FROM SARAH:

This one is out of print, but worth tracking down, if you can find it! Your kids just might look at swallows the same way again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Song of the Swallows, which won the Caldecott Medal when it was first published in 1948, was written and illustrated by Leo Politi, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved artists.It tells the famous story of the yearly return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano through the eyes of a small child...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Lizzie's parents are granted their freedom from slavery, Mama says its time for Lizzie and her brother Paul to go to a real school—a new one, built just for them. Lizzie can't wait. The scraps of learning she has picked up here and there have just made her hungry for more.

The walk to school is long. Some days it's rainy, or windy, or freezing cold. Sometimes there are dangers lurking along the way, like angry white folks with rocks, or mysterious men on horseback. The schoolhouse is still unpainted, and its very plain, but Lizzie has never seen a prettier sight. Except for maybe the teacher, Mizz Howard, who has brown skin, just like her. They've finally made it to Freedom's School. But will it be strong enough to stand forever?

Young naturalists explore a variety of birds, their habitats, and how their beaks help them build, eat, and survive.  From the twisted beak of a crossbill to the color changing bill of a seagull, readers will learn fun facts about how beaks are designed and used as tools by birds of all shapes and sizes.

**Description from Amazon: Are you made fainthearted by death? Does fire unnerve you? Is a villain something that might crop up in future nightmares of yours? Are you thrilled by nefarious plots? Is cold porridge upsetting to you? Vicious threats? Hooks? Uncomfortable clothing?It is likely that yo...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Art of Ramona Quimby celebrates the artists behind Beverly Cleary's inimitable Ramona Quimby series.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Garrison Keillor

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 22 min

FROM SARAH:

Ever wonder what it would have been like to be friends with C. S. Lewis? This beautiful middle grade novel is the tale of two friends who come from entirely different backgrounds and experiences, but connect deeply through imagination and storytelling. The slow, thoughtful plot is perfect for kids eight and up, but sensitive readers should know it does contain the death of a parent.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fictionalized exploration of the childhood of C.S. Lewis.

Davy, a working-class boy living in East Belfast in 1908, is sent to work at the wealthy Lewis household. When he meets Jacks – the name by which CS Lewis was known to friends and family – Davy is captivated by his friend’s world of books and stories. Together the boys plunge into imagining and adventuring, and Davy discovers his own artistic talent. But when Davy is offered a job at the shipyard, and Jacks’s mother falls gravely ill, their wondrous days of make-believe seem numbered. Will they lose their extraordinary shared world forever?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living.

**Description from Amazon: In an annotated list including movies such as High Noon and Glory, and books such as The Giving Tree and To Kill a Mockingbird, therapist and educator Durian highlights the particular ethical lessons two hundred great stories can impart to boys and young men.

FROM SARAH:

The second in the series: Grandma’s attic is full of keepsakes and stories. Lesson and morals are woven into these simple tales.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young girl delights in her grandmother’s stories of days gone by, sparked by keepsakes and simple questions, Grandma shares marvelous stories of mischief , discovery, and laughter, such as a beautiful heart-shaped locket and a curl that cost Grandma more than a lock of hair.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet mixes E. B. White’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell the story of this American literary icon.

**Description from Amazon: From the first games held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of Olympic sports. Now in G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet, writer Brad Herzog showcases those athletes and events that n...

From the publisher: The art and writing of Gwen Frostic are well known in her home state of Michigan and around the world, but this picture book biography tells the story behind Gwen's famous work.

**Description from Amazon: A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2015You would like being friends with Leo. He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Luminous pictures and a buoyant, chant-aloud text, combine to make this two-way counting book as joyous and magical as catching fireflies on a summer night.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This inventive picture book relays the events of two hundred years from the unique perspective of a magnificent oak tree, showing how much the world can transform from a single vantage point. From 1775 to the present day, this fascinating framing device lets readers watch as human and animal populations shift and the landscape transitions from country to city. Methods of transportation, communication and energy use progress rapidly while other things hardly seem to change at all.

FROM SARAH: 

Jonathan Auxier is one of my very favorite storytellers- don't miss his episode on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. He's also a favorite WOW: Writers on Writing presenter in RAR Premium! This is my favorite of his books and also one of my all-time favorite reads. I learned so much, and my heart grew five sizes. Recommended for ages 10+. Or just read it yourself!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived. With her wits and will, she's managed to beat deadly odds time and time again. But when Nan's Sweep disappears suddenly and then she's caught in a chimney fire, everything changes. It starts with a black piece of coal.

