**Description from Amazon: Laura Ingalls Wilder is beginning life with her new husband, Almanzo, in their own little house. Laura is a young pioneer wife now and must work hard with Almanzo, farming the land around their home on the South Dakota prairie. Soon their baby daughter, Rose, is born, and the young family must face ...

FROM SARAH:

I love these tall Sam Usher books. They're so... interesting! In every book, Sam and his grandad have some kind of adventure. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every child loves a snow day—no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for Granddad, even though all the other kids have already gone to the park . . . and all the dogs . . . and all the zoo animals! Only when the two finally arrive does Granddad see why Sam was in such a hurry—and they have the best time playing with everyone in the snow.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Month by month, Tasha Tudor's delicate illustrations bring to life the holidays of an earlier time. A warm-hearted celebration of family and tradition, this treasury of "times to keep" will be cherished and enjoyed all year long.

FROM SARAH:

A charming picture book biography about young John James Audubon, whose curiosity and dedication inspire a love for birds and nature. The illustrations by Melissa Sweet can't be beat. Fabulous back matter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

John James Audubon was a boy who loved the out-of-doors more than the in. He was a boy who believed in studying birds in nature, not just from books.

**Description from Amazon: From the bestselling author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG!After James Henry Trotter's parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the ol...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love. Theseus and Hippolyta, about to marry, are figures from mythology. In the woods outside Theseus’s Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves out into couples—but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another.

Also in the woods, the king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy; Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, whose head is temporarily transformed into that of a donkey by a hobgoblin or “puck,” Robin Goodfellow. Finally, Bottom and his companions ineptly stage the tragedy of “Pyramus and Thisbe.”

FROM SARAH:

My kids all l-o-v-e-d this book as a read-aloud so much, we read it more than once! The chapters are short, there are plenty of Peter Brown's excellent illustrations to keep you company, and you'll just fall in love with Roz and her wild adventures. Highly recommended. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

FROM SARAH:

What is a home? This book explores homes all around the world, for all kinds of people! Your kids will love the simple and lovely illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The picture book debut of Carson Ellis, acclaimed illustrator of the Wildwood series and Lemony Snicket's The Composer is Dead, this is a gorgeous, imaginative celebration of the many possibilities of home. Home might be a house in the country, a flat in the city, or even a shoe. There are clean homes, messy homes, sea homes and bee homes. Home resides on the road or the sea, in the realm of myth, or in the artist's own studio. This loving look at the places where people live brims with intriguing characters and is a visual treat that demands many a return visit.

**Description from Amazon: * When should children start using computers? * How should schools incorporate computer use into their curriculum? * Which types of computer software programs should be avoided? * Are children who don't have computers in class and at home doomed to fall behind their peers? Few parents and educators...

FROM SARAH:

An unforgettable story by the one and only Patricia Polacco. This book is especially good for older kids, though it's also great for a whole-family read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago

**Description from Amazon: When Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492, what he discovered were the Taino Indians. Told from a young Taino boy’s point of view, this is a story of how the boy tried to warn his people against welcoming the strangers, who seemed more interested in golden ornaments th...

**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...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Robin Williams

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 24 min

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beginning Reader Story Books are for young children who are just starting to read real stories with a little help and support. These well-known fairy tales and folk tales are beautifully illustrated, with fun activities and talking points after each story. Online links also allow you to follow along with audio versions. Contents Include: 1: Beauty and the Beast, 2: The Boy Who Cried Wolf, 3: Cinderella, 4: The Gingerbread Man, 5: The Emperor and the Nightingale, 6: The Emperor’s New Clothes, 7: The Elves and the Shoemaker, 8: Little Red Riding Hood, 9: Rapunzel, 10: Puss in Boots, 11: Sleeping Beauty, 12: Snow White

**Description from Amazon: In Boys Should Be Boys, one of our most trusted authorities helps parents restore the delights of boyhood and enable today’s boys to become the mature, confident, and thoughtful men of tomorrow. Boys will always be boys–rambunctious, adventurous, and curious, climbing trees, building forts, play...

FROM SARAH:

Another favorite from the wondrous Gail Gibbons! Her nonfiction picture books are a go-to resource at my house. Hear my chat with Gail about how she makes these outstanding books for kids on the Read-Aloud Revival, in episode 103. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Get the buzz on bees in this classic nonfiction picture book by Washington Post/Children’s Book Guild Award winner, Gail Gibbons! With detailed illustrations and diagrams, Gail Gibbons offers a classroom-ready nonfiction picture book that makes complex scientific concepts understandable and entertaining for young readers.

