FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Edited by Seamus Heaney and Ted Hughes, and conceived of as a collection of their own favourite poems, The Rattle Bag has established itself as the classic anthology of our time.

FROM SARAH:

These sweet books are a bit reminiscient of the Little House books, but from a young boy's perspective. Very well done! See if your developing reader enjoys the first. If so, a whole series awaits.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s 1892 in Maple Ridge, Illinois, and Logan Pryce is worried about his family. His dad, Dale, needs to find a new job because their farm is failing. He may even need to look for work in another city. Logan offers to earn some money by selling his latest invention, but his parents tell him not to worry and that everything will be fine. Then Dale is hired for a temporary job at the general store, and Logan can’t wait to lend a hand! But his eagerness may cause his dad to lose the job he so badly needs. Can Logan’s mistake be fixed in time?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bunny should be sleeping, but instead, he is waiting for Dad to come check on him. Dad always checks on him, but tonight, Dad is late.

Bunny can’t wait anymore— he needs his dad! Slipping out of bed, Bunny packs a wagon of everything Dad might need: some water, a blanket, a snack, and their favorite book to share. Down the hall and through the dark, Bunny finds Dad fast asleep, oblivious to all the supplies Bunny offers him.

**Description from Amazon: This collection chronicles the fiction and non fiction classics by the greatest writers the world has ever known. The inclusion of both popular as well as overlooked pieces is pivotal to providing a broad and representative collection of classic works.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Alfie and his twin sister Alfreeda are excited to welcome Herbie, a cute little Yorkshire Terrier. But Herbie is not excited about being at Hound Hotel. The furry boy is so homesick that all he does is lay around and cry. Alfie's convinced that Herbie just needs some guy time, but Alfreeda insists on babying the dog instead. Alfie's many funny attempts at cheering up Herbie make this a charming early chapter book, sure to please boys and girls alike.

FROM SARAH:

Darling! Check your library to see if they have this one. You'll be as charmed as your kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel are best friends. One day, they each find a letter. But not just any letter . . . a love letter. Someone loves them. But who? The answer may surprise you!

FROM SARAH:

Is it possible that you don't already love this book from your own childhood? it's a classic for a reason, and many picture books in recent years have attempted to achieve what this little beauty has. Marvelous. Worth owning, and perfect to tuck into a baby shower gift basket.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Seventy-five years ago, Virginia Lee Burton created the Little House, and since then generations of readers have been enchanted by the story of this happy home and her journey from the pleasures of nature to the bustling city, and back again.

Spend a day at a water hole on the African grasslands. From dawn to nightfall, animals come and go. Giraffes gulp, wildebeest graze, impalas leap, vultures squabble, and elephants wallow.

Illustrated in full color. The animals on this farm have nothing to fear from the blizzard--they're snugly nestled away in their barn. With a soothing, rhymed text reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown, here's a cozy tour through a wintertime haven that will lull little ones off to dreamland.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Wake up, hop, and zoom through the day with Llama Llama until it’s time to snuggle up and say nighty-night! For the first time, Anna Dewdney’s bestselling board books are available in an adorable boxed set. With simple rhyming text and durable pages that take little ones through morning, playtime, and bedtime, these board books are just right for reading aloud again and again!

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Danny Glover

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 27 min

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:

Addy knows that Christmas will be hard without Poppa, Sam, and Esther. When Addy spots a beautiful red scarf in a secondhand shop, she's determined to save her money and buy it for Momma to brighten her holiday. But when Addy sees the plight of newly freed slaves, she's torn. Can she help them and still save money for Momma's scarf?

The New York Times bestselling author revisits the characters from her beloved novels Love Walked In and Belong to Me in this captivating, beautifully written drama involving family, friendship, secrets, sacrifice, courage, and true love for fans of Jojo Moyes, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer.On ...

Available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Christmas is coming! Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all - the most magical gift of the season - is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

FROM SARAH:

The Wingfeather series is among the books I recommend most often, and for good reason! We created an entire Fairy Tale Summer around this first book. I recommend it for ages 8+ who love a heart-pounding, adventurous fantasy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice.

**Description from Amazon: Renowned naturalist and author of children's books on wildlife successfully blends information and entertainment in his book about birds, among them saucy Jenny Wren, Redwing the Blackbird, Melody the Wood Thrush, Spooky the Screech Owl, Creaker the Purple Grackle, Downy the Woodpecker, and other fe...

FROM SARAH:

I love a girl with "a grand spirit", and Rebecca does not disappoint. Charming, witty, and brimming with the warmth of small-town life, this beloved classic celebrates the power of kindness, creativity, and a well-timed belly laugh.

FROM PUBLISHER:

**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 SARAH:

One of my all-time favorite board books. Perfect for a baby shower gift.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

 An anxious mother duck leads her brood around the pond as she searches for one missing duckling.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Learn the story of what really happened to Honest Abe when he was just a kid in this nonfiction picture book that's perfect for President's Day and every day!

**Description from Amazon: Hank the Cowdog?Head of ranch security?is on the case in his fiftieth mystery! And this is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill ranch intrigue. No sir, this is a real, honest-to-goodness archaeological adventure! when an old friend of slim?s starts an archaeological dig near the ranch, it doesn?t take long ...

