FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Timesbest-selling Mercy Watson books. Leroy Ninker has a hat, a lasso, and boots. What he doesn't have is a horse—until he meets Maybelline, that is, and then it's love at first sight. Join Leroy, Maybelline, and everyone's favorite porcine wonder, Mercy, for some hilarious and heartfelt horsing around on Deckawoo Drive.

**Description from Amazon: "He was born in a little red brick house that his father had built on the oyster-shell hill. By that time so much land had been cleared that the wilderness was far in the distance" (10). So begins the simple and inauspicious life of George Washington, a backwoods Virginia boy destined to become the ...

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorites by Jan Brett. This heartwarming tale tells the story of Mei Mei and her happy hens. But one of the hens, Daisy, is not always so happy....

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mei Mei has the six happiest hens in China. She gives them treats and fresh hay baths, and when she calls to them-gu gu gu gu gu!-they all run to her as fast as they can. But one of the hens, Daisy, is not always so happy. The other hens pick on Daisy and push her off the perch every night, knowing that she is too small to stand up to them. Then one day Daisy accidentally drifts out onto the river in a basket and must quickly learn how to survive. When Daisy finds her way home, this plucky little hen is no longer afraid.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One hundred hungry ants march off single file to sample a picnic, but when the going gets too slow, they divide into two rows of fifty, then four rows of twenty . . . until they take so long that the picnic is gone!

FROM SARAH:

Very few words. Gorgeous and lush illustrations. Lovely.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kadir Nelson, acclaimed author winner of the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Awards, presents a resonant, gently humorous story about the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity.

**Description from Amazon: Jane Austen’s beloved heroine Lizzy Bennet tells the story of Pride and Prejudice in her own words in an illustrated diary created by Marcia Williams.When Lizzy Bennet’s father gives her a diary, she fancies she will use it to write a novel, as her real life is exceedingly dull. Then the handsom...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the beloved illustrator and author of A Nest for Celeste comes Brambleheart, a beautiful tale about nature, imagination, and how love is the greatest thing we build. With stunning black-and-white artwork and a gorgeous package, Henry Cole’s animal fantasy adventure harkens back to Brian Jacques’s Redwall and Avi’s Poppy series.

FROM SARAH:

This series of Anansi books from Eric A. Kimmel and Janet Stevens are among our very favorite picture books. I've read them aloud countless times!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All of Eric A. Kimmel's retellings of the trickster spider Anansi are fun to read aloud, but this one remains a favorite!

**Description from Amazon: "I well recall a conversation with an executive I hoped to interview about her astonishing productivity. I began our call with an assurance that I would not take much of her time. She laughed. 'Oh, I have all the time in the world,' she said."Most of us feel constantly behind, unsure how to escape f...

FROM SARAH:

George MacDonald is heralded as the "Father of Fantasy" and has been lauded by the finest fantasy writers for children, including J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Find out why in this famous fairy tale.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Princess Irene lives in a castle in a wild and lonely mountainous region. One day she discovers a steep and winding stairway leading to a bewildering labyrinth of unused passages with closed doors - and a further stairway. What lies at the top? Can the ring the princess is given protect her against the lurking menace of the boglins from under the mountain?

FROM SARAH:

Some of my kids liked this classic even better than Little House on the Prairie... and that's saying something! Caddie is one of six siblings, and her story is based on the life of the author's real grandmother. Adventures abound.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Based on stories of the author’s grandmother, Caddie loves hunting and pranks, but refuses to be a “lady.” Set in Wisconsin in the late 1800s, Little House fans will love Caddie!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Featuring a carefully curated reading treasury of the best children's literature for each area of the globe, as well as practical parenting suggestions and inspiration, Give Your Child the World helps moms and dads raise insightful, compassionate kids who fall in love with the world and are prepared to change it for good.

FROM SARAH:

A Newbery Honor book by Elizabeth Yates (author of Sarah Whitcher's Story), about a young boy living on a mountain farm, his best friend, Benji, and a lovable black lamb. (Please note that shepherding practices, such as tail-docking, are described in this book.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A boy in a family of sheep farmers raises a black lamb to be the leader of the flock.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Do you have your life figured out yet? If not, congrats--you're normal.