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful collection of fairy tales from George Macdonald, the "father of fantasy." Includes The Golden Key, The Light Princess, and Little Daylight. This lovely collection is worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This beautiful collection includes MacDonald’s stories “The Golden Key,” “The Light Princess,” and “Little Daylight,” as well as stunning full-color illustrations by Anastasia Nesterova and an introduction for the young reader by children’s book author and Editor of Word on Fire Spark Haley Stewart. It is sure to spark the imagination of any reader.

FROM SARAH:

This is not a girl book. It's an adventure story. Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. But not so any longer. Action-packed and riveting! Meet Shannon Hale in her Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince will choose his bride from among the village girls.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club says bon voyage to Concord and bonjour to France!It’s a dream come true for Megan, who’s jet-setting to Paris for Fashion Week with Gigi. Meanwhile, back in Concord, Mrs. Wong decides to run for mayor, so Emma and Stewart team up to make her campaign a success. Jess...

FROM SARAH:

An absolutely stunning graphic novel about the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. I thought I knew a lot about their friendship going in to this one, but I learned so much! This is John Hendrix at his best, which is saying a lot, because I'm a big fan! Highly recommended. I think teens and adults will enjoy it best, regardless of where they shelve it at your library or bookstore. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II.

He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"This simply told story highlights such everyday events as eating oatmeal and walking to the store, aptly capturing a small child's sense of pleasure in imitating an older sibling...A universal story that features a warm and loving black family." - School Library Journal

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here is the story of Christmas, adapted from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and gloriously illustrated in a splendor of jeweled color by the remarkable folk painter Jane Ray. Borrowing shapes and patterns from ancient and modern folk art, the illustrations feature generous spreads filled with cunning details. Full color throughout.

FROM SARAH:

A light and funny Victorian murder mystery. I'm a huge fan of Julie Berry's work. I listened to this one, as it's read by one of my very favorite narrators: Audible or LibroFM.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There's a murderer on the loose--but that doesn't stop the girls of St. Etheldreda's from attempting to hide the death of their headmistress in this rollicking farce.
The students of St. Etheldreda's School for Girls face a bothersome dilemma. Their irascible headmistress, Mrs. Plackett, and her surly brother, Mr. Godding, have been most inconveniently poisoned at Sunday dinner. Now the school will almost certainly be closed and the girls sent home--unless these seven very proper young ladies can hide the murders and convince their neighbors that nothing is wrong.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Become an expert on horses, one of nature's most beloved animals. This children's book shows how horses have played a pivotal part throughout human history. You will uncover the role of these majestic mammals, from the exploration of far off lands to their importance in wartime. Built for stamina and speed, horses have also been used to pull chariots, power engines, grind wheat, and spin cotton.

FROM SARAH:

 I loved this book. It’s like The Year of Miss Agnes meets Little House on the Prairie.

I’m a big audiobook fan, but I didn’t enjoy the audio version of this one. I thought the narrator made the main character sound a little whiny. And… well… maybe it’s because I’m a mother, but I didn’t need that much whining in my ear 😅. When I switched to reading the book with my eyes, I didn’t think the main character seemed whiny at all. Your mileage may vary.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's 1934, and times are tough for Trip's family after the mill in their small Wisconsin town closes, leaving her father unemployed. Determined to provide for his family, he moves them all to Alaska to become pioneers as part of President Roosevelt's Palmer Colony project. 

Trip and her family are settling in, except her mom, who balks at the lack of civilization. But Trip feels like she's following in Laura Ingalls Wilder's footsteps, and she hatches a plan to raise enough money for a piano to convince her musical mother that Alaska is a wonderful and cultured home. 

Her sights set on the cash prize at the upcoming Palmer Colony Fair, but can Trip grow the largest pumpkin possible--using all the love, energy, and Farmer Boy expertise she can muster?

FROM SARAH:

David Weisner's books appeal especially to slightly older kids. Highly recommended!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This memoir tells the remarkable story of how Helene Hanff came to write 84, Charing Cross Road, and how its success changed her. Hanff recalls her serendipitous discovery of a volume of lectures by a Cambridge don, Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. She devoured Q’s book, and, wanting to read all the books he recommended, began to order them from a small store in London at 84, Charing Cross Road.

FROM SARAH:

A fantastic series opener to "The Land of Elyon", a middle-grade fantasy that resonates with adventurous kids 8 and up. You can listen to my conversation with Carolyn Leiloglou in RAR's podcast episode 41 for more insight on how to navigate faith and fantasy for your young readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Inquisitive twelve-year-old Alexa Daley is spending another summer in the walled town of Bridewell. This year, she is set on solving the mystery of what lies beyond the walls. Legend says the walls were built to keep out an unnamed evil that lurks in the forests and The Dark Hills. But what exactly is it that the townspeople are so afraid of? As Alexa begins to unravel the truth, pushing beyond the protective barrier she's lived behind all her life, she discovers a strange and ancient enchantment -- and exposes a danger that could destroy everything she holds dear.