**Description from Amazon: The bees do their work. The beekeeper does hers. And little Felicia, with the honesty and faith of a child, takes the fruit of the bee and the beekeeper's efforts and lights her candle and prays. She prays once, she prays twice, she prays three prayers, then watches the breeze from the window carry ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The classic Newbery Honor book that inspired the hilarious Jim Carrey movie--and a childhood favorite book for generations.

From the publisher: Fans of clever poetry and numbers rejoice! Nine is a book of nine-line poems called nonets, all about the number nine!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely board book—perfect for a baby shower gift, in fact. Who can resist a baby animal book? And by none other than Mem Fox! She was a guest on RAR #162: How Reading Aloud Will Change Your Children's Lives Forever.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After meeting a bevy of baby animals— including a clever monkey, a sleepy leopard, and a dusty lion cub—the baby in this story discovers the most precious creature of all . . . itself, of course!

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency:Mma “Precious” Ramotswe sets up a detective agency in Botswana on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, making her the only female detective in the country. At first, cases are hard to come by. But eventually, troubled people come to Precious with a variety of conce...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

THE SKULL ALPHABET BOOK makes young readers use their brains. Children learn simple facts and hone their critical thinking skills as they deduce the identity of 26 different animals arranged in alphabetical order.

Incredibly rich, realistic, and inventive oil paintings by Ralph Masiello lay a trail of clever clues to the identity of the animals represented only by their skulls. Look even closer and find hidden in the unique settings portraits of 43 of the presidents of the United States.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.

Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A must-have for any young reader, this wonderful boxed set includes Pinky and Rex, Pinky and Rex and the Bully, Pinky and Rex and the New Neighbors, Pinky and Rex and the School Play, Pinky and Rex and the Mean Old Witch, and Pinky and Rex and the Spelling Bee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

High above the rooftops of Rome, Angelo begins his work restoring the façade of a once glorious church. There, among the sticks and feathers, he discovers a wounded bird. Angelo becomes the bird’s reluctant savior.

**Description from Amazon: Summer vacation turns into an adventure for the three Nicholl sisters when Mr. Gilbert Chesterton and his wife come to town. Eleven-year-old Clare hopes to write a detective story. Eight-year-old Cece wants to be a champion roller-skater. And ten-year-old Joan just wants to learn how to play the loc...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Bronx Zoo-keeper Fred brought home a lion cub, Helen Martini instantly embraced it. The cub's mother lost the instinct to care for him. "Just do for him what you would do with a human baby," Fred suggested...and she did. Helen named him MacArthur, and fed him milk from a bottle and cooed him to sleep in a crib.

Soon enough, MacArthur was not the only cub bathed in the tub! The couple continues to raise lion and tiger cubs as their own, until they are old enough to return them to zoos. Helen becomes the first female zookeeper at the Bronx zoo, the keeper of the nursery.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

FROM SARAH:

This book is a fascinating true story about the most prolific art thief of all time. It's well-paced and hard to put down and is the perfect nonfiction read if you're in the mood for something a little different!

Recommended for adults.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This sturdy boxed set of four bestselling Eric Carle titles includes board editions of The Tiny Seed, Pancakes, Pancakes!, A House for Hermit Crab, and Rooster’s Off to See the World. Each story is filled with Eric Carle’s trademark collage-style illustrations that have made him one of America’s most beloved artists. Parents love Eric Carle as much as kids do, and these four books in a compact boxed set make a perfect gift!

**Description from Amazon: Fish has a knack for inventing. His annoying neighbor, Olympia, has a knack for messing things up. But when his latest invention leads Fish to Liberty, a beautiful stray dog who needs a home, he and Olympia work together to rescue her.However, a friendship that crosses racial lines is not the norm i...

FROM SARAH:

Hudson Talbott’s personal story of learning to read slowly—and at his own pace—offers such a powerful message: that words are a journey, not a race. I love this book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn't let him give up. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Jack Nicholson

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 23 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:

Three little kittens, they lost their mittens, and they began to cry. The three little kittens may be a bit careless, but they always manage to correct their mistakes in this favorite Mother Goose rhyme.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The fourth book in Arthur Ransome's classic series for children, Winter Holiday takes intrepid explorers John, Susan, Titty, and Roger Walker, and fearsome Amazon pirates Nancy and Peggy Blackett to the North Pole. Joined by budding novelist Dorethes Callum and her scientist brother Dick, the children plan an "Arctic" expedition. But unforseen events seperate the travelers and disaster nearly strikes in the exciting climax of their race to the Pole.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Veteran storyteller and nature lover Thornton W. Burgess provides fascinating information to young readers as he describes coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he weaves the area's many life forms into an entertaining tale that's also an illustrated guide to the seashore's natural history.