That said, how do you figure it out? The good news is, your life is already leaving you clues--about what matters to you, what you're good at, what's worth your time. When you ignore those clues, you start drifting or, worse yet, you set your course for the wrong destination entirely.

How Teens Win is your map to the very best treasure you'll ever discover--yourself. Your potential. Your possibility. Your future. In this book we'll share a fun, simple process for better understanding your potential so you can start to set goals and make plans that matter to you.

You've got your whole life ahead of you. Who will you become? How will you win? You're about to find out.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In this fourth book in the Martha Years series, ten-year-old Martha journeys to the bustling city of Perth to visit her newly married sister Grisie. This is Martha′s first time beyond the familiar heather hills and this city on the River Tay is more exciting than she could have ever imagined!

FROM SARAH:

Especially good for very young kids, this book is a celebration of how rain feels on bare feet! A joy to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A very young boy in a yellow slicker enjoys playing in the rain.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Honor–winning story about a little mouse who gathers something unusual for the long winter is celebrating its fiftieth birthday!

From the publisher: Teach a child letter sounds with Bob Books Set 1! With four letters in the first story, children can read a whole book. Consistent new sounds are added gradually, until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabet (except Q). Short vowels and three-letter words in simple sentences make Bob Books Set 1 a fun confidence builder. With little books, come big success. (TM)

**Description from Amazon: A biography of the wealthy young Italian who gave away all his possessions to become a wandering preacher and protector of animals.

FROM SARAH:

A truly unique story told in a powerful way! Meet Belle, a faithful mule from the community of Gee's Bend, Alabama, and learn about the struggles to vote and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspiration to thousands.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Alex spies a mule chomping on greens in a nearby garden, he can’t help but ask about it. “Ol’ Belle?” says Miz Pettway. “She can have all the collards she wants. She’s earned it.” And so begins the tale of an ordinary mule in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, that played a singular part in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. When African-Americans in a poor community — inspired by a visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — defied local authorities who were trying to stop them from registering to vote, many got around a long, imposed detour on mule-drawn wagons. As Alex looks into the eyes of gentle Belle, he begins to understand a significant time in history in a very personal way.

FROM SARAH:

I listened to this one on audio (Audible | LibroFM) and immediately had my 9yo listen next. She finished the book in a day and a half! Barbara O'Connor is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Her writing is just fabulous and makes me want to be a better writer, myself.

Best for ages 7-14.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mavis Jeeter is fearless and bold, but she has never lived in one place long enough to have a real best friend. Her flighty mother has uprooted them again to another new home and taken a job as a housekeeper for the Tully family. Mavis wants this home to be permanent--which means finding herself a best friend.

Rose Tully is a worrier who feels like she doesn't quite fit in with the other girls in her neighborhood. Her closest friend is Mr. Duffy, but he hasn't been himself since his dog died. Rose may have to break a few of her mother's many rules to help Mr. Duffy--and find someone who really understands her.

Henry has run away from home, but he craves kindness and comfort--and doesn't know where to look for them.

When Mavis and Rose hatch a scheme to find Mr. Duffy a new dog, their lives and Henry's intersect--and they all come to find friendship in places they never expected.

FROM SARAH:

Robert McCloskey's triumph. This is lauded by many as his best work, and each page turn will show you why. Just buy it for your permanent collection. You'll be glad you did.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Out on the islands that poke their rocky shores above the waters of Penobscot Bay, you can watch the time of the world go by, from minute to minute, hour to hour, from day to day . . ." So begins this classic story of one summer on a Maine island from the author of One Morning in Maine and Blueberries for Sal. The spell of rain, the gulls and a foggy morning, the excitement of sailing, the quiet of the night, the sudden terror of a hurricane, and, in the end, the peace of the island as the family packs up to leave are shown in poetic language and vibrant, evocative pictures.

FROM SARAH:

The lovely stories of country vet James Herriot. Children will love hearing how Mr. Herriot cares for animals and the people who love them. (Note: There are some animals who do not survive, so heads up if you have sensitive readers!) Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Children have always found a delightful friend in James Herriot. His award-winning stories for young readers bring the farmyard world of Herriot's Yorkshire to vibrant life. Featuring a host of adorable animals and colorful townsfolk, each of the stories is narrated by the country vet himself, with all of the warmth, caring, and good humor that have made James Herriot beloved the world over.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winner of the Newbery Medal, Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an action-packed mystery and adventure from master storyteller Avi.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

George Washington crossed the Delaware in the dead of night. Abraham Lincoln saved the Union. And President William Howard Taft, a man of great stature . . . well, he got stuck in a bathtub. Now how did he get unstuck?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.