FROM SARAH:

Fantasy your kids won't want to put down. My two fantasy-lovers both loved this whole series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Originally published in 1964, this three-book series follows “Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper” on his quest to become a hero. Filled with references to Welsh mythology and lots of humor.

FROM SARAH:

A swashbuckling tale full of heroes and action, The Black Star of Kingston takes place a century before RAR favorite, The Green Ember.

FROM PUBLISHER:

A century before Heather and Picket’s adventures in The Green Ember, a displaced community fights for hope on the ragged edge of survival.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

You're here, but you want to be there. So you spend your life narrowing this divide, and you call this your race, your journey, your path. You live your days tightening your boot straps, wiping the sweat from your brow, chasing undiscovered happiness just around the bend. And on and on you run.

FROM SARAH:

Oh, what a delightful book! There's so much to look at in this cutaway look at a castle through the months of the year. I especially love the panel at the far bottom right, between the princess and the frog! Don't be surprised if your kids spend a good long time with this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There’s a lot going on in the castle of King Bolebor—a peace- loving gardener—and Queen Drogomira—a brilliant inventor. There’s a princess learning sword fighting so that she can become a knight; a sweet dog in search of an owner; a dragon hiding in the cellar; a gold-counting treasurer; a friendly ghost; an annoying jester, a burly blacksmith—and many others.
Vibrant and intricately detailed spreads take readers through a year in the castle, showing how an innocent mishap leads to war with the neighbors; how lives in the castle change from month to month; and how each season brings its own surprises.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From acclaimed author Michelle Markel and Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet comes this true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history.

**Description from Amazon: Ramona does everything in her own special way.

FROM SARAH:

In this delightful story, the king refuses to leave his bathtub and rule the kingdom. It was, in fact, my own favorite picture book as a child, and I well remember the library storytime that introduced it to me!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One by one, the Knight, the Queen, the Duke—and eventually all the members of the King's Court—try to persuade King Bidgood to leave his sumptuous bath. No luck!

Why the King finally leaves his bath makes for a delightful surprise ending to this delightful tale.

FROM SARAH:

Widely used and read in homeschool circles, but I tend to prefer other retellings. This'll do if you're in a pinch, though, as it's widely available. We recommend skipping the biographical section.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At the heart of any great work of literature is a story. William Shakespeare's plays are no exception. They tell the stories of kings and queens, of ghosts and witches, of romance and passion. But to get to the stories at the heart of the Bard's plays, the reader must first work through Shakespeare's language, a task often too demanding for younger readers. This new paperback edition brings ten of Shakespeare's greatest plays to life. E. Nesbit, the classic British children's author tells the stories at the core of the plays with a generous sprinkle of wit and humor. Her graceful, vivid retellings, written in highly accessible and lucid prose, are the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's work.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Based in part on the author's own life, David Copperfield is the epic story of a young man's journey of self-discovery - from an unhappy and impoverished childhood to his vocation as a successful novelist. Among the memorable cast of characters he encounters along the way are his brutal stepfather, Mr Murdstone; bubbly Nurse Peggotty; his brilliant, but unworthy schoolmate Steerforth, his eccentric aunt, Betsy Trotwood, the scheming clerk Uriah Heep, the enchanting Dora and the magnificent Mr Macawber - a character much like Dickens' own father. Full of tragedy and comedy in equal measure, David Copperfield remains one of the most enduring and popular of Dickens' novels.

FROM SARAH:

My favorite book by Oliver Burkeman yet! I underlined and highlighted so many passages. This is structured to be read a little every day for 4 weeks, but I just gobbled it up in a week and then kept it on my favorite bookshelf so I can refer to it often. Recommended for anyone who likes to think about making good use of their time but also prioritizes relationships.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Addressing the fundamental questions about how to live, Meditations for Mortals offers a powerful new way to take action on what counts: a guiding philosophy of life Oliver Burkeman calls “imperfectionism.” It helps us tackle challenges as they crop up in our daily lives: our finite time, the lure of distraction, the impossibility of doing anything perfectly, the feeling that the world is spinning out of control.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Princesses come in all kinds. Exuberant text from Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi Yolen Stemple paired with charming illustrations prove that girls can jump in mud puddles and climb trees, play sports and make messes—all while wearing their tiaras! Not every girl has a passion for pink, but all young ladies will love this empowering affirmation of their importance and unlimited potential.

**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: 

The Fairchild family is here again and this time, Bonnie is old enough to begin the great adventure—School! We join Bonnie in the excruciating anticipation of the first day, when she will wear her new dress, carry a first reader and slate, and—-displaying nonchalance as she braves the swinging bridge—-enter into the mysteries of schoolroom learning and playground rites in a woodland setting of the early 1900s.

