FROM SARAH:

To say I love dePaola is something of an understatement. We even have a whole Tomie Day dedicated to him around here! In the chapter book series that starts with this title, he tells the story of his childhood with the gusto that only Tomie had. A tippy-top recommendation as a read aloud. Don't miss this one. Also available on audio (Audible l Libro.fm).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Tomie's family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out--the hard way--that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won't learn to read until first grade. "I'll be back next year," he says.

**Description from Amazon: Ruff! Ruff! Yip! Yip! Dog is rounding up whatever he can find in his urban apartment, even chairs. He is also driving his bird companion crazy with the commotion. Bird sends him to the countryside to find something more appropriate to herd, such as a cow. but since Dog has never seen a cow, he finds...

**Description from Amazon: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden discover that a mystery surrounds the run-down yellow house on Surprise Island. The children find a letter and other clues that could lead them on the trail of a man who vanished from the house. Join The Boxcar Children in their graphic novel adventure to solve...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In nine favorite tales from medieval Europe, such characters as King Arthur, Beowulf, and the merry outlaw Robin Hood weave an imagination-sparking tapestry of an enchanted time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the author of Newbery Medal winner Moon Over Manifest comes the odyssey-like adventure of two boys’ incredible quest on the Appalachian Trail.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the heels of Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse comes Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon—where dreams are determined only by the size of your imagination and the biggest innovators are the smallest of all.

**Description from Amazon: "Breakout is the story of a prison break narrated by three girls who live in the neighborhood surrounding the prison. What begins as just reporting on the event ends up saying a lot about racism and criminal justice, told in a very accessible style of texts, comics, letters, and more." - Seira Wilso...

FROM SARAH: 

An afternoon with Mary Poppins is sure to make the ordinary into something magical, with a carpet bag full of surprises and (slightly stern) charm. Although this Mary differs from her movie counterpart, I think you'll find every minute with her nothing less than enchanting.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

** Description from Amazon: Sixteen-year-old Sadie Rose hasn’t said a word in eleven years—ever since the day she was found lying in a snowbank during a howling storm. Like her voice, her memories of her mother and what happened that night were frozen.Set during the roaring 1920s in the beautiful, wild area on Rainy Lake w...

**Description from Amazon: Julia Cavanaugh has never left New York City. But in 1890, the young woman must head west to ensure that the orphans under her care are settled into good families. After her final stop in Montana, she plans to head straight back east. But upon arriving in the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, Julia l...

FROM SARAH:

A beautifully illustrated book that will help you and your kids fall a little more in love with nature all year long. My kids and I enjoyed reading a selection of this book about once a week during Morning Time. The selections are short, and pretty enough to put on display.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . .

In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One Odd Day is a humorous, rhythmic, read-aloud story about a boy who awakens to find that everything around him is odd. His shirt has three sleeves and his dog has five legs. . . Things are no better at school either. Will his odd day end when he goes to bed that night?

FROM SARAH:

Beth Krommes' scratchboard illustrations, punctuated by droplets of gold make this a stand-out book. Worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beside the house are nighttime things both comforting and intriguing--a bed, many books--and outside, too, there are sources of light and joy--the moon, the sky--that reveal a reassuring order in the universe.

**Description from Amazon: The day after they moved in, Coraline went exploring.... In Coraline's family's new flat are twenty-one windows and fourteen doors. Thirteen of the doors open and close.The fourteenth is locked, and on the other side is only a brick wall, until the day Coraline unlocks the door to find a passage to ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The complete four-book boxed set of what is arguably the greatest fantasy epic of all time: The Lord of the Rings and its enchanting prequel, The Hobbit,

**Description on Amazon: Bursting with color and spirit, this collection of Latin-American songs is a tribute to Latino culture. From traditional tunes to rhymes and hand games, De Colores has songs for all occasions and moods. Each song is accompanied by simple musical arrangements, with lyrics in both English and Spanish....

**Description from Amazon: A New York Times Bestseller!This heart-pounding mystery adventure, by the author of the New York Times bestselling series The Mysterious Benedict Society, is laced with magic and humor A magical watch A string of secretsA race against timeWhen Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch, he s...

FROM SARAH:

Reading a John Rocco book feels a lot like watching a movie—his illustration style is cinematic and fast-paced. Your kids will spend more time with this book than you expect them to.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Blizzard is based on John Rocco's childhood experience during the now infamous Blizzard of 1978, which brought fifty-three inches of snow to his town in Rhode Island. Told with a brief text and dynamic illustrations, the bookopens with a boy's excitement upon seeing the first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the neighborhood's immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first. John uses an increasing amount of white space in his playful images, which include a gatefold spread of the boy's expedition to the store. This book about the wonder of a winter storm is as delicious as a mug of hot cocoa by the fire on a snowy day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Emma and Eadric have no sooner turned back into humans (from being frogs) than Emma's mother is in a panic, Aunt Grassina is distracted because she's found her true love turned into an otter, and Emma's magic is so out of control she sends herself to the dungeon by mistake. The neighboring kingdom has chosen this moment to attack, and if Emma can't get Grassina's mind back on protecting the kingdom, life as they know it in Greater Greensward will be in peril. From underwater sea monsters to fire-breathing dragons, this witty pair of young friends manages to sweet-talk, cajole, and race their way to victory. But when it looks as if everything will finally work out, disaster strikes, and Emma finds that magic is not enough-it takes real bravery and a strong, new friendship to succeed.

**Description from Amazon: Snuggle up at bedtime or anytime with Biscuit, the very first book about everyone's favorite little yellow puppy.It’s time for bed, but Biscuit doesn’t want to sleep! Before Biscuit gets into bed he wants one more snack, one more story, one more kiss. Will he ever go to sleep? Woof, woof!This fa...

**Description from Amazon: Caroline watches eagerly as buildings spring up overnight and more and more families move into the growing town of Brookfield, Wisconsin. There are all sorts of exciting, new things for Caroline to do! She gets to march in her first Independence Day parade, a circus comes to town, and there are new ...

FROM SARAH:

A fascinating, lesser-known story, with a great backmatter about other inventors. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Josephine Garis Cochrane: entrepreneur, innovator, girlboss. Washing dishes is a pain—it leaves Josephine's cups cracked, her dishes dinged, and her chowder bowls chipped. She’d rather be picking flowers, frosting cakes, or playing piano than dealing with cracked crockery. What to do about a chore that’s icky, destructive, and time-consuming? Josephine tackles this task the modern way: she makes a machine to do it for her! She tinkers and tests, and perseveres through fizzles and flops—until she has a government patent for her invention, and there are whirring, whizzing, bubbling dishwashers making a splash across America.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Far more than a gold-plated symbol of religious belief, the cross is the centerpiece of the Christian faith -- the meeting place of time and eternity. Where God and man encounter each other.

Max Lucado takes you through the drama of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ -- bringing to life Peter's denial, Pilate's hesitancy, and John's loyalty. Relive the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, from the foggy garden of Gethsemane to the incandescent room of the resurrection.

FROM SARAH:

I have a special fondness for this whole series—it was one of the first that showed me the difference between a "just ok" picture book with a "truly wonderful" picture book. Also: there's a recipe in the book worth making!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every year Grandmother invited a guest for Thanksgiving dinner and allowed Maggie to do the same."Ask someone poor or lonely," she always said. Thanksgiving was Grandmother's favorite day of the year. The cooking was done and her famous cranberry bread was cooling on a wooden board. But she wasn't happy to find out Maggie had invited the unsavory Mr. Whiskers to dinner. Would her secret cranberry bread recipe be safe with him in the house? After a long absence, this delightful 1971 classic is back. So is the recipe!

FROM SARAH:

This (very short!) book is pure gold. True peace is possible for all of us, even in the midst of bustling family life. For all the weary and burdened of heart - Father Jacques Philippe's wisdom will be a balm to you soul.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Peace of heart is a pure gift of God. We should seek it and ask Him for it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A children's book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places.

Little Otter is ready for some action! Rustling leaves call to him. Sweet, spicy air beckons. The moon is as huge and golden as Owl’s eyes. So Little Otter sets off for some fun. But with wolves on the prowl, Little Otter’s adventures are a series of dizzying close calls. When he finally returns...

FROM SARAH:

This book is amazing in its simplicity and beauty, both in the text and the pictures. Listen to my special edition episode about the illustrator, Barbara Cooney, on the RAR Podcast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Thus begins a lyrical journey through the days and weeks, the months, and the changing seasons in the life of one New Englander and his family. The oxcart man packs his goods - the wool from his sheep, the shawl his wife made, the mittens his daughter knitted, and the linen they wove.

FROM SARAH:

Oh, to write like Mary Laura Philpott! Mary Laura is one of my new favorites, and in this memoir she tackles the biggest questions we face as mothers in a way that'll make you both laugh and cry. Heads up: there's some bad language, and one slightly annoying essay that you'll know I didn't like when you read it. 😉 The rest? Gold.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hailed by The Washington Post as “Nora Ephron, Erma Bombeck, Jean Kerr, and Laurie Colwin all rolled into one,” Philpott tackles the big questions of life, death, and existential fear—not to mention the lessons of an inscrutable backyard turtle—with hope, humor, and joy.

**Description from Amazon: This extraordinary prayer just for children is perfect for the youngest reader. New gift book edition Caldecott-winning player for a Childish sure to win new fans and become a favorite. Keep growing in faith and joy through little Simon Inspirations books for your child! Key Details Author Rachel Fi...

FROM SARAH:

Wow, this book stays with you! Not my normal genre (speculative fiction), but I still loved it. The story follows Nora Seed as she accesses a library that allows her to explore alternate versions of her life. Compelling! Heads up: contains some foul language.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig's enchanting blockbuster novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

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 THE PUBLISHER:

Another stunning picture book biography of a prominent twentieth-century African-American in the arts, from the creative team behind Alvin Ailey.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A timeless celebration of Christmas from the legendary Newbery and Caldecott Honor winner Tomie dePaola!This collection unifies three of the incomparable Tomie dePaola’s most beloved Christmas stories into one handsome volume.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Every night the rhyme gets read. Every night Dish and Spoon run away. And every night they return--until tonight! Where can Dish and Spoon be? The rhyme can't go on without them, so Cat, Cow, and Dog set out to search for their missing friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

New York Times Bestseller Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people.

FROM SARAH:

Now that we've begun to settle in nicely to Lapis Lazuli house and St. Crispian's through Emma's Vol. 1, in Vol. 2 we begin to meet more fascinating individuals and characteristics of this unique place, all through Emma's disarming and delightful wit!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

FROM SARAH:

A story of loss, belonging, home, and forgiveness, told in an unforgettably beautiful way. Best for teens (and mamas!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Abilene Tucker's father sends her ot hte immigrant town of Manifest in rural Kansas with little explanation, and Abilene feels abandoned and alone. In her room, she discovers a a hidden cigar box full of memories... memories that will change Abilene's experience forever. Gorgeous language, a compelling plot, and characters who will stay with you long after you close the pages.

**Description from Amazon: All it takes is one: one coral gamete to start a colony, one person to make a difference, one idea to change the world. The ongoing efforts to save and rebuild the world's coral reefs—with hammer and glue, and grafts of newly grown coral—are the living legacy of Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Cora...

**Description from Amazon: Believe in the possible . . . with this "warm, witty, and wise" New York Times bestselling novel from three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm Galileo. Newton. Salk. Oppenheimer.Science can change the world . . . but can it go too far? Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She miss...

FROM SARAH:

The iconic Go, Dog, Go! in Spanish. This is a great book to read together if you are studying Spanish because it's probably already a familiar story and text for your kids!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Different kinds of dogs drive cars, wear hats, run through mazes, and even have parties in treetops.

** Description from Amazon: Walking on thin ice: on Rainy Lake, in the northern reaches of Minnesota, it’s more than a saying. And for Owen Jensen, nineteen and suddenly responsible for keeping his mother and five brothers alive, the ice is thin indeed.Ice-Out returns to the frigid and often brutal Prohibition-era borderland...

**Description from Amazon: HarperCollins 1945, Copyright renewed,1973, By Lois Lenski (Covey) Hardcover has dustjacket. John Newbery Medal.

**Description from Amazon: Originally published in 2007. Can we overcome our past? Katie Parker is about to get a new life—whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full-scale plan to get sent...

FROM SARAH:

The vivid, lively illustrations in this picture book biography just sing. You can almost hear the music pouring off of every page. I highly recommend putting on some of Melba’s incredible music when you finish this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A biography of African American jazz virtuoso Melba Doretta Liston, a pioneering twentieth-century trombone player, composer, and music arranger at a time when few women, of any race, played brass instruments and were part of the jazz scene.

FROM SARAH:

Eliza Wheeler is one of my all-time favorite illustrators, and this first book of hers is worth adding to your permanent collection. Lovely for any season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What happens to seeds that don't sprout? Fortunately, they have Miss Maple to look after them. Every year, she rescues orphan seeds, taking them to her cozy maple tree house. All winter long, she nurtures them and teaches them the ways of seeds and the paths by which they might find their new homes. And come spring, she sends them off to take root out in the wide world and to sprout into the wonderful plants she knows they'll become.

**Description from Amazon: Ramsay is a man twice born, a man who has returned from the hell of the battle-grave at Passchendaele in World War I decorated with the Victoria Cross and destined to be caught in a no man's land where memory, history, and myth collide. As Ramsay tells his story, it begins to seem that from boyhood,...

FROM SARAH:

I read this series aloud with my older kids when they were teens, and will do it again with the younger set, as well. The Giver is a book that never leaves you. Best for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A brave mouse, a covetous rat, a wishful serving girl, and a princess named Pea come together in this award-winning tale of adventure, hope, and light. Don't miss the Author Access where Kate DiCamillo answers questions about this book in RAR Premium.

FROM SARAH:

This is just one of the best winter books out there. A story about courage with illustrations that will make you want to look a whole lot longer than necessary.

ROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn't feeling so well and can't possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she's made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that's brewing-- quite an errand for a little girl. But where there's a will, there's a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission.

**Description from Amazon: Caroline--the future mother of Laura Ingalls--and her family pack up their belongings and move from the little town of Brookfield to a new house among the big trees of Concord, Wisconsin. Simultaneous.

NARRATED BY: Tavia Gilbert, DIRECTIONS: Buy the Kindle version for $3.32, then select "Add Audible narration for $3.49" BEST FOR AGES: 9+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Children don't need a calendar to tell them which season it is. Every month has its own distinct clues, like in September "when yellow pencils / in brand-new eraser hats / bravely wait on perfect points." In a dozen unforgettable poems, this fresh yet nostalgic collection captures the excitement of each season, spinning us once around the sun--twelve months, four seasons, one amazing year.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the ten-year anniversary of One-Dog Canoe, the author-illustrator team of Mary Casanova and Ard Hoyt have created a winter version of their popular picture book. Filled with lyrical text, bouncy rhythm, and whimsical illustrations, this is one heart-warming and adventurous sleigh ride you won't want to miss. Bundle up and climb aboard!

FROM SARAH:

I love the unique illustration style Jonathan used in this book... and the lyrical rhythm of this cumulative story! Great for fall, but also a lovely read-aloud just about anytime. (It's better with apple pie, of course.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

These are the apples, juicy and red, that went in the pie, warm and sweet, that Papa baked . . . for guess who!

FROM SARAH:

Our lives are full of anxiety, but what might we experience if we truly understood that we were safe all along? This book (by the author of Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope) is balm for a weary mama's soul. It's the kind of book you need when you want a big sister to tell you the truth you knew all along, but forgot.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rich in biblical explorations of lament and praise, forgiveness and hope, service and surrender, Safe All Along asks, What practical choices can we make to experience the peace Jesus promised amid disappointment and uncertainty? How can we live with joy and confidence even when we’re pulled into the rapids of life?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Bruno, a lonely old man, creates three dolls and sits them on the window sill facing outside to keep him company while he works in his garden, but one day he leaves and never returns, causing his house, dolls, and garden to change.

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 THE PUBLISHER:
Lovingly illustrated by award-winning artist Tomie dePaola, this stunning collection of stories brings some of the most memorable and significant figures in the Old and New Testaments to life. Adam and Eve, Abraham and Moses, Peter, John, and Jesus are all vividly portrayed in wonderful detail. The original Bible text captures all of the drama of the best-loved stories from the Bible, including Noah and the flood, Jonah's encounter with a great fish, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.