**Description from Amazon: “Here, at last, is the new edition of Mozart, The Wonder Boy, that you have wanted for such a long time. The first book of Mozart, The Wonder Boy, had some delightful music, but you wanted still more, and here it is — thirty-five full pages of Mozart music that you will find at the end of the st...

FROM SARAH:

I'm not usually a big graphic novel reader, but this one is a perfect exception. And you know what? I think it's even better on audio. One of the best audiobook experiences I've ever had, in fact! It's an immersive dip into Omar Mohamed's true story of being a Somali refugee that will capture your heart. The publisher recommends this one for ages 8-12, but I think it's probably better for ages 12+. Or just listen to it yourself. You'll be glad you did! (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

A poignant World War II story about a boy and his dog and his dad, and the many meanings of bravery, from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson. With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, 11-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, ...

FROM SARAH:

Ezra Jack Keats changed the landscape of children's literature by featuring diverse children in urban settings, seen first in the groundbreaking classic, The Snowy Day (an RAR Family Book Club pick), where we meet Peter. In this delightful follow-on story, we join Archie, Peter's best friend, and his adventures getting into the neighborhood pet show.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How can you enter a pet show when your pet runs away? That's the question Archie faces when he can't find his cat to enter in the neighborhood pet show. Fortunately, he does some fast thinking to win a prize in this beloved classic from award-winning author-illustrator Ezra Jack Keats.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Henry Cole’s beautifully illustrated sequel to Brambleheart, reminiscent of Brian Jacques’s Redwall and Avi’s Poppy series, Twig’s fantastical adventures continue as he and his animal friends set sail to reunite Char with his dragon family.

FROM SARAH:

This series of Anansi books from Eric A. Kimmel and Janet Stevens are among our very favorite picture books. I've read them aloud countless times!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A spider tricks other animals into thinking a melon can talk.

**Description from Amazon: Fortified with Yankee ingenuity and western can-do energy, the Moody family, transplanted from New England, builds a new life on a Colorado ranch early in the twentieth century. Father has died and Little Britches shoulders the responsibilities of a man at age eleven. Man of the Family continues true pioneering adventures as unforgettable as those in Little Britches and The Fields of Home, also available as Bison Books.

**Description from Amazon: Introduction by Terry Tempest Williams Afterword by T. H. Watkins   Called a “magnificently crafted story . . . brimming with wisdom” by Howard Frank Mosher in The Washington Post Book World, Crossing to Safety has, since its publication in 1987, established itself as one of the greatest ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Billy can be very difficult to please. Show him something very tall or very small, and he'll say, "whatever." Let him play inside the bounciest castle, and he'll shrug and say, "whatever." Take him for a ride in the smokiest train or the speediest spaceship — it doesn't matter. Billy's reaction is always the same. What might the surly boy say if a hungry tiger came by and his nonchalant dad gave Billy a taste of his own medicine? William Bee's quirky illustrations give an amusing new spin to a familiar scenario that will have both children and adults laughing in recognition.

FROM SARAH:

A stunning leather-bound edition that is gift-worthy! This one includes a foreword by RAR favorite Jennifer Trafton and an afterword by none other than Andrew Peterson. Gorgeous.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This leather-bound edition of one of George MacDonald's most beloved stories features a foreword by author Jennifer Trafton, an afterword by Andrew Peterson, and is chock-full of linocut illustrations by Ned Bustard.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

For Babymouse, school is a constant battle between good (Babymouse), evil (Felicia Furrpaws), and more evil (gym class!). Can things get any worse? Yup. Because it’s time for the annual dodgeball tournament. What’s a mouse to do? Don’t miss the excitement in Our Hero—the 2nd hilarious, action-packed installment of the beloved Babymouse graphic novel series!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

You can apply the same techniques of efficiency, intention, and purpose that you've used in other careers to your most important position in life-motherhood. Steady Days takes you through the process of becoming a professional mother: one who is organized and excited to spend time with your young children.