FROM SARAH:

Tomie dePaolo's storytelling and illustrations bring such whimsy to nonfiction! This is an excellent book to read aloud with your family as you enjoy gazing up at the skies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this unique picture book, Tomie introduces some of the most common types of clouds, as well as the myths and legends inspired by their shapes.  Simple, whimsical illustrations show the variations in shape and color that herald changes in the weather.

**Description from Amazon: Celebrating 75 years, The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, beloved children’s book author of Goodnight Moon, in a sturdy board book edition, perfect for little hands.“If you run away,” said his mother, “I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.”A little bunny keeps running aw...

NARRATED BY: Peter Dennis, BEST FOR AGES: 4+

Description from Amazon: Trees Every Child Should Know - Easy Tree Studies for All Seasons of the Year by Julia Ellen RogersThe best time to begin to study the trees is to-day! The place to begin is right where you are, provided there is a tree near enough, for a lesson about trees will be very dull unless there is a tree t...

FROM SARAH:

My husband has read this book aloud to all of our kids (modifying a little here and there as needed, depending on our kids' ages and maturity). I think it's best for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This award-winning contemporary classic is the survival story with which all others are compared—and a page-turning, heart-stopping adventure, recipient of the Newbery Honor.Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes...

FROM SARAH:

A retelling of the Grimm's tale by the same name, this well-paced plot will reel in your teens right from the start—and this one isn't just for girls! There's plenty of adventure, romance, and hand-to-hand combat to keep everyone engaged. This is the first in a series by Shannon Hale. Watch her Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, spends the first years of her life listening to her aunt's stories and learning the language of the birds, especially the swans. As she grows up, Ani develops the skills of animal speech, but she never feels quite comfortable speaking with people.

Two middle school girls scheme to publish a book in this novel from Andrew Clements, the author of Frindle.Natalie's best friend, Zoe, is sure that the novel Natalie's written is good enough to be published. But how can a twelve-year-old girl publish a book? Natalie's mother is an editor for a big c...

**Description from Amazon: In the mold of our very popular series of state alphabet books, we offer "Z is for Zamboni" to hockey fans young and old across North America. Matt Napier's "breakaway" rhymes and "hard-checking" expository text team up with the "top-shelf" illustrations of Melanie Rose to elucidate this increasingl...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
From B is for Brooklyn Bridge to K is for Kodak and onward to T is for Fort Ticonderoga, E is for Empire is an alphabet book that introduces children and adults to New York State's history, culture, and landscape in a unique two-tiered approach.

**Description from Amazon: Vivid ink and cut paper illustrations accompany the bedtime story in rhyme of one mother's efforts to keep all the animals from the mosquito to the elephant quiet when their noise threatens to wake up her baby. A Caldecott Honor Book. Reprint.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Candace Fleming is the author of Honeybee, which received an Orbis Pictus Honor and 7 starred reviews. She brings her knack for making science and nature appealing to the very young in The Tidepool Waits with detailed accounts of dozens of species of sea life, culminating in a perfect primer for students and nature lovers taking their first trip to the shore. Her text is accompanied by effervescent artwork by Amy Hevron and substantial backmatter.

FROM SARAH:

David Weisner's wordless books are both weird and captivating. And weirdly captivating. :) This one appeals to young and old, alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It begins on Tuesday evening, when the frogs suddenly start to float. . . . Thrill to the humorous cascading adventures that follow in a celebration of possibility unbounded--and of unexpected cause and effect.

FROM SARAH:

What if you were the only one who could stop two worlds from falling apart? The Circle is an action-packed, high-stakes YA adventure full of courage and faith. Perfect for readers 12 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover the transformative power of Ted Dekker's The Circle Series, an epic fantasy that takes you on a mesmerizing journey through parallel worlds filled with danger, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil. This edition combines the riveting narratives of Black, Red, White, and Green into 1 volume, where the boundary between reality and dreams blur for the protagonist, Thomas Hunter.

**Description from Amazon: A lively and engaging narrative history showing the common threads in the cultures that gave birth to our own.
This is the first volume in a bold new series that tells the stories of all peoples, connecting historical events from Europe to the Middle East to the far coast of China, while still giv...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw: He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slid across the floor. He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive again in front of him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Why do the storks no longer come to the little Dutch fishing village of Shora to nest? It was Lina, one of the six schoolchildren who first asked the question, and she set the others to wondering. And sometimes when you begin to wonder, you begin to make things happen. So the children set out to bring the storks back to Shora. The force of their vision put the whole village to work until at last the dream began to come true.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Could anything be more perfect than a prairie wedding? As the Witting family comes together for this most special day, Cassie sees that life brings the change of seasons, brother Jack on Grandfather's lap, joy, sorrow, and a special dance only Grandfather does.