Books

FROM SARAH:

If you love The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, you'll also love this one... because it's essentially the same thing! This text-only version reads more like a chapter book, but contains Sally's evocative and inspiring language and reminds us to keep looking for Jesus, always. Highly recommended for older kids, teens, and adults.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. The best thing about this Story is—it’s true! And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. The Child upon whom everything would depend.

**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 ...

FROM SARAH:

Both my boys and my girls have loved this short historical novel about a young girl's yearning to settle into her new home on the frontier.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ann Hamilton's family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard.

FROM SARAH:

Best for ages 12+, this intense and fast-paced series will keep your young reader turning pages. I find myself often recommending them to boys, especially. (Fun fact: the editor of this series, Michael Green, is the editor of many of our books at Waxwing!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

They have always scared him in the past—the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice.

FROM SARAH:

A spinoff Peter Pan tale that is hard to put down and packed with adventure. If you've got a boy in your life who says he hates reading, try reading aloud the first couple of chapters and see what happens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

 Don't even think of starting this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk inits cargo hold, and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger.

FROM SARAH:

If your kids enjoy Hatchet, they'll likely also enjoy the follow-up tales about Brian and his outdoor experiences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the Newbery Honor-winning Hatchet, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. As millions of readers know, he was rescued at the end of the summer. But what if that hadn't happened? What if Brian had been left to face his deadliest enemy--winter?

FROM SARAH:

Gary Paulsen is the author I most often recommend to kids (especially boys!) who love outdoor adventures and face-to-face encounters with the elements.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fourteen-year-old Eskimo boy who feels assailed by the modernity of his life takes a 1400-mile journey by dog sled across ice, tundra, and mountains seeking his own "song" of himself.

FROM SARAH:

For when you need a page-turner. This one will make you ignore the laundry and all of your household duties, so don't say I didn't warn ya. 😆

Recommended for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince.

FROM SARAH:

Part of Jennifer Nielson's absolutely astounding Ascendence series. Highly recommended for ages 12+ (and for mamas who need to get sucked into a book!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya.

FROM SARAH:

Part of Jennifer Nielson's absolutely astounding Ascendence series. Highly recommended for ages 12+ (and for mamas who need to get sucked into a book!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Jaron as he embarks on his final adventure!

FROM SARAH:

A classic fantasy novel that my older kids loved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children discover an ancient map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. They know immediately that it is special. It is even more than that -- the key to finding a grail, a source of power to fight the forces of evil known as the Dark.

FROM SARAH:

Richard Peck was a beloved and award-winning author. His books have mixed results in my home, so give this one a try (I usually recommend for 10+) and see if your family are fans!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What happens when Joey and his sister, Mary Alice—two city slickers from Chicago—make their annual summer visits to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town?

In 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice.

FROM SARAH:

This is the first in the Austin Family Chronicles, written by the beloved Madeleine L'Engle. I recommend it in Read-Aloud Family for teens!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For a family with four kids, two dogs, assorted cats, and a constant stream of family and friends dropping by, life in the Austin family home has always been remarkably steady and contented. When a family friend suddenly dies in a plane crash, the Austins open their home to an orphaned girl, Maggy Hamilton. And that's when it all changes.

FROM SARAH:

Natalie Babbitt's short novels are also the kind that stay with you long after you've turned the last page, and this is no exception. An excellent discussion starter for kids age 12+ about mortality and what makes life worth living. Also wonderful on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on the Tucks' disturbing family secret, nothing is ever the same. But how can a spring that grants eternal life be anything but wonderful?

FROM SARAH:

Oh, this is SUCH fun! Who can resist a mystery about a very good girl, a talking rat, and a horrible, wicked nanny? This page-turner is laugh-out-loud funny and will keep you and your kids guessing to the very end. I'm surprised they haven't turned this one into a movie yet!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet—some days. Honestly, Emmy really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all. . . .

**Description from Amazon: You may never have heard of a lightship. Once, lightships anchored on waters across America, on the oceans and in the Great Lakes, floating where lighthouses could not be built. Smaller than most ships, but more steadfast, too, they held their spots, through calm and storm, to guide sailors towar...

FROM SARAH:

An absolutely delightful fairy tale romp about a princess who is tired of being perfect and is longing for a little fun. This one is a great pick for independent readers who are ready for early chapter books, and makes a fantastic read-aloud for kids of all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces to give an overscheduled princess a day off — and a deliciously wicked crocodile a day on.

**Description from Amazon: A is for Automobiles, machines on wheels. B is for Belts turning, fuel burning, the buzz and bark of engines. C is for Curves and crowds and cars, of course -- A century of racecars, from bare beginnings to present-day marvels, from stock cars to Formula 1, from Ford to Ferrari, caught in crackli...

**Description from Amazon: Hunting—the predator and its prey—is at the heart of this riveting and suspenseful novel from Newbery Medalist Avi with illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca.In the computer game world of Bow Hunter—thirteen-year-old Casey’s world—there are no deaths, just kills. In Nashoba’s...

**Description from Amazon: World-renowned swimmer and bestselling author Lynne Cox and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Brian Floca team up to bring us this inspiring story of an elephant seal who knew exactly where she belonged. Here is the incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the ...

FROM SARAH:

I wrote this book as a love note, of sorts, to the Read-Aloud Revival community. You'll find practical tips, inspiring stories, and booklists for every age. The audiobook won was nominated for an Audie Award! (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

USA Today Bestseller |  The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family--it has the power to change the world. 

**Description from Amazon: In the companion to Coyote Moon, follow a father red-tailed hawk in his hunt to feed his family in a suburban neighborhood in Hawk Rising, a lyrical, fierce, and gorgeously illustrated picture book from Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Brian Floca.A father red-tailed hawk hunts p...

**Description from Amazon: A picture book about the making of Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring, her most famous dance performanceMartha Graham : trailblazing choreographerAaron Copland : distinguished American composerIsamu Noguchi : artist, sculptor, craftsmanAward-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell the s...

**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:

The barnyard rooster crows and Jack wakes up—hungry, of course! What does he want for breakfast? A big pancake! But first, Jack’s mother needs flour from the mill, an egg from the black hen, milk from the spotted cow, butter churned from fresh cream, and firewood for the stove. Will Jack ever get his pancake?

**Description