FROM SARAH:

I love most of Kate Morton's sweeping tales (especially on audio), and this one is probably my very favorite. I don't know how the author weaves these grand tales together so seamlessly, but I'm astounded every time! Perfect for fans of Susan Meissner (though Kate's books tend to have a slightly grittier edge than Susan's do)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Living on her family’s idyllic lakeside estate in Cornwall, England, Alice Edevane is a bright, inquisitive, and precociously talented sixteen-year-old who loves to write stories.One midsummer’s eve, after a beautiful party drawing hundreds of guests to the estate has ended, the Edevanes discover that their youngest child, eleven-month-old Theo, has vanished without a trace. He is never found, and the family is torn apart, the house abandoned.

FROM SARAH:

There are a few author/illustrators who nail their wordless books every time. Daniel Miyares is one of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A boy’s small paper boat—and his large imagination—fill the pages of this wordless picture book, a modern-day classic from the creator of Pardon Me! that includes endpaper instructions for building a boat of your own.

**Description from Amazon: Wombats are cuddly-looking, slow-moving Australian animals. Their favorite activities are eating, sleeping, and digging holes. Here, in the words of one unusually articulate wombat, is the tongue-in-cheek account of a busy week; eating, sleeping, digging holes . . . and training its new neighbors, a family of humans, to produce treats on demand.

FROM SARAH:

Edith Nesbit wrote eight fantastic tales where dragons of every sort meet us in the most unexpected places. This collection is a timeless treasure for readers who believe magic still hides in library corners and bedtime stories.

FROM PUBLISHER:

The Book of Dragons (1899) is a collection of children’s stories by English writer Edith Nesbit. Comprising eight stories originally published in 1899 in The Strand Magazine, The Book of Dragons is a work that explores the magic and wonder of mythical beasts for children and adults alike.

FROM SARAH:

A compilation of classic fairy tales including some of the most beloved "Fairy Stories" by Andrew Lang, this collection is chocked-full of favorites. Head's up that this edition doesn't contain many illustrations, so it might be better read aloud than handed over.

FROM PUBLISHER:

This collection of historical children's fairy tales, compiled, though not written by Andrew Lang, includes the Blue, Brown, Crimson, Grey, Olive, and Violet fairy books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tadessa from Ethiopia, Suchart from Thailand, Celina from Brazil...each has hopes and fears dreams and beliefs. Their cultures are different yet in many ways their daily lives are very similar as are their hopes for the future and their ways of looking at the world. Over the past two years a photographer and a teacher have travelled to more than 30 different parts of the world to meet these children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A picture book biography about Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, a name he earned from toting around a trombone twice as long as he was high. A testament to the power of music and the ability to follow your dreams. A delight for all ages!

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful picture book, lyrically written, that gets up close and personal with a farming family and their springtime weather.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover the joys of a wild rainstorm in this poetic picture book, illustrated by a Caldecott Medalist.

**Description from Amazon: Francis is so full of God?s love that he wants to sing His praises. His glorious singing inspires birds of every color, and even the sun and moon, to join him in joyful celebration. Tomie dePaola?s simple text and vibrant illustrations bring the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi to life for even the...

From the publisher: This beautifully illustrated, oversized guide to the people and technology of the moon landing by award-winning author/illustrator John Rocco (illustrator of the Percy Jackson series) is a must-have for space fans, classrooms, and tech geeks.

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FINALIST • A ROBERT F. SIBERT HONOR BOOK

FROM SARAH:

I cannot WAIT to read this book after hearing a strong recommendation for it by one of RAR's team members. What Katy Did tells the story of a girl who is the oldest of five siblings, suffers a serious injury, and strives to bring her family closer together. Give me a story about sibling adventures any day, and I'm there!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge is a classic much loved by adults and children alike. Katy Carr intends to be beautiful and beloved and as sweet as an angel one day. For now, though, her hair is forever in a tangle, her dress is always torn, and she doesn't care at all about being called 'good'. But then a terrible accident happens, and Katy must find the courage to remember her daydreams and the delightful plans she once schemed, for when she is grown up she wants to do something grand.

**Description from Amazon: Jack likes to think of himself as a criminal mastermind...with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, plotter, planner, trickster, swindler...maybe even thief? One fine day Jack picks a target a little more giant than the usual, and one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying b...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Danny Aiello

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 28 min

** This is an abridged version of the original tale by Carl Collodi. The original Pinnochio is a little... strange. I like this one better. ;)

FROM SARAH:

One of the best picture books you'll ever own. It's long, so be prepared to read it over a couple of sittings. I've never read this one aloud without having kids lean closer and closer and beg me to read the next page. Thrilling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagging, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the family home in India.

