Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dale Ahlquist, the President of the American Chesterton Society, and author of G. K. Chesterton - The Apostle of Common Sense, presents a book of wonderful insights on how to "look at the whole world through the eyes of Chesterton". Since, as he says, "Chesterton wrote about everything", there is an ocean of his material to benefit from GKC's insights on a kaleidoscope of many important topics.

**Description from Amazon: Twelve mysteries featuring Father Brown, the short, stumpy Catholic priest with "uncanny insight into human evil."

**Description from Amazon: From the strange case of 'The Red-Headed League' to the extraordinary tale of 'The Engineer's Thumb', Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr Watson grapple with treachery, murder, and ingenious crimes of all kinds. But no case is too challening for the immortal detective's unique power of deduction.

**Description from Amazon: This collection of humorous essays by renowned author G. K. Chesterton perceptively examine the various wrongs of society and the world. The topics discussed in this book's three parts range between social commentary, a discussion of humankind and its nature, the impact of spirituality and the incr...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How is this book unique? Font adjustments & biography included Unabridged (100% Original content) Illustrated About The Complete Father Brown Mysteries by G. K. Chesterton Father Brown, one of the most intelligent and attractive characters to emerge from English detective fiction, first made ...

**Description from Amazon: G. K. Chesterton was one of the most well-known and beloved writers of his time. Yet he has been strangely neglected today. This book is the perfect introduction to Chesterton. Ahlquist is an able guide who takes the reader through twelve of Chesterton’s most important books as well as the famous ...

**Description from Amazon: What does it mean to be a "complete thinker"? It means being able to take on a wide variety of ideas and disciplines and put them all together in a way that they work together. It means thinking like G.K. Chesterton.The English author G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was one of the most prolific and well...

**Description from Amazon: Through years of meticulous research and access to the literary estate of G.K. Chesterton, Joseph Pearce presents a major biography of a 20th century literary giant, providing a great deal of important information on GKC never before published. This is a thoroughly readable and delightful biography ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

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!

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 SARAH:

This is easily one of my "most recommended" books of the year. I found this book impossible to put down-- and so did my kids! If you have a child who hasn't fallen head-over-heels for reading yet, start here. I loved the second book (Code Name Flood) every bit as much as the first!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One hundred and fifty years ago, the first dinosaurs were cloned. Soon after, they replaced humans at the top of the food chain. The only way to survive was to move into underground compounds...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Last week, twelve-year-old Sky found a cryptic message from her dad, who mysteriously fled the safety of their underground compound five years ago. The note said the fate of the world depended on her going topside, to a lost world that’s ruled by dinosaurs.

**Description from Amazon: Everyone loves the stories of legendary creatures that just might really exist. This book relies on the latest information from cryptozoologists, experts who study these mysterious beings, and the counter-arguments are explored from experts who strongly believe they do not exist.

**Description from Amazon: Alfred Kropp is just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle ropes him into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur-the legendary sword of King Arthur. But when Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the wrong hands, he undertakes an unl...

**Description from Amazon: Fourteen-year-old Francis Tucket is heading west on the Oregon Trail with his family by wagon train. When he receives a rifle for his birthday, he is thrilled that he is being treated like an adult. But Francis lags behind to practice shooting and is captured by Pawnees. It will take wild horses, ho...

FROM SARAH:

This delightful introduction to the life of a dragonfly is perfect for budding naturalists. I'm a fan of the whole series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ideal for reading aloud or as a first reader, the detailed, warm illustrations bring this familiar creature to life in a truly memorable way. Children who love dragonflies will learn all about their life cycles and behavior, and the witty, interactive text―beginning with the question "Are you a dragonfly?"―will encourage readers to explore the similarities and differences between themselves and these fascinating animals.

FROM SARAH:

This book is out of print, but it's one of my all-time favorites, so hunt it down if you can! Your library might have it, or it's worth a little splurge on a used copy online.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A hilarious tale about a tricky fox who can outsmart any human except a teacher! "Cleverly paced repetition and an unexpected ending make this droll caper a winning choice." - Publishers Weekly

FROM SARAH:

Sandra Boynton, need I say more? Sandra's lively rhymes and engaging illustrations make this barnyard boogie an absolute delight.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A barnyard dance children's book

FROM SARAH:

Eric Carle's classic tale of a rooster's journey and the friends he meets along the way. As delightful as you'd expect from Carle!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A simple introduction to the meaning of numbers and sets as a rooster, on his way to see the world, is joined by fourteen animals.

FROM SARAH:

Got a kid who loves a good countdown book? Don't miss this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One by one, ten turtles splash! into the pond. It's a colorful countdown that you can be a part of.

FROM SARAH:

Denise Fleming's Caldecott Honor book is a vibrant exploration of pond life. Great for nature days...or days when you want to do nature from your couch ;).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Denise Fleming's book gives young readers a frog's-eye view of life in a pond throughout the seasons. In the Small, Small Pond is a 1994 Caldecott Honor Book.