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorite reads of 2024! I was delighted by this audiobook, and even talked to Jon Acuff on the Read-Aloud Revival about the practice of creating a Best Moments List afterward. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What if you could have a fulfilling career, a thriving marriage, strong friendships, and rewarding hobbies, all while being in the best shape of your life? What if every day you lived was better than the one before? What if tapping into your potential wasn't as hard as you think?

According to New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff, it might not be. In fact, All It Takes Is a Goal. In his ninth book, he shows you how to plan goals that you're guaranteed to reach by focusing on your best moments, navigating the three zones of performance, and finding ways to fuel your passions, all while actually enjoying the ride.

Sound too good to be true? Jon thought so too. Until it happened--again and again--for him and the hundreds of real people in his research project. Whether your goals are personal, relational, or career-driven, the key to a better future is closer than you think.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Charlotte Tucker, the little girl who would grow up to be Laura Ingalls Wilder's grandmother.The war of 1812 is over, and Charlotte thinks life in Roxbury is back to normal. Will and Lucy have moved in with her family, and Charlotte adores looking after Lucy's baby.

FROM SARAH:

What is worm weather? Ask your kids, I bet they'll know! Get the boots out and ready for puddle jumping after you read aloud this delightful book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drip,drop,skip and hop.Splish, splash,sidewalk dash!It's worm weather! Join in the rainy-day fun, as kids splash through the puddles, affecting another weather enthusiast, a nearby worm.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, the language in this book is positively delicious to read aloud. The longer-than-normal picture book text makes this an especially good read-aloud for a wide age range.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. Newbery Medalist and acclaimed picture book creator Lynne Rae Perkins weaves a delightful holiday tale full of surprises and gentle humor. Wintercake is a book about holiday traditions and why they matter. It’s also a story about making mistakes and how mistakes can sometimes lead to wonderful things. With colorful and detailed paintings depicting the winter forest and its animal inhabitants, this seasonal title is perfect for classroom and family sharing all year round.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely collection of classic short stories perfect for family read-alouds around the fire ot dinner table. We're featuring three stories from this collection at Christmas School 2023.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Home for Christmas includes twenty time-honored tales. Several are by world-famous authors; others are little-known treasures translated from other languages. Selected for their literary quality and spiritual integrity, they will resonate with readers of all ages, year after year.

FROM SARAH:

My older kids enjoyed this series when they were younger! One of RAR's team members described it as "The Penderwicks meet the Vanderbeekers in WWII Washington D.C." and if that's not a compelling description, I don't know what is. :) An excellent read-aloud for ages 6-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The five Mitchell children are based on the author's own family. In the first of three books about their adventures, Daddy has just gone off to World War II. One of his final words to his daughter Joan is, "No dogs!" She would dearly love such a pet, but life is full and so many new friends—pets as well as people—join the Mitchells, she hardly has time to think about dogs. The children form a club to do their part for the war-effort—first and foremost helping Mother, of course. Humorous and tender incidents combine with delightful illustrations to make the Mitchells truly unforgettable.

FROM SARAH

The classic that has been beloved for decades, newly updated and revised by Cyndi Georgis. We're big fans of every edition of this book, but this newest one takes the cake! Listen to Sarah talk to Cyndi in episode 153 of the Read-Aloud Revival.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The classic million-copy bestselling handbook on reading aloud to children--revised and updated for a new generation of readers.

FROM SARAH:

A powerful story written by the daughter of one of the Civil Rights Movement leaders, and told of the Civil Rights Movement from her childhood perspective.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year, Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where whites had and blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Martin Luther King), Paula watched and listened to the struggles, eventually joining with her family—and thousands of others—in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.

**Description from Amazon: Rapunzel escapes her tower-prison all on her own, only to discover a world beyond what she'd ever known before. Determined to rescue her real mother and to seek revenge on her kidnapper would-be mother, Rapunzel and her very long braids team up with Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and together they perform...

**Description from Amazon: This interactive workbook is packed with creative, year-round activities for curious naturalists ages 8 to 13. Clare Walker Leslie shows kids how to experience nature with all five senses, whether they live in the countryside, a major city, or somewhere in between. Guiding children through inspiring...