FROM SARAH:

The audiobook (narrated by Kenneth Branagh) is really not to be missed! (Audible | LibroFM).

We recommend for ages 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Without a shred of doubt, one of his fellow passengers is the murderer.

FROM SARAH:

Silly and fun to read aloud. Your kids will giggle over the antic in the illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's a spring morning on the farm. Grandma is happy the grandkis are visiting―they've picked just the right day!―and Grandpa is fixing breakfast. Suddenly his grandson reports that the cows have got loose! He thinks Big Brown Bessie just stepped on a goose! "Good gracious," Grandpa says as he pours himself a glass of milk. When his granddaughter shouts the chickens are out, Grandpa cooks up some eggs. Pigs broke the gate" Grandpa fries bacon. Why is Grandpa so cool? Because he knows the kids are trying to play an April Fool's trick!

**Description from Amazon: Reconnect with nature through sketching and writing with these simple methods for capturing the living beauty of each season. Clare Walker Leslie and co-author Charles E. Roth offer easy techniques, exercises, and prompts for all ages.

**Description from Amazon: Boys and their communities are challenged today in ways they have not been before. Dr. Michael Gurian has studied and served children and their families for thirty years. His The Wonder of Boys (1996), is credited with sparking the "boys’ movement." In Saving Our Sons, he features the latest resea...

FROM SARAH:

Some of my all-time favorites. I own every single one in this series and won't be parted from them! Truly, anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All three pigs set out to seek their fortune, but two of them come to a sorry end.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
He may be just thirteen, but Jonathan knows he's ready to go to the war against the British. He can handle a gun. He yearns to battle for glory, just like his brother and cousin.

So when Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling men to fight, he runs to join them. He doesn't realize that in just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever altered -- by the war, by his fellow soldiers, and by the terrible choices he must make.

FROM SARAH:

Z is for . . . moose? Indeed! I bet your whole crew will laugh through the whole alphabet in this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky illustrates Kelly Bingham's outrageously funny, critically acclaimed, and boundary-breaking story about a moose, a zebra, and the alphabet! Zebra wants to put on a show as simple as ABC, but Zebra's friend Moose has other (unexpected and hilarious) ideas!

**Description from Amazon: Here is the story of Ludwig van Beethoven, greatest master of all, told with feeling and delicate skill for boys and girls. "Perhaps he, too, will become a musician, like all the Beethovens!" said Father Johann...From then on, the four-year-old Ludwig was kept at the piano hour after hour until the ...

FROM SARAH:

Another must-read from Maria Parr. A modern Pippi Longstocking . . . but maybe even more delightful, if that's possible! My crew loved this book. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

Please note for tenderhearted readers: death of a pet.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Speed and self-confidence, that’s Astrid’s motto. Nicknamed “the little thunderbolt,” she loves to spend her days racing down the hillside on her sled, singing loudly as she goes. She just wishes there were other children to share her hair-raising adventures with. But Astrid’s world is about to be turned upside down by two startling arrivals to the village.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

If one is a snail and two is a person, we must be counting by feet! Just follow the sign to the beach, where a bunch of fun-loving crabs, lounging dogs, gleeful insects, and bewildered-looking snails obligingly offer their feet for counting in a number of silly, surprising combinations -- from one to one hundred!

FROM SARAH:

One of my new tippy-top favorites. This gorgeous book, told in one windy sentence that twists and turns, is a delight. If you like big-family stories like Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler or The Seven Silly Eaters by Maryann Hoberman & Marla Frazee, this book is for you!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Step inside the dollhouse-like interior of Farmhouse and relish in the daily life of the family that lives there, rendered in impeccable, thrilling detail. Based on a real family and an actual farmhouse where Sophie salvaged facts and artifacts for the making of this spectacular work, page after page bursts with luminous detail and joy. Join the award-winning, best-selling Sophie Blackall as she takes readers on an enchanting visit to a farmhouse across time, to a place that echoes with stories.

FROM SARAH:

Ezra Jack Keats changed the landscape of children's literature by featuring diverse children in urban settings, and Goggles! continues the story of these wonderful neighborhood friends! If you've already met Peter in the groundbreaking classic, The Snowy Day (an RAR Family Book Club pick), you'll be delighted to meet him again, along with his best friend Archie, on their adventure!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Peter has found a rare treasure, a pair of old, beat-up motorcycle goggles. He and his best friend Archie are on their way to Archie’s front stoop with their prize when they run into a neighborhood gang that wants those goggles, too. What the bullies don’t understand is how hard it is to catch two smart boys and one crafty dog.

