**Description from Amazon: Fourteen black-and-white drawings, each accompanied by a title and a caption, entice readers to make up his or her own story.

FROM SARAH:

A CLASSIC and forever go-to resource, this gem is one I reach for over and over. The booklists alone are worth the read!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Since its publication in 1969, this has been an essential guide for parents wanting to find the best books for their children. This family favorite is now revised and updated, including an annotated list of books for ages 0-12. A good book is a gateway into a wider world of wonder, beauty, delight, and adventure. But children don't stumble onto the best books by themselves. They need a parent's help. Author Gladys Hunt discusses everything from how to choose good books for your children to encouraging them to be avid readers.

FROM SARAH:

The classic tale, still as wonderful as it was when you were a kid. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Sam leaves his family’s New York City apartment, he travels all the way to the Catskill Mountains where he survives in a hollowed-out tree, and finds independence and freedom.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through concise text and richly detailed black and white illustrations we come to know the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt.

**Description from Amazon: This quintessentially American story, containing Gene Stratton-Porter's characteristic blend of optimism and faith in nature, has inspired several movies.

Experience summer like you've never experienced it before by traveling to Antarctica with evocative poetry. The sun rises, ice melts, grass grows, seals squabble, whales sing, and young penguins slide, glide, and belly flop.

**Description from Amazon: Discover the world of Bitty Baby - a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! In this story, a little girl and her Bitty Baby doll encounter a scary noise in Grammy and Grampa's basement. After an imaginary jungle adventure involving a gorilla, a boa, and an elephant, Bitty Baby and...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Garrison Keillor

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 24 min

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The history of the Mississippi River Valley is told in text and pictures through the adventures of Minn, a snapping turtle, as she travels downstream.

FROM SARAH:

I feel like this whole series by Karma Wilson is a master class in perfect rhyme. What a delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When springtime comes, in his warm winter den a bear wakes up very hungry and thin! Bear comes out of hibernation and he's VERY hungry. He eats everything in sight--but he still wants more!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Leroy Ninker is a small man with a big dream: he wants to be a cowboy, but for now he's just a thief. In fact, Leroy is robbing the Watsons' kitchen right this minute! As he drags the toaster across the counter — screeeeeech — and drops it into his bag — clannngggg — little does he know that a certain large pig who loves toast with a great deal of butter is stirring from sleep. Even less could he guess that comedy of errors (not to mention the buttery sweets in his pocket) will soon lead this little man on the wild and raucous rodeo ride he's always dreamed of! Nosy neighbors, astonished firemen, a puzzled policeman, and the ever-doting Watsons return for a tongue-in-snout adventure about Kate DiCamillo's delightfully single-minded pig.

FROM SARAH:

In this very special, heart-warming collection of favorite stories about dogs great and small, James Herriot tells us about his own dogs and all the wonderful people and animals we have come to love so much. (Recommended for teens and older.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this very special, heart-warming collection of favorite stories about dogs great and small, James Herriot tells us about his own dogs and all the wonderful people and animals we have come to love so much.

**Description from Amazon: Three times a voice comes to Isaac in his dreams and tells him to go to the capital city and look for a treasure under the bridge by the royal palace. Feeling a little foolish perhaps, but determined to see for himself if the dream is true, Isaac sets out on his long journey. What he finds makes a s...

**Description from Amazon: Beloved for generations, Egermeier's® Bible Story Book has sold millions of copies around the world and continues to bring Bible stories to life for all ages. This updated version carries on an outstanding tradition of excellence. Stories from the Old and New Testaments are told in chronological or...

NARRATED BY: Eric Michael Summerer, BEST FOR AGES: 10+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Chuan and Jing Jing use their mathematical skills to ensure that the warlord wakes up on time. They are traveling to the emperor's palace, and they can only sleep for four hours before resuming their journey in order to arrive as the emperor's gates open.

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse--Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A homing pigeon teams up with a parrot and their humans to investigate an animal crime spree in this action-packed, illustrated detective story from Henry Cole.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Whenever Burt Dow, who lives in a snug little house on the Maine coast, sets out to sea, his pet giggling gull goes along. But this time, it will take all his might and some plain old ingenuity to save him and the gull from a raging storm.