FROM SARAH:

Set in 15th-century England, this stirring novel is rich with medieval atmosphere and vivid illustrations. Because it's a coming-of-age story and deals with some difficult moral dilemmas, I'd recommend it for readers 12 and up.

FROM PUBLISHER: 

Written and Illustrated by the incomparable Howard Pyle, Men of Iron is the story of a young squire, Myles Falworth, growing up n the 15th century as he seeks not just to become a knight, but also redeem his father’s honor. With chapters full of vivid detail, Pyle masterfully combines historical realism with a captivating fictional story.The reader will experience Myles’ adventures, share his troubles, fight his battles and rejoice in his victories as if they had been transported through the centuries are were really by his side. This edition is complete with all the original illustrations by the author.

**Description from Amazon: A mouse has to do what a mouse has to do.Ragweed is determined to see the world. He leaves his family and cozy country home and sets off by train for the big city. What wonders await him: music, excitement, new friends...and cunning, carnivorous cats! Silversides is the purring president of F.E.A.R....

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorite books to read aloud (with gusto and great voices for each of the characters, of course). Nobody rhymes quite like Chris Van Dusen! And this one will have your kids laughing out loud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hugo is a tiny king with a very large ego. But when he mistreats a villager who also happens to be a sorceress, the spell she casts causes his head to literally swell. The more he boasts, the bigger it gets, until it finally topples the mini monarch right off his castle! Who will cut this royal pain down to size? And, more important, will anyone live happily ever after? Chris Van Dusen’s hilarious story is matched only by his outrageous illustrations. Together, they make for a picture book that is sometimes fairy tale, sometimes cautionary tale, and always laugh-out-loud funny.

FROM SARAH:

When Floss lived in town, she loved playing ball with the children. Now she lives on a farm and has to work for her keep. But will she make a good sheepdog? This is a delightful story!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Floss is a young border collie who belongs to an old man in a town and loves playing ball with the children in the park. The old man's son is a farmer and needs a new sheepdog to replace Nell, who has grown too old to work, so the old man decides to give his son Floss. Somewhere in her memory, Floss knows about sheep, and she soon learns how to be a sheepdog. But one day, when Floss is on the hillside herding sheep, she sees the children playing with a new ball and can't resist joining in. Meanwhile, the sheep escape—and the farmer is very angry. Floss is put in the doghouse while Nell rounds up the sheep. But after this Floss becomes a very good sheepdog—although, when she has time, she still likes to play ball with the children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A terrible darkness is spreading across Perodia. Thorn, a powerful vulture, is using dark magic (and his dark army of spies!) to destroy the magical land. A young owl named Tag may be the only one who can save it! Tag dreams of one day becoming a brave warrior, but he is small . . . In this first book, Tag and his best friend -- a squirrel named Skyla -- meet the last firehawk.

**Description from Amazon: Frederic Chopin, celebrated pianist and probably the greatest composer for the piano the world has ever known, was born in a little cottage in Poland on the estate of Count Skarbek, whose children were tutored by his father, Nicolas Chopin. The child loved music from babyhood and when the family mov...

NARRATED BY: Robert Glenister, BEST FOR AGES: 9+

Science is everywhere, in everything we do, see, and read. Books-all books-offer possibilities for talk about science in the illustrations and text once you know how to look for them.

Age rec: 6+

From Sarah:

A collection with lots of cartoon illustrations. It's not as strong of a choice as others on our list of Shakespeare favorites, but your library might have it.

From the Publisher:

Get lost in Shakespeare’s most loved stories with this beautiful anthology of some of the most popular stories in the world. Introduce the children in your life to a collection of the most important stories every written, collected and retold by the much-loved author Angela McAllister. Featuring classics such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello, each story is rewritten in a comprehensive way that is accessible for children. This perfectly sized anthology is stunningly illustrated by collage artist Alice Lindstrom whose incredible artwork makes these stories dance to life before your very eyes.

**Description from Amazon: The second book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place—the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicker and Trenton Lee Stewart—has a brand-new look.Thanks to their plucky governess, Miss Penelope Lumley, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cass...

NARRATED BY: Ed Sala, BEST FOR AGES: 8+

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Oliver Twist is notable for Dickens's unromantic portrayal of criminals and their sordid lives, as well as exposing the cruel treatment of the many orphans in London in the mid–nineteenth century.