**Description from Amazon: The third book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place—the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart—has a brand-new look.Since returning from London, the three Incorrigible children and their plucky governe...

**Description from Amazon: Hop on the tram with Milli Ennium, Quincy, and their cohorts as they set out to explore the Getty Center. This children's book--from the creators of the popular Mr. Lunch character--takes a delightful tour through the Getty Museum, adjancent gardens, conservation laboratories and other sites at the Getty Center. Featuring the wonderful illustrations of J.otto Seibold and the beloved characters created by Seibold and coauthor Vivian Walsh, Going to the Getty is a colorful, humorous visit to the new center and sure to be enjoyed by children as well as the adult fans of Seibold and Walsh.

**Description from Amazon: One summer night in 1930, Judge Joseph Crater steps into a New York City cab and is never heard from again. Behind this great man are three women, each with her own tale to tell: Stella, his fashionable wife, the picture of propriety; Maria, their steadfast maid, indebted to the judge; and Ritzi, hi...

FROM SARAH:

There are a few author/illustrators who nail their wordless books every time. Daniel Miyares is one of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Evoking picture book classics like Aaron Becker's Journey and Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express, here is an emotionally rich bedtime picture book about a lonely child's nighttime adventure that is also a showcase for the extraordinary illustrations of Daniel Miyares.

**Description from Amazon: A book for one. A book for two. A book for different points of view.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb

FROM SARAH:

The story of the boy who will grow up to marry Laura, Farmer Boy tells of Almanzo and his family, who live on a farm in upstate New York. Based on a true story, of course! (You can read this Little House on the Prairie book out of order—it's a great introduction to the rest of the series, especially for boys.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved story of how her husband, Almanzo, grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lyrical, luminous picture book about missing a loved one. Little Cottontail misses his grandfather and the hugs, smiles, and jokes they shared. As he plays in the meadow, he thinks of ways that the wind, stars, stream, and trees can help him send hugs, kisses, and other messages to his grandfather. The text is careful to leave open the question of whether grandfather is deceased or just living far away, making the book meaningful to any small child who misses a loved one.

FROM SARAH: 

A historical fiction read-aloud best for kids 10+. (Note: the parents die at the beginning, so preview for your sensitive kiddos.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Africa is the only home Rachel Sheridan has ever known. But when her missionary parents are struck with influenza, everything changes. Like the lion, she must be patient and strong, awaiting the moment when she can find her way home again at last.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The true story of eighteenth-century mathematician Sophie Germain, who solved the unsolvable to achieve her dream.When her parents took away her candles to keep their young daughter from studying math...nothing stopped Sophie.

FROM SARAH:

Margaret Wise Brown's words are brought to beautiful life by Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney in this lovely book. Perfect for cozy wintertime readings. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown's words are brought to beautiful life by Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney. This must-have for every child’s library is perfect for cozy wintertime readings.

FROM SARAH:

Joe Sutphin has done it again! This time, he’s illustrated Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, and this is my very favorite version of the story yet. Great for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story—a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin. With charming woodland characters and settings that families will adore, readers will be transformed by A Little Christmas Carol.  A tale of greed, regret, loneliness, reflection, compassion, hope, and a joyfully changed life, this beautifully illustrated edition will enliven the timeless classic for readers young and old.

For the perfect family read-aloud, make A Little Christmas Carol a part of your family’s Christmas tradition. This new edition makes a wonderful gift.

FROM SARAH:

This remarkable (and short) read-aloud is based on the true story of Salva, one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, who covered the African continent on foot while searching for their families and safe harbor. Harrowing and heart-wrenching, this one leaves your heart aching with hope and wonder. Your kids can meet author Linda Sue Park at her Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others.

FROM SARAH:

A childhood classic. Have a colorful fruit salad while you read this one together!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young children will enjoy learning about colors and flowers with this new edition of one of Lois Ehlert's most popular titles in a brand-new format.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
This entrancing classic fantasy novel is filled with surprises at every turn. An international bestseller, this much-loved book is the source for the Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature.

**Description from Amazon: A celebrated illustrator presents his interpretation of the legend of St. Christopher, who originally had been a giant named Reprobus out to serve the world's most powerful king, a ruler he finds when he carries the young Christ across a river.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Explore the known Universe and consider its mind-boggling scale in this crisply illustrated, well-researched picture book from Caldecott honoree Jason Chin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Celeste is hundreds of miles from home following an unexpected journey aboard a Mississippi steamboat. After mishaps and disasters, she finds herself on the frontier in southern Indiana. It's 1822, and Celeste meets a tall, lanky boy wielding an ax: a young Abraham Lincoln.