FROM SARAH:

Mem Fox's repetitive, rhyming text and Patricia Mullins' vibrant illustrations make this a delightful read-aloud, especially for young children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

“I can see a nose and two eyes in the bushes!” cries Hattie.

But nobody is listening.
Not goose. Not pig. Not horse. Not cow.
She tries again and again to warn her friends, but nobody seems to care!

Little ones will enjoy happy shivers of anticipation as Hattie spots a fox in the bushes and the tale builds. Hattie’s friends are in for a big surprise when they realize that what she’s been saying is true!

FROM SARAH:

Clever and fun, with Pat Hutchins's unique illustration style.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Fox is after Rosie, but Rosie doesn't know it. Unwittingly, she leads him into one disaster after the other, each funnier than the last. To enjoy Rosie's walk as much as Rosie does, just look inside!

FROM SARAH:

The classic folk song, brought to life on the page. A delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A favorite old nursery ballad now appears in resplendent new dress. . . . Illustrator Feodor Rojankovsky somehow manages to combine quaintness with sophistication and his doughty frog, the coy mouse . . . and others make charming company.”--The New York Times Book Review

FROM SARAH:

Leo Lionni is one of those illustrators you should know! This one is especially charming, especially if you have any children who are struggling a bit with generosity. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three selfish frogs live together on an island in the middle of Rainbow Pond. All day long they bicker: It’s mine! It’s mine! It’s mine! But a bad storm and a big brown toad help them realize that sharing is much more fun. With characteristic clarity, simplicity and exuberance, Leo Lionni makes it possible for kids to see themselves through the antics of others who share our world.

FROM SARAH:

Leo Lionni's classic tale about a fish and a frog. You might remember this one from your own childhood!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Two best friends, a minnow and a tadpole, are practically inseparable until the tadpole grows legs and decides to explore the world beyond the pond. When the tadpole, now a frog, returns to tell his friend of the extraordinary things he’s seen, the minnow, now a fish, tries to follow in his footsteps, but quickly finds that land is not what he expected. Friendship truly saves the day in this imaginative tale of a fish out of water.

FROM SARAH:

Explore the hidden world beneath the pond's surface in this gem from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. All the books in this series are fabulous!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered...over and under the pond.

FROM SARAH:

Martin Waddell's story of a hardworking duck and the lazy farmer is a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork. All the makings of a fable are in here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Farmer Duck isn't your average duck. This duck cooks and cleans, tends the fields, and cares for the other animals on the farm—all because the owner of the farm is too lazy to do these things himself. But when Farmer Duck finally collapses from exhaustion, the farmyard animals come to the rescue with a simple but heroic plan.

FROM SARAH:

Perfect read-aloud rhythm. Just try not to have fun reading this one aloud. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a hungry fox sets out to make dinner out of the rabbits in the field, the rabbits scurry to their burrows, yet one remains above ground and must move quickly to escape before it's too late.

FROM SARAH:

This is one of my favorite board books to tuck into a baby shower gift! Simple and practically perfect.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This simple, funny read-aloud follows a boy’s exciting stroll through the countryside. The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie!

FROM SARAH:

She's the master of books that get (delightfully) stuck in your head. 😅 I love every Karma Wilson book I've ever read, but this one is a particular favorite. Listen to Karma talk about whimsy and the power of childhood reading on RAR episode #215.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There's a small, hungry frog sitting on the log in the middle of the bog.
He flicks ONE tick off of a stick.
He sees TWO fleas in the reeds.
He spies THREE flies buzzing in the skies.
The frog is feeling pretty fine, but then...
the log in the middle of the bog starts to rise....
What a surprise!

FROM SARAH:

A tranquil tale with beautiful, realistic illustrations that capture the serene beauty of a morning at the pond. Jane Yolen wrote this as a poem to one of her favorite places.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On Bird Hill took readers on a surreal journey with a boy and his dog, as they stopped, looked, and noticed things along their path, ultimately discovering the miracle a hatching baby bird. On Duck Pond continues their journey, this time in a new place―a serene pond, filled with birds, frogs, turtles, and other creatures going about their quiet business.

FROM SARAH:

Margaret Wise Brown's classic tale, paired with Felicia Bond's warm illustrations (you know her from the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the barnyard there are roosters and cows, horses and goats, and a pink piglet who is learning to squeal. Felicia Bond's atmospheric illustrations add to the tranquil simplicity of this gentle story. Big Red Barn makes a lovely baby shower gift and is a wonderful addition to any preschooler's library.

FROM SARAH:

The quintessential classic. Mercer Mayer at his best!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A boy and his dog go walking in the swamp.They spot a frog in the water.Can they use a net to catch him?

**Description from Amazon: Brother Bear loves everything to do with model airplanes, whether it’s building, fixing, or flying them. But when he shares one of his prized planes with a younger cub will his kindness be returned?

**Description from Amazon: “Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its pla...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In We Are in a Book! Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?

Mama has errands to run, so it is up to Papa and big brother to stop baby sister from crying. And, as families familiar with this popular American lullaby know, they will try just about anything to convince baby to smile again. Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney's version of the classic song is an e...