FROM SARAH:

A stirring faith-based fantasy that blends allegory with adventure, this tale invites readers to believe in the power of redemption. Some of the illustrations are a little intense, so you might flip through it before you hand it over!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It was John's birthday. He would be thirteen. And what's more, it was on this day that his grandmother would tell him the mystery of his locket . . . And of his parents.But it was not to be. Before he could find out, he was magically transported to the land of Anthropos where he was startled to be hailed as the Sword Bearer, the slayer of the Goblin Prince.Here, in the imaginative story of the early history of Anthropos, John White captures the excitement and wonder of another world.

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorite novels for Revolutionary American history. This is what I read with my kids before we took a trip to Boston to visit all the historical sites. I think it's enjoyed best by kids age 9+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After injuring his hand, a silversmith's apprentice in Boston becomes a messenger for the Sons of Liberty in the days before the American Revolution.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely and simple invitation to get quiet for Advent. When it comes to Advent, I prefer simple—there's so much noise in the world at this time of year. This book is my favorite set of reflections for a simple, sweet, and holy Advent season. For all Christians—Catholic or otherwise. We're reading this as our RAR Premium Mama Book Club in 2023.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From bestselling author Tsh Oxenreider, Shadow and Light is a rich yet approachable experience that invites you to explore the historical meaning of Advent. Drawing from liturgical tradition, Tsh provides fresh insights for new and longtime believers alike. Each day includes Scripture, a reflection, a question, and a simple activity to engage the senses, such as lighting candles, listening to music, and viewing artwork both old and new.

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:

Paul Galdone’s version of the classic fairy talestands above the rest. His gentle retelling is resplendent with lush artwork and storytelling that weaves the magical tale of a princess both beautiful and kind. This lovely story is now a Folk Tale Classic, with gold foil stamping on the cover and saturated, full-color illustrations throughout. A beautiful and value-priced edition of a classic, this book deserves a place in every child's library

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Five-year-old Abel is so excited to have a new baby! But soon Mommy tells him the sad news that she has had a miscarriage. The baby is now in Heaven with Jesus. Wait . . . Heaven?

He has never known anyone in Heaven before, and he begins to dream about what their baby must be experiencing: dancing with Jesus, lots of children, and what about dinosaurs?

FROM SARAH:

This whole series is utterly delightful. It's especially wonderful on audio narrated by Mutiyat Ade-Salu (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Your kids will love hearing the tales of Anna's aunties and uncles, extravagant Aunt Comfort, and Double and Trouble (Anna's twin brothers)-- it all happens in Africa, Amazing Africa. This whole series is not to miss!

**Description from Amazon: Finally! Apologia introduces an elementary level Anatomy book that gives glory to God as children discover what's going on inside their bodies! Take this in-depth journey into the anatomy and physiology of your body through Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology by Jeannie Fulbright an...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

William "Doc" Key had a special way with animals. Growing up an enslaved child in Tennessee, Doc was sent to plantations around the state to care for sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse.

**Description from Amazon: From the distinguished author-illustrator of the maritime Tim series and winner of the Kate Greenaway medal comes this classic picture book that was recommended to our editor by a children s bookseller in Princeton, NJ. Please find out if Sarah and Simon and No Red Paint is still in print, she implo...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A window into a child's experience of the Great Migration from the award-winning creators of Before She Was Harriet and Finding Langston.

**Description from Amazon: This revolutionary book guides parents and teachers in implementing the beauty of a classical education with special-needs and struggling students. Cheryl is an advocate of classical Christian education for special-needs students. The love of history, music, literature, and Latin instilled in her ow...

**Description from Amazon: "The World's Most Courageous Teacher" reveals the inner circle secrets of the American school system. The legendary schoolteacher, John Taylor Gatto, invested over 10 years of dedicated research to uncover some of the most alarming ideas and writings by the creators and advocates of mandatory attend...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Told in her own words, A Girl from Yamhill is Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary’s heartfelt and relatable memoir.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only a beginner, and she's had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn't good enough. “It's a talent show, Hana,” they tell her. “You'll be a disaster!” Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana's confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it's her turn to perform --- even herself!

**Description from Amazon: A 320-page Middle Grade Novel telling an original "tail" of Marvel's cute, quirky, and downright furry Super Heroine--Squirrel Girl!