The journey reveals the harsh realities of frontier life for the Lincoln family. But with the help of Celeste’s new woodland animal friends and some creativity, she may just prove that even the littlest creatures can make a big difference. And it’s in losing her way that Celeste finds herself in a place she never expected—home, finally.

FROM SARAH:

The sequel to The Goose Girl and part of Shannon Hale's Books of Bayern. This one is my daughter Allison's favorite from the whole series! (I've only read the first two books from this series so far.)

Recommended for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Enna's brother, Leifer, has found the secret to an extraordinary power--to make fire without a spark. It's an ability that could be used for good . . . if he can control it. But Enna can't decide if it's a power she wants for herself, or one that should be extinguished forever.

When their home country of Bayern goes to war, the choice becomes unbearable. Enna never imagined the warm, life-giving energy of fire could destroy anything she loves, but now she must try to save Bayern and herself before fire consumes her entirely.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Tracey Ullman

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 22 min

FROM SARAH:

Perhaps my favorite work from Jerry Pinkney (and that's saying something!). The illustrations in this one are jaw-dropping and worth staring at for a good long while. Cozy up on the couch for a read of this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted.

FROM SARAH:

Five siblings discover a sand-fairy who will grant one wish a day... so they've got to use those wishes carefully! This classic tale is a delight.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead – an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don't realize all the trouble wishes can cause ...

**Description from Amazon: With dozens of simple prompts and exercises, best-selling author, naturalist, and artist Clare Walker Leslie invites you to step outside for just a few minutes a day, reignite your sense of wonder about the natural world, and discover the peace and grounding that come from connecting with nature. Us...

**Description from Amazon: "THE WONDER OF BOYS is a provocative book that electrifies the debate over how this nation raises sons." — USA Today In this insightful and practical book, Michael Durian describes what boys need to become strong, responsible, sensitive men. Instead of encouraging us to stifle boys' natural prop...

FROM SARAH:

Originally published in newspapers in 1958, this collection of mysteries features a retired criminologist who invites the reader to solve a variety of crimes using quick, logic-based puzzles. I'd recommend this one for readers 12 and up (as some of the crimes involve murder), but for younger sleuths, check out Donald's "Encyclopedia Brown" series!

FROM PUBLISHER:

Whether testing their own sleuthing abilities by working against the clock or enjoying the intrigue of unraveling the case, readers get lots of spine-tingling mystery in these thrilling puzzlers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s 1951, and twelve-year-old Pete Collison is a regular kid who loves detective stories and radio crime dramas. When an FBI agent shows up at Pete’s doorstep, accusing Pete’s father of being a Communist, Pete is caught in a real-life mystery. Could there really be Commies in his family?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lydia, a young Amish girl, lives on a farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All summer long she has worked on a small hooked mat, her first "piece" that must be finished before she can go to market with her father. In spite of her best efforts, Lydia is much more interested in the wagon coming down the road, in the stories Granny tells, in stopping at Cousin Lavina’s, who is making apple butter, in holding the new baby at Cousin Kate’s, and even in chasing Nate’s runaway pig.

Will Lydia finish this mat so that she can go to market?

FROM SARAH:

Writing this book was probably the most fun I've ever had. Charles Santoso's illustrations do more than bring it to life—they give it heart. Am I allowed to have a favorite book from those I've written? If I am, this is it. 🥰

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lighthearted romp through Piney Glen with a band of friends who learn that friendship isn’t about fixing each other’s problems but about being there for each other.

**Description from Amazon: You may think you know how this book was made, but you don't. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How'd it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry ti...

NARRATED BY: Teresa Gallagher, BEST FOR AGES: 5+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mathematician David M. Schwartz and illustrator Steven Kellog join forces to knock complex numbers down to size, with some help from Mavelossissimo the Mathematical Magician. It's a math class you'll never forget.

**Description from Amazon: Established in 1968, the Wheaton Literary Series provides insightful books for the thoughtful reader, inspiring imagination, and reflection. These beautifully produced volumes feature prose and poetry of high literary, academic, and artistic merit, written by and about Christian artists of significa...

**Description from Amazon: The fourth book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place—the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart—has a brand-new look.Turning sixteen is a bittersweet occasion for Miss Penelope Lumley. Luckily, an invi...

FROM SARAH:

Susan Meissner is my very favorite adult novelist, and this is the book I recommend most often for teens who are just getting started with her work. It's also a great place for mamas! Weaves together two tales—one from 9/11 and the other from the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. And in traditional Susan Meissner form, your heart will be bigger by the time you finish.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Two stories thread together: one of Clara Wood, who must sort out her world after the catastrophic Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911, and the other of Taryn Michaels, who is rebuilding her life after losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks. A testament to the power of the shape of history on our life in the present.