Books

FROM SARAH:

Brian Floca's picture books can hardly be matched. Come listen to him talk about this one in particular (and give us a little painting demonstration) at his Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to ocean.

The exquisitely told story of the Apollo 11 Mission to the moon. Excellent especially for older kids who think they're past picture books. Watch the author/illustrator on an Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

**Description from Amazon: A fun, accessible chapter-book debut from an exciting new talent--simultaneous hardcover-paperback launch! Marty McGuire would rather spend recess catching frogs in the pond than playing dress-up with the other girls in third grade. So when her teacher casts Marty as the princess in the class play, ...

**Description from Amazon: Readers everywhere were transported by the 100 cupboard doors leading to 100 worlds of adventure in the bestselling 100 Cupboards series! Now, whether you're new to the series or can't wait to know where the cupboards came from, you’ll want to open the cupboard door to this action-packed fantasy w...

**Description from Amazon: In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens, but prisons and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies.... In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Drago...

FROM SARAH:

You may know Brandon Mull from his Fablehaven series (and if you don't... you probably want to!), but this is another series my kids have devoured every book in! Best for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the...unusual side. In this start to the series, four young friends--Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon--meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies: Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise.

**Description from Amazon: The 3.5 million fans who bought Fablehaven know the series has many imaginative mythical creatures especially dragons. Every one of the dragons has a name and a special power and they all look different and are described in words, but they existed only in our imagination….UNTIL NOW. The Caretaker'...

**Description from Amazon: Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms—come and claim it in this start to a new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonoders series.Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little bette...

**Description from Amazon: Tortoise proves he is a formidable opponent in this comic adaptation of a classic tale.

**Description from Amazon: A hilarious, bestselling cat-and-dog story returns as a Dragonfly paperback!Merl the Cat's pampered life is turned upside down when a little golden retriever puppy moves into the house. Merl tells the story of how he tries his best to oust the newest member of his household. Thwarted at every turn b...

**Description from Amazon: Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. Meet the boy who started it all....Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but also he has narcolepsy, a condition ...

**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...

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, I think, Kate DiCamillo's weirdest book, and my boys just loved it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Holy unanticipated occurrences! From #1 New York Times best-selling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters — a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by K. G. Campbell.

**Description from Amazon: A National Book Award finalist by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo.Walking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to encounter a tiger—a real-life, very large tiger—pacing back and forth in a cage. What’s more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets ...

**Description from Amazon: Publishing in time for the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, here is a beautiful read-aloud about animal families preparing for an impending storm in their bayou habitat.   Journey to the Louisiana wetlands and watch as all the animals of the bayou experience one of nature’s most dramatic ...

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for kids who love adventures that include treacherous villains, encounters with the elements, and riddles to decipher. You'll learn a fair share about history, while you're at it! Best for 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I'm a fan of everything written by Caroline Starr Rose, but this one is my favorite yet! Follow Jasper and his brother on their search for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. It's a page-turning mystery your kids don't want to miss! Best for 10+, though younger kids can certainly listen in.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

According to legend, Will Cody (later known as America's greatest showman, Buffalo Bill) rode for the Pony Express at the age of fifteen. His most famous ride, recounted in this lyrical verse story, covered 322 miles, required 21 horses, and took over 21 hours to complete.

FROM SARAH:

A funny, quick read-aloud that will delight parents and children alike. Lighthearted and sweet! One of my favorites.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, he’s none too pleased. All ends well in this winsome book of poems—each labeled with its proper poetic form. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and found—and, most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poet’s Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.

**Description from Amazon: A “wholly satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel in verse starring a boy, a lost dog, and a lonely old man, from Newbery Honoree Marion Dane BauerMark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with his plan. Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner alrea...

**Description from Amazon: When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, has to move away to take care of her ailing father, Eleanor must try to bear the summer without Bibi and prepare for the upcoming school year. Her new, less-than-perfect babysitter just isn't up to snuff, and she doesn't take care of things like Bibi used to....

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

If the viral Buzzfeed-style personality quizzes are any indication, we are collectively obsessed with the idea of defining and knowing ourselves and our unique place in the world. But what we're finding is this: knowing which Harry Potter character you are is easy, but actually knowing yourself isn't as simple as just checking a few boxes on an online quiz.

FROM SARAH:

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who survived Hitler's concentration camps and became a heroine of the Resistance. A touching story worthy of many re-reads, I recommend this one for high schoolers and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.

Ralph Masiello has taught young artists how to draw robots, dragons, dinosaurs, farm animals, fairies, and bugs. He’s introduced readers to techniques to capture creatures from the ocean, objects from Ancient Egypt, and spooky characters from Halloween on paper. In the tenth book in his drawing se...

Ralph Masiello makes a splash with the latest addition to his popular drawing series. Easy-to-follow steps and clear diagrams show kids how to draw aquatic flora and fauna from clams to seaweed to sharks. Extra challenge steps are included for more experienced artists.

FROM SARAH:

Who better to teach kids to draw creepy crawlies than the Icky Bug Man himself, Ralph Masiello? With simple, step-by-step instructions—and extra challenges for more experienced artists—this how-to book will have kids on their way to drawing bug masterpieces.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This easy-to-follow guide makes it simple for bug-lovers and aspiring artists alike to learn how to draw creepy crawlies of all different varieties. In step-by-step illustrations, beloved author/illustrator Ralph Masiello shows kids how to use circles, ovals, and other shapes to draw simple, lifelike portraits of their favorite insects. From a beetle to a stink bug to a caterpillar, THE BUG DRAWING BOOK offers a wide range of insects that artists can bring to life as well as an invitation for artists to create their own imaginary creepy crawlers. The simple shapes and sequenced steps will encourage both confidence and creativity for artists at any level.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Author/illustrator Ralph Masiello explores the world of dragon lore, from the mystical Australian rainbow serpent to the revered imperial dragon of China. Just follow the steps in red to create your own mythical, magical beasts. Extra bonus steps in blue show how to add realistic scales and more advanced details.

With the help of Ralph Masiello, young artists have learned how to draw bugs, dinosaurs, dragons, robots, roosters and pigs, seahorses and sharks, pyramids and sphinxes, pumpkins and ghouls. Next up: the wonderful world of fairies.From tiny fairies to fairy godmothers, Ralph Masiello has compiled a ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Illustrator Ralph Masiello shares his love of robots in this newest addition to his popular drawing series. Step-by-step diagrams show young artists how to use simple shapes and lines to create basic robots. Challenge steps and a visit to the "spare part warehouse" encourage kids to customize their designs with dials, switches, and antennae. Bonus challenge steps show how to add claws, armor, and other fantastic features.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Emerging on the fertile banks of the Nile River over five thousand years ago, ancient Egypt was a place of mummies and pharaohs, pyramids and temples--a place that sparks the imagination. Young artists can dive into the underworld with Anubis, jackal god of the dead; creep past a sentinel sphinx with the body of a lion and the head of a falcon; bow down to the beautiful Queen Nefertiti; or give praise to the murdered god Osiris, all while learning to draw the symbols of the mysterious and ancient civilization of Egypt.

Dinosaurs roamed the earth 65 million years ago. Now you can bring them back to life in your drawings. Illustrator Ralph Masiello shows you how to draw all things dinosaur, from hatching dinosaur eggs to the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Just follow the steps shown in red to create your own Jurassic wor...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With a chick, chick here, and a billy goat there, Old Masiello had a farm. Young artists can learn to draw chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and a barnyard full of animals in this easy step-by-step drawing book. Ralph even shows how to draw a tractor and a barn!

Illustrator Ralph Masiello brings a haunting twist to his popular drawing series. Step-by-step diagrams show young artists how to draw ghosts, witches, jack-o'-lanterns, skeletons, a haunted house, and more.

For many children, "icky" bugs are endlessly fascinating. This book helps children discover why farmers like the praying mantis, how the water spider breathes underwater, and other intriguing facts about the world of bugs and insects.Jerry Pallotta's lighthearted text and Ralph Masiello's vivid illu...

For many children, "icky" bugs are endlessly fascinating. This book helps children discover why farmers like the praying mantis, how the water spider breathes underwater, and other intriguing facts about the world of bugs and insects.Kids get a look at the fascinating world of insects while practici...

Find out why boa constrictors swallow their meals whole, learn why gila monster's tails are so fat, and meet a lizard that is larger than most people.As young readers turn the pages of this beautifully illustrated book, they will find that reptiles aren't really so "yucky." In fact, reptiles are amo...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

THE SKULL ALPHABET BOOK makes young readers use their brains. Children learn simple facts and hone their critical thinking skills as they deduce the identity of 26 different animals arranged in alphabetical order.

Incredibly rich, realistic, and inventive oil paintings by Ralph Masiello lay a trail of clever clues to the identity of the animals represented only by their skulls. Look even closer and find hidden in the unique settings portraits of 43 of the presidents of the United States.

A is for Amazon Horned Frog. B is for Blue-legged Strawberry Frog. C is for Crested Newt. What other amphibians can you think of? Learn more about these sometimes cute, sometimes dangerous, but always fascinating animals in THE FROG ALPHABET BOOK. Jerry Pallotta and Ralph Masiello explore the ponds,...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Full of tips and strategies collected over years of shared experiences, Fidget to Focus is a gold mine of information and sometimes surprising, sometimes heart-warming stories about how to stay focused and on track, even when tasks are dull, tedious, and boring. Until now, the only way you could learn about the Fidget to Focus approach to successfully living with and managing Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was to attend a national conference. The groundbreaking ideas in this book, based on the personal experiences of hundreds of people and recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, will change the way you live with this disorder. Fidget to Focus is a guide to keeping your brain engaged and focused with tools and techniques available to you at any time (workbook included!).

FROM SARAH:

This is one of those sequels I enjoyed even more than the original! Perfect for girls 12+, especially if they loved Kit Kittredge books when they were younger. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice.

Find the sticker, peel the sticker, place the sticker. And sticker by sticker, a koala appears! Or an elephant, frog, red panda, puffin, peacock, snake, giraffe, tiger, or gorilla. (And no mess to clean up!) Designed for children ages 5 and up, Paint by Sticker Kids: Zoo Animals uses low-poly art—...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Build essential skills while having fun with Home Workbooks! Now updated with fun, colorful pages and engaging art, each book measures 7" x 9.25" and is filled with 64 pages of age-appropriate activities, puzzles, and games.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kids love origami—and what could be cooler than transforming a piece of paper into Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Yoda, or R2-D2? And not just any paper, but custom-designed paper illustrated with art from the movies.

**Description from Amazon: I am Miss Kanazawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their st...

**Description from Amazon: Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs's life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis's willingness to share his m...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Audacity Jones and her best friend, Bimmy, are setting off from Miss Maisie's School for Wayward Girls on an extraordinary adventure! In the glittering city of New York, the girls meet Harry Houdini, the world's most famous magician, as he prepares a new spectacle: Houdini plans to make an elephant disappear from a crowded theater.But Audacity and Bimmy discover a nefarious plot that puts Houdini's illusion in jeopardy. Who could be trying to sabotage the master magician? Audie will need all her smarts, the help of friends new and old, and even her best juggling skills to solve this mystery. Will she manage to save the show in time?

**Description from Amazon: Nine-year-old Nanea may be the youngest in her family, but she still wants to "dip her paddle in" and be useful. She knows she's grown-up enough to help in her grandparents' market. But before she can prove that she's ready for more responsibility, the unthinkable happens: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor...

FROM SARAH:

I loved this memoir about a dad who read aloud to his daughter every single day until she completed high school. Need a little fire underneath you to prioritize read-alouds? This book oughtta do it! You can hear Alice Ozma talk about it on the RAR Podcast right here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Alice Ozma was in 4th grade, she and her father decided to see if he could read aloud to her for 100 consecutive nights. On the hundreth night, they shared pancakes to celebrate, but it soon became evident that neither wanted to let go of their storytelling ritual.

NARRATED BY: Kenneth Branagh, BEST FOR AGES: 5+

NARRATED BY: Michael Chamberlain, Scott Merriman, Taylor Ann Krahn, and RJ Palacio BEST FOR AGES: 11+

FROM SARAH:

You either enjoy Roald Dahl or you don't... and this book is as good a place to find out which camp you belong in. Heads-up, I'm a fan of most of Dahl's books, but when I read them aloud, I tend to modify some of the language. 😅 Read this book and then watch the (1971) movie to compare!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

FROM SARAH:

I love this book! It's a beautiful coming-of-age story about resilience, set first in Mexico and then in California's San Joaquin Valley during the Great Depression. The audiobook is especially well done. This one gets intense (and there is a death in the family), so I recommend it for ages 10+. It's beautifully done.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Esperanza Ortega possesses all the treasures a young girl could want: fancy dresses; a beautiful home filled with servants in the bountiful region of Aguascalientes, Mexico; and the promise of one day rising to Mama’s position and presiding over all of El Rancho de las Rosas.
But a sudden tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. There they confront the challenges of hard work, acceptance by their own people, and economic difficulties brought on by the Great Depression.  When Mama falls ill from Valley Fever and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must relinquish her hold on the past and learn to embrace a future ripe with the riches of family and community.

FROM SARAH:

The award-winning classic that will make you laugh out loud and weep, all in the same chapter. Best for teens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the Watson family--ten-year-old Kenny, Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron--sets out on a trip south to visit Grandma in Birmingham, Alabama, they don't realize that they're heading toward one of the darkest moments in America's history. The Watsons' journey reminds us that even in the hardest times, laughter and family can help us get through anything.

NARRATED BY: Avery Brooks, BEST FOR AGES: 11+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing.

But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again...

Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves

NARRATED BY: Hal Hollings, BEST FOR AGES: 6+

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Samantha is a wealthy orphan growing up in 1904. Her grandmother is raising her as a proper young lady with the best of everything. Still, Samantha is lonely. When her Uncle Gard comes to visit with his friend, Miss Cornelia Pitt, and a special gift for Samantha, it doesn’t go well. Even worse, Samantha isn’t allowed to play with Nellie, the girl next door, because Nellie is a servant. So Samantha decides to help Nellie learn to read. Through her forbidden friendship with Nellie, Samantha learns some important things, too—about truth, friendship, and family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation's birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics.

NARRATED BY: Kathy Hseih, BEST FOR AGES: 8+