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Danny Glover

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 23 min

FROM SARAH:

One of my all-time favorites to recommend to mamas. This book makes me glad to be alive, and glad to be a mama. We chose this book as a Mama Book Club pick at RAR Premium for the summer of 2024!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mothers, it’s time to view the unconditional trust that you see in your children’s eyes when they take your hand or find your face in a crowd as a mirror of your own wonder and worth. You are the light that shines in their lives, the beacon that guides them. By implementing the key strategies in Dr. Meeker’s book, you can be happy, hopeful, and a wonderful role model. You can teach your children to be the very best they can be—and isn’t that still the most precious reward of motherhood?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This eBook is best viewed on a color device.This is a practical beginner's guide to the most common American wildflowers. Emphasis is on those with showy petals and those that the amateur is most likely to see.

FROM SARAH:

The third in the series: Grandma’s attic is full of keepsakes and stories. Lesson and morals are woven into these simple tales.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

These tales recount humorous and poignant memories from Grandma Mabel’s childhood. Combining the warmth and spirit of Little House on the Prairie with a Christian focus, these books transport readers back to a simpler time to learn lessons surprisingly relevant in today’s world.

FROM SARAH:

This beautiful, heartfelt novel is the perfect addition to our Family Book Club collection. Filled with courageous characters and just the right amount of mystery, it’s a story about growing up, finding your voice, and learning that healing can happen in the most unexpected places. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Halle and her mother both come down with TB, they are shunned—and then they are sent to the J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital: far from home, far from family, far from the world.

Tucked away in the woods of upstate New York, the hospital is a closed and quiet place. But it is not, Halle learns, a prison. Free of her worried and difficult father for the first time in her life, she slowly discovers joy, family, and the healing power of honey on the children's ward, where the girls on the floor become her confidantes and sisters. But when Mama suffers a lung hemorrhage, their entire future—and recovery—is thrown into question....

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Four-time World Champion and professional figure skater Kurt Browning replaces his boots and blades with pen and paper in A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet. From holding an edge to laces and hooks, Kurt glides and dances through the alphabet explaining the history, techniques, and memorable moments of the sport.

**Description from the publisher: First published posthumously in 1817, “Northanger Abbey” was actually the first finished novel that Jane Austen wrote. It is the story of seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland, one of ten children of a country clergyman, who imagines life as living in one of the Gothic novels with which she is excessively fond of reading. When she is invited by her wealthy neighbors, the Fullertons, to accompany them to the spa town of Bath she experiences her first taste of the fashionable upper class society of England. While there she meets the clever young gentleman, Henry Tilney, his sister Eleanor, and their father, the imposing General Tilney. The Tilneys invite Catherine to come stay with them at their estate, the titular Northanger Abbey. Catherine’s naïve over-active imagination quickly leads to embarrassment when she infers some sinister circumstances regarding the lack of emotion that General Tilney shows for the loss of his deceased wife. Eventually she realizes that real life is not at all like that of a Gothic novel. Noted for the insight it gives to Austen’s one opinions of the literature of her day, “Northanger Abbey” is both a satirical parody of the gothic romance novel and the story of a young girl’s maturation into womanhood. This edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs, and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it’s pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf’s unchecked gluttony. And there’s something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! In fact, life is pretty good, until a hunter shows up. . . . With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

All of the historical American Girl books are excellent on audio (yep, even my boys enjoy them, and we all learn a whole lot while listening). Highly recommend! (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Includes "Meet Josefina, Josefina Learns a Lesson, Josefina's Surprise, Happy Birthday, Josefina!, Josefina Saves the Day", and "Changes for Josefina".

Children are invited to feast their eyes on bridges from around the world that carried llamas loaded with firewood, let people dance over lazy rivers, and some that were for defending castles.

FROM SARAH:

We are overjoyed to welcome Books Up the Mountain to our Waxwing Books collection! Sharing this story with the wrold has been a dream come true for me. Caroline's way with words is utterly breathtaking, and paired with Gabrielle's whimsical illustrations, this will be one you (and your kids!) won't want to put down.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A tale of courage, commitment and the transformative power of stories, Books Up the Mountain: A Packhorse Librarian Story is a compelling tribute to the brave women who served the people of the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression. Written by Caroline Starr Rose and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, this picture book will capture young readers with its lyrical text, substantial back matter, and gorgeous illustrations.