FROM SARAH:

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

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is a classic story of the changing seasons. The root children spend the winter asleep. When spring comes, they wake, sew themselves new gowns, and clean and paint the beetles and bugs. All summer they play in fields, ponds and meadows before returning in the autumn to Mother Earth, who welcomes...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. and Mrs. Watson's porcine wonder, Mercy, loves nothing more than a ride in the car. It takes a fair amount of nudging and bribing and a "You are such a good sport, darling" to get the portly pig out of the driver's seat, but once the convertible is on the road, Mercy loves the feel of the wind tickling her ears and the sun on her snout. One day the Watsons' motoring ritual takes an unexpected turn, however, when their elderly neighbor Baby Lincoln pops up in the backseat in hopes of some "folly and adventure" — and in the chaos that ensues, an exuberant Mercy ends up behind the wheel! Soon there's a policeman on her tail, a struggle for the brake, and a blissfully airborne Mercy. Of course, it's nothing that an extra helping of buttered toast can't fix!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly unlucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It's the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning!

**Description from Amazon: Hank is in real trouble this time. Loper and Sally May's relatives are coming for Christmas dinner, and Sally May has been working to get the entire ranch in order including preparing for the Christmas feast. Unfortunately, when she discovers that the turkey she bought has met a terrible end, she pi...

**Description from Amazon: A warm friendship develops between a young Quaker boy and a seagull on old Nantucket.

**Description from Amazon: From the scores of beautiful and thrilling tales in the Bible, celebrated British author Amy Steedman has collected three dozen that are sure to delight young children. With the confidence of a master storyteller practiced in holding the attention of even the most restless child, she weaves tales o...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bedtime Math wants to change all that. Inside this book, families will find fun, mischief-making math problems to tackle―math that isn't just kid-friendly, but actually kid-appealing. With over 100 math riddles on topics from jalapeños and submarines to roller coasters and flamingos, this book bursts with math that looks nothing like school.

FROM SARAH:

My 10yo daughter and I enjoyed this magical spin on The Secret Garden! We enjoyed the audiobook. Great for fans of Tuesdays at the Castle. also Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Heartfelt, fast-paced, and utterly absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman's sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship. Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle it. Those denied access to the secrets of the kindling ritual will see their magic snuffed out before their 13th birthday.

Miss Posterity's Academy for Practical Magic is the best kindling school in New York City - and wealthy 12-year-old Emma Harris is accustomed to the best. But when her father dies, leaving her penniless, Emma is reduced to working off her debts to Miss Posterity alongside Izzy, a daring servant girl who refuses to let her magic be snuffed out, even if society dictates she must. Emma and Izzy reluctantly form a pact: If Izzy teaches Emma how to survive as a servant, Emma will reveal to Izzy what she knows about magic.

FROM SARAH:

There's something about baby animals that none of us can resist. This book is written and illustrated by Lita Judge. She joined us in RAR Premium when we featured her book, Red Sled, as an RAR Premium Family Book Club selection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What do grizzly bear cubs eat? Where do baby raccoons sleep? And how does a baby otter learn to swim? Every baby mammal, from a tiny harvest mouse "pinky" to a fierce lion cub, needs food, shelter, love, and a family.

FROM SARAH:
In Miracles, C. S. Lewis guides readers through a thoughtful journey into how God’s presence can be seen and experienced in the world. A warm reminder of our kind, magnificent, miracle-working God and Savior.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Miracles, C.S. Lewis challenges the rationalists and cynics who are mired in their lack of imagination and provides a poetic and joyous affirmation that miracles really do occur in everyday lives. He presents the idea that miracles are not compatible with nature and thus introduces evidence of a supernatural world. Lewis defines a miracle as “an interference with nature by supernatural power” and concludes they are not statistical anomalies because “miracles do not, in fact, break the laws of nature.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Discover your child's primary language—then speak it—and you will be well on your way to a stronger relationship with your flourishing child.

FROM SARAH:

While this treasure of a treasury is quite expensive and difficult to come by in hardcover, anyone can read and enjoy Caldecott’s illustrations for free online in the public domain! You can view the book here.

FROM SARAH:

A haunting book that leaves you different than you were before you read it. This is a classic for a reason. I read it aloud with my older kids when they were about 17, 15, and 13. I recommend it for teens, though I think it's better to veer a bit older on this one, rather than reading it too young. Make sure to save time for discussions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Giver, the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, has become one of the most influential novels of our time. The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver.

A is for Amazon Horned Frog. B is for Blue-legged Strawberry Frog. C is for Crested Newt. What other amphibians can you think of? Learn more about these sometimes cute, sometimes dangerous, but always fascinating animals in THE FROG ALPHABET BOOK. Jerry Pallotta and Ralph Masiello explore the ponds,...

FROM SARAH:

"There is bedlam, and there is delightful bedlam. This afternoon touched on the second, much to my pleasure." Still a huge favorite with our team, this series is all wit, whimsy, and unexpected turns around every corner!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

FROM SARAH:

Another wonderful wordless book by Barbara Lehman.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This book is about a book. A magical red book without any words. When you turn the pages you’ll experience a new kind of adventure through the power of story.Winning a Caldecott Honor for its illustrations of rare detail and surprise, The Red Book crosses oceans and continents to deliver one girl into a new world of possibility, where a friend she’s never met is waiting.