Whimsical and touching images tell the story of an unexpected friendship and the revelations it inspires in this moving, wordless picture book from two-time Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee.A baby clown is separated from his family when he accidentally bounces off their circus train and lands i...

There once was a lasswith hair like a nestwho walked out in her sleepon the morn of Mayfest.      And what happens to this lass? She is pursued by a dove, and then a huntsman who fixes on the dove, a mouse who frightens the huntsman, a cat who chases the mouse, and so on—until an entire villag...

**Description from Amazon: Witty, urbane, sassy, and downright delightful, here are the first three original books of pure Garfield collected in one packed volume. They tell the story of the feisty feline's birth, adoption, and growth into general wonderfulness---just in case you've forgotten --and remind us why we loved him ...

FROM SARAH:

Eric Carle's vibrant illustrations and gentle storytelling make this tale of Hermit Crab's quest for a new home a charming and read.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hermit Crab seeks the perfect home—and learns to appreciate change—in this Ready-to-Read edition of Eric Carle’s beloved story.In this classic story from Eric Carle, Hermit Crab grows out of one house after another as he searches for the perfect home.

FROM SARAH:

I find the cadence of the Jesse Bear books to be quite irresistible to read aloud. :) This one is especially charming.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jesse Bear is admonished not to get wet under a variety of tantalizing circumstances, until finally he receives permission in his own wading pool.

FROM SARAH:

Barbara Cooney called this her hymn to Maine. It's one of her sadder books, but also partly autobiographical. Pair a reading of this with Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The youngest and quietest of 12 children, Matthias grew closest to Tibbets Island, learning its secrets through the years. And though in later years he sailed to faraway places, he always returned to the island he loved.

FROM SARAH:

Oh hello, Strega Nona. Do we want another story about you? OF COURSE WE DO!!! 😆 All of Tomie dePaola's Strega books are worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lately Strega Nona has been distracted-she even gave Signore Mayor the wrong remedy for his headache. One night Nona has a dream about her Grandma Concetta, who has been in heaven for many years, and her little house at the seashore. Nona decides that she will take a vacation there. While Strega Nona is away, Bambolona will do the daily remedies and Big Anthony will do the chores. With these two left in charge, what could possibly go wrong?

FROM SARAH:

Does anyone actually do rhyming better than Julia Donaldson? I don't know, but I know I love this book, and so have all my kids!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands. It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before. But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?

FROM SARAH:

Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann (a married pair!) won all kinds of awards for this nonfiction picture book, and I think you'll see why as soon as you crack the pages!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures in the world. As large as whales, they hide beyond reach deep within the sea, forcing scientists to piece together their story from those clues they leave behind.An injured whale's ring-shaped scars indicate an encounter with a giant squid.

FROM SARAH:

A classic from Leo Lionni!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger.

FROM SARAH:

Not too many board books are best in black and white, but this is one of them! Be enchanted by Kitten. Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kevin Henkes's acclaimed national bestseller about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book.

FROM SARAH:

This one is for you if you loved Mercer Mayer growing up. I just loved looking for the spider on every page, and noticing the quirky, fun details in the illustrations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Whether he and his dad are canoeing, fishing, or building a campfire, parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect gift for Father’s Day . . . or any day!

FROM SARAH:

My favorite of all of Patricia Polacco's books. This one is a story about courage- not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. Meet author/illustrator Patricia Polacco in our Family Book Club for her book, The Bee Tree, right here. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A storm is on its way, and Grandma and her granddaughter are waiting for it by making a Thundercake.

FROM SARAH:

To say I loved Raffi as a child would be *quite* the understatement! 😁 His beloved song comes to life in this sweet picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child's speech and listening skills, which makes Baby Beluga perfect for early learning. Join this adorable baby whale in a busy day at sea, culminating in a warm mother-child bedtime ending. With its delightful illustrations, this is the ideal sing-along for a whole new generation of readers.

FROM SARAH:

I've always been a sucker for Raffi's music, and I sang his songs endlessly to my children when they were young. This is a fun (and weird) board book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child's speech and listening skills, which makes Down by the Bay perfect for early learning.

FROM SARAH:

Chris Van Dusen's books are delightful across the board! We love Mr. Magee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation?

FROM SARAH:

Mr. Magee's adventures are always worth the trouble, and this one is especially good for summer days! Chris Van Dusen can RHYME, I'll tell you what!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

I love Chris Van Dusen's picture books, and this one is just good old fashioned fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she grabs her life jacket and paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song on her way. When her singing draws up from the depths a huge mysterious beast, everyone in town is terrified — except Hattie, who looks into the creature’s friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. So Hattie sneaks out at night to see the giant — whom she names Hudson — and the two become friends. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that Hudson isn’t scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying new story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.

FROM SARAH:

All of the Little House picture books are worth owning, treasuring, and passing on to children and grandchildren! Beautifully done. Laura herself would love these, I'm sure of it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With this illustrated adaptation from the beloved Little House series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classics. 

The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime. Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside.

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