FROM SARAH:

One of these days, I'll have to interview Barbara Lehman to find out where she gets these story ideas! I bet your library has this one. Definitely worth reading!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A ride on the train is exciting. There’s always something new to see, even if you’ve been there before. But some train rides are better than others . . .What if a train took you somewhere else entirely? What if the doors opened in a strange, new place?

** Description from Amazon: The publication of The Sibley Guide to Birds, First Edition quickly established David Allen Sibley as the author and illustrator of the nation’s supreme and most comprehensive guide to birds.

FROM SARAH:

The third in the series starting with Little Women and followed by Little Men. The boys in Jo's school have grown up in this bittersweet finale.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Set 10 years after Little Men, Jo's Boys revisits Plumfield, the New England school still presided over by Jo and her husband, Professor Bhaer. Jo's Boys — including sailor Emil, promising musician Nat, and rebellious Dan — are grown. Jo remains at the center of this tale, holding her boys fast through shipwreck and storm, disappointment...and even murder.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

The mills at Wicksbridge are imaginary, but their planning, construction, and operation are quite typical of mills developed in New England throughout the nineteenth century.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The seven Rainbow Fairies are missing! Rachel and Kirsty search for one in each RAINBOW MAGIC book. Read all seven books to help rescue the fairies and bring the sparkle back to Fairyland!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's 1814 and five-year-old Charlotte Tucker lives with her family in the town of Roxbury, near the bustling city of Boston. Life in the Tucker's little house has always been pleasant and merry, but Charlotte's family worries more and more about the war that's been going on since 1812.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A fully-illustrated collection of over 90 favorite folksongs for children. Perfect for children, parents, and teachers.

FROM SARAH:

As the third book in the Anne of Green Gables series, Anne of the Island follows Anne Shirley into young adulthood as she sets off for college and steps into a wider world. Between lively friendships, unexpected suitors, and the bittersweet lessons of growing up, Anne’s spirit remains as bright and imaginative as ever. My oldest daughter's, Audrey, favorite book of this iconic series. Recommended for 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A new adventure awaits as Anne Shirley packs her bags, says goodbye to childhood, and heads off to Redmond College. With memories of her beloved Avonlea close to her heart, Anne dives into life in the bustling city of Kingsport. Surrounded by new and old friends, she embraces this exciting chapter.

FROM SARAH:

This book is on my TBR—it's come highly recommended to me by a few reliable sources, including RAR's Premium Coordinator, and the ladies at Redeemed Reader. There aren't a ton of big family books with strong boy appeal, so this true story of an all-brother minor league baseball team in the 1930's is a rare find! Tells the story of a family with 16 children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The amazing true story of the longest-running all-brother team in history! Full of action, drama, and excitement, the never-before-told tale of the Hall of Fame team is vividly brought to life in expert storytelling and stunning vintage-style art.

The Acerra family had sixteen children, including twelve ball-playing boys. It was the 1930s, and many families had lots of kids. But only one had enough to field a baseball team . . . with three on the bench! They loved the game, but more important, they cared for and supported each other and stayed together as a team. Nothing life threw their way—not even a World War—could stop them.

FROM SARAH:

I've said before that I think the Chronicles of Narnia are among the very very best books for children (if not the actual best). This series is worth owning. We have several copies of every book in the series on our own shelves!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia has captivated readers of all ages for over sixty years, enchanting them with fantastical talking creatures, epic battles between good and evil, and magical doorways into new lands.

This box set includes mass market editions of all seven titles in The Chronicles of Narnia, in chronological order: The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle—with the original black-and-white interior illustrations by Pauline Baynes and cover art by Cliff Nielsen.

*Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Jonathan Winters

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 25 min

FROM SARAH:

If you've read Vol. 6, you know there have been signification shifts in the story! Volume 7 continues to slowly peel back more layers of some of our most beloved characters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The image of Pandora's Box being opened by my own hand flashed across my mind. A sobering and somewhat disappointing realisation when one understands they are their own worst enemy. "

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:

A fantastic introduction to a thrilling series, this fast-paced adventure will keep kids (and grown-ups) hooked from the start. I'd recommend this one for ages 8 and up, since some of the scenes could be a bit scary for littles. It's great in audio, too!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What dangers are locked behind the cupboard doors? Henry isn’t brave, but when he hears a thumping and scratching on the other side of his bedroom wall, he can’t ignore it. He scrapes off the plaster and discovers mysterious doors—cupboards of all different shapes and sizes. Through one he sees a glowing room and a man strolling back and forth. Through another he sees only darkness and feels the cold sense that something isn’t right. When his cousin Henrietta boldly travels into the worlds beyond the cupboards, it’s up to Henry to follow her. Now that he’s opened the doors, can he keep the evil inside from coming through?

**Description from Amazon: Tide pool life, hermit crab

FROM SARAH:

This one is a rip-roaring Gold Rush adventure that is truly hilarious, perfect for readers who love survival stories with a (large) helping of humor. It's filled with historical facts and fast-paced escapades stretching all the way from Boston to California.

FROM PUBLISHER:
Jack’s aunt is in trouble. Even after she sells her beloved mansion, she still doesn’t have enough money to pay off all her debts or, more importantly, to take care of twelve-year-old Jack and his two sisters. Luckily Jack has a plan! He’s going to strike gold. Setting out from Boston with his stuffy but trusty butler, Praiseworthy, the two of them stow away on a ship bound for California—and the Gold Rush. Along the way they’ll meet sailors, miners, outlaws, and wild animals. But will it all be worth it when they strike it rich?

**Description from Amazon: An intuitive understanding of the things children love to know, combined with the d'Aulaire's extraordinary artistic ability make this book on the life of one of America's most beloved founders a perennial classic. Folk art style illustrations are enhanced with pert aphorisms from Poor Richard's Alm...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

They called her "Minty." When she grew up, she became Harriet Tubman, the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

While banished to a dusty study one day "to think things over", a boy pulls a book off a shelf and with great reluctance begins to read. As the afternoon passes, the story nabs him and carries him away. Before long, this good little book becomes his loyal companion, accompanying him everywhere ... u...

FROM SARAH:

If you love The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, you'll also love this one... because it's essentially the same thing! This text-only version reads more like a chapter book, but contains Sally's evocative and inspiring language and reminds us to keep looking for Jesus, always. Highly recommended for older kids, teens, and adults.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. The best thing about this Story is—it’s true! And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. The Child upon whom everything would depend.

FROM SARAH:

All of the books in this series by Torben Kuhlmann are a feast for the eyes. In this story, two unlikely friends build a vessel capable of taking them to the bottom of the ocean to find a missing treasure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When two unlikely friends build a vessel capable of taking them to the bottom of the ocean find a missing treasure—the truth turns out to be far more amazing.

FROM SARAH:

This book is positively exquisite, but I must insist that you listen to the audio version. You won't regret it! This has got to be one of the best audiobooks I've ever heard. I recommend it for anyone age 10+. Available on Audible and Libro.FM.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.

Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the queen of her bugs demands that her army march in even lines, Private Joe divides the marchers into more and more lines so that he will not be left out of the parade.

FROM SARAH:

A nonfiction picture book about seeds that uses especially lovely language.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Fans of From Seed to Plant, a perennial seller by Gail Gibbons, will want this lushly illustrated picture book. A gust of wind lifes a maple seed, sending it spinning like a shiny green helicopter throught the sky. Where wil it land?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Iliad tells the story of the war between Greeks and Trojans; the love between Helena and Paris; Achilles and Hector's deadly combat; and the Trojan Horse. "The Odyssey" depicts the perilous voyage home of the Greek warrior Odysseus; his struggles against the one-eyed Cyclops; the terrible Sirens; the dreadful, six-headed Scylla. These classic Greek stories have been retold with lively text and a dramatic cartoon style, making them accessible and fun for young children.

An irrepressible orphan named Audacity Jones is headed on an adventure of historic proportions! The first book in a brand-new series from beloved Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson!
Audacity Jones is an 11-year-old orphan who aches for adventure, a challenge to break up the monotony of her life at ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When their principal is running late, all members of Hardy School must work together to keep things running smoothly!

FROM SARAH:

What's not to love about Jan Brett? This is another of her masterpieces. Don't forget to poke around the lush and detailed borders!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A chill is in the air, and as Hedgie trundles around the farm all his friends tell him of the winter-time fun he will miss as he hibernates: Icicles decorating the chicken coop! Lisa making snowmen! The pond turned to slippery ice! It sounds so amazing that Hedgie decides to stay awake instead of going to his burrow. But then, a snowstorm starts. Luckily, Lisa finds him and brings him to her home, so Hedgie gets to see the wonders of winter from inside the cozy house.

**Description from Amazon: For so many people, reading isn't just a hobby or a way to pass the time--it's a lifestyle. Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can't imagine life without them.I'd Rather Be Reading is the perfect literary c...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Even the roughest, toughest readers will want to turn off their engines, rest their wheels, and drift to sleep with this sweet and soothing story.

FROM SARAH:

I loved Joy's reflection on seeking enjoyment and delight in the midst of life's unpredictable circumstances. This book is an invitation to cultivate happiness in your daily life and experience the beauty of cherishing those around you.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Beloved writer Joy Marie Clarkson leads the way, crafting an audacious case for happiness no matter what you're going through.

FROM SARAH:

Each story in this collection from veterinarian James Herriot is as memorable and heartwarming as the last. Perfect for cat-lovers. (Please note mild language and some reproductive topics related to animals.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here are Buster, the kitten who arrived on Christmas; Alfred, the cat at the sweet shop; little Emily, who lived with the gentleman tramp; and Olly and Ginny, the kittens who charmed readers when they first appeared at the Herriots' house in the worldwide bestseller Every Living Thing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's 1788 and Martha lives in a little stone house in Glencaraid, Scotland. Her father is Laird Glencaraid, which means Martha must behave like a young lady even when she would much rather run around the Scottish hillside!

FROM SARAH:

This book is an absolute delight, start to finish!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, “Rain!” Across town a grumpy man grumbles, “Rain.” In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork.

FROM SARAH:

I really enjoyed this historical novel, a fictionalized account of Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol. A really strong narrator and enjoyable, delicious writing make it an immersive read. Heads-up that this book zeroes in on Dickens’s troubled marriage, and there’s a slightly creepy turn related to Eleanor Lovejoy. It’s not the most upbeat story you could read at Christmas. ;) But if you want a bit of intrigue and a Christmas ghost story for yourself, this might just be the ticket. The audiobook is especially well done.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.

Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.

FROM SARAH:

“Greater than the world’s chaos are its miracles.” Fablehaven meets The Giver in this unputdownable fantasy novel... probably my favorite fiction read of the year. Solid themes of redemption, sacrifice, love, and memory are the foundation of this riveting tale. The audiobook is especially well done, but you’ll also want a physical copy so you can see the gorgeous pictures of the creatures. Intensity and darkness-wise, it’s on par with the later Harry Potter books and begins with a murder, so read the first few chapters if you want to gauge its intensity before handing it to your kids. I'd recommend it for about ages 10 or 11 and up. Would be fantastic to read aloud with teens, as well.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.

It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.

Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.

Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

FROM SARAH:

I really love this whole, mostly wordless series by Karel Hayes! They can be a little harder to find in library systems, but they are worth owning for your own home collection. Seasonal and family-focused and just all-around delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

**Description from Amazon: This award-winning cookbook features more than 100 of the recipes that Laura Ingalls Wilder chronicles in her classic Little House books.

FROM SARAH:

A much-anticipated summer trip occurs out of dear St. Crispian's shines a new light on our beloved characters! Long-awaited backstories begin to unfold.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Strange, considering it all now after a night's sleep, that I'd had no premonition of what awaited. That seems to be the nature of life, however. Things that ought to come with warnings rarely do."

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:

My kids and I were thoroughly captivated by this whimsical adventure. The first in a series. Perfect for fellow lovers of The Wingfeather Saga.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This thrilling novel by Kathryn Butler mixes fantasy with Christian themes, taking middle-grade readers on a quest through castles, forests, and caverns to help a young girl find hope and usher in restoration.