and Luke as it follows Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, culminating in the touching events surrounding the birth of Jesus. An awe-inspiring musical score by The Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, captures all the power and beauty of the very first Christmas.

FROM SARAH:

Look for this book at your library! It'll have you pining for a long day at the ocean in no time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Relive a day at the beach with this lovely book of memories. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and smell the musky scent of ocean in the cool morning air. Remember how the sand squishes between your toes as the tide rushes to shore and taste the tang of the ocean on your lips. Spirited language evokes a sense of closeness and nostalgia for an old friend.

FROM SARAH:

Emily is rumored to be Lucy Maud Montgomery's favorite character of all of the ones she wrote! Rich with the rhythms of nature and the trials of growing up, this novel is a celebration of resilience and courage in the face of great loss. Head's up that it deals heavily with the death of a parent.

FROM PUBLISHER:

Emily Starr has never known what it is to be unloved. But when her father dies, she is left in the care of her mother's family. Emily is a stranger to the proud Murrays, none of whom think they can cope with such a heartbroken, headstrong girl. They decide to draw lots for her, and Emily is sent to live at New Moon with stern Aunt Elizabeth, the head of the clan. Kind Aunt Laura and friendly, eccentric Cousin Jimmy also live at New Moon, though, so she is not without hope.

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 THE PUBLISHER:

If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim...

FROM SARAH:

For fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves comes another charming seasonal tale.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Fletcher loves everything about spring: listening to the birds sing, smelling just-opened flowers, and playing chase with butterflies. But then Fletcher sees something he never expected to see in spring: snow. Oh, no!

**Description from Amazon: In his book, Story Craft, John R. Erickson says that one of the biggest challenges he faced as a young author was figuring out, What is a story, and what is it supposed to do? Those were simple questions, he says, but they didn't have simple answers. We could say that he found his answers when he wr...

FROM SARAH:

Frederick Douglass’s journey from slavery to freedom is brought to life in this compelling picture book. I especially love how it highlights the transformative power of reading and writing—how words, quite literally, set him free.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This picture book biography chronicles the youth of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African American figures in American history. Douglass spent his life advocating for the equality of all, and it was through reading that he was able to stand up for himself and others. Award-winning husband-wife team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome present a moving and captivating look at the young life of the inspirational man who said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

FROM SARAH:

An fascinating story, well told. The author deftly parallels Mexia's story with one of the plans she worked hard to learn more about.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The wax palm knows what it's like to defy the odds. Ynes Mexia knew it too. QUEEN OF LEAVES tells the true story of Ynes Mexia, the inspiring and fearless Mexican-American adventurer-botanist, and her quest to find the mysterious wax palm tree. Ynes enrolled in university in her 50s, at an age when women were not expected to be students. There she discovered botany -- a passion that would lead her all over the world on many adventures and change the study of botany forever. She went on to lead expeditions gathering plant and flower samples for universities and museums around the globe, introduce the botany world to the elusive wax palm tree, and forever cement herself as the QUEEN OF LEAVES.

FROM SARAH:

A breath of fresh air from Greta Eskridge. Don't be intimidated by the idea of adventuring—Greta gives ideas for how even tiny moments right from home can form family bonds and warm memories. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A modern, practical, and inspiring guide to creating deep heart connections with kids by regularly creating new experiences and intentional adventures together.

FROM SARAH:

Oh my, what a delightful book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From Benji Davies, the award-winning creator of The Storm Whale and illustrator of the Goodnight Already! series, comes a heartwarming and tender tale about courage and growth, featuring a special tadpole named Tad.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the night skies above Paris, an adorable young owl teaches her older brother about the power of imagination—and the unconditional love between siblings.