FROM SARAH:

Karina Yan Glaser does it again! I think these Vanderbeekers just keep getting better, and this one (#5 in the series) is the best yet. Excellent for a whole family read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's summer on 141st Street, and the Vanderbeekers are looking forward to Papa's surprise fortieth birthday party.

But then Papa must leave town to help his best friend and the Vanderbeeker children are surprised to find their maternal grandparents on their doorstep. Grandma is very critical of everything they do. Meanwhile, they find themselves learning more about their papa's father than ever before, and wishing they could have known him a bit better. Can they learn more about the grandfather they lost and come to appreciate the grandparents they still have while making sure their papa has the best birthday ever?

Some planets have many moons. Earth has one. Because it is so close to Earth, our moon is the brightest and biggest light in our night sky. Here is information about our moon, including how the oceans' tides are affected by it, why the same side always faces Earth, why there are different phases of ...

FROM SARAH:

If you want fantasy written by a Christian author that is just good storytelling, then look no further than N.D. Wilson. Great for those who enjoy the Percy Jackson series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For two years, Cyrus and Antigone Smith have run a sagging roadside motel with their older brother, Daniel. Nothing ever seems to happen. Then a strange old man with bone tattoos arrives, demanding a specific room.Less than 24 hours later, the old man is dead. The motel has burned, and Daniel is missing...

**Description from Amazon: From Michael Durian, the best-selling author of The Minds of Boys and The Wonder of Girls, comes the next-step book that shows how any parent can tune into a child’s unique core personality, hard wiring, temperament, and genetic predisposition in order to help that child flourish and thrive. Based...

FROM SARAH:

He's an adorable bear and he's ready for a big adventure! My boys and girls both enjoyed the stories of Growly, starting here with Begin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather's long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home.

FROM SARAH:

Ten-year-old Naima excels at painting designs called alpanas, but to help her impoverished family financially she would have to be a boy— or disguise herself as one. Excellent (and short!) for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Naima is a talented painter of traditional alpana patterns, which Bangladeshi women and girls paint on their houses for special celebrations. But Naima is not satisfied just painting alpana. She wants to help earn money for her family, like her best friend, Saleem, does for his family.

When Naima's rash effort to help puts her family deeper in debt, she draws on her resourceful nature and her talents to bravely save the day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Her mother was bedridden and her father was rarely home. Mary did not go to school. She served as housekeeper, handyman, nursemaid, and servant, for years. In 1893 Mary traveled to West Africa and proceeded to embark on an astonishing journey of discovery.

FROM SARAH:

The iconic E.B. White's story of a small mouse with big adventures. This one is fun to read aloud first, and then follow-up with a comparison of the movie. Excellent on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he's shy and thoughtful, he's also a true lover of adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The National Football League is the most popular sports league in the United States. Its championship game, the Super Bowl, is watched by millions of people every year. But it wasn’t always like this. In the last one hundred years, football has changed from a poorly organized, often overlooked sport to America’s favorite pastime. Here are the stories of that remarkable transformation. The stories of the greatest players, the most successful coaches, the most memorable games—and the amazing plays that made us gasp as we watched them in stadiums and on televisions all over America.

**Description from Amazon: The bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is celebrating its phenomenal success with this beautiful clothbound gift edition that includes a ribbon marker. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. From Noah ...

**Description from Amazon: This comprehensive handbook assists parents, pastors, congregations, and day schools in encouraging and equipping families who seek to bring strong academics and Christian catechesis to their children through Lutheran home education. Foreword by Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary's final book in the Ramona series has all of the warmth, realism, and humor of its predecessors.

**Description from Amazon: Funny Girl is a collection of uproarious stories, rollicking comics, rib-tickling wit, and more, from 25 of today’s funniest female writers for kids. What could be funnier than family? Read stories about Ursula Brown's grandmother driving her on a road trip to disaster, Lisa Brown's little bro...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Kelly McGillis

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 25 min

**Description from Amazon: Perfect for Father’s Day, a critical read for all dads seeking to connect with their daughters and raise confident young women in today’s increasingly complicated world.It’s often difficult for parents to connect with their daughters–and especially so for fathers. In this unique and invalua...

FROM SARAH:

This collection of biographical sketches features some of the most famous mathematical geniuses in history, and would make a perfect addition to your math lessons. It's written in short, narrative snippets that read like historical fiction, making it fun and digestible for readers 8 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Introduce kids to the lives of famous mathematicians like Pythagoras and Galileo. This book takes a look at the history of mathematical discoveries and the lives of great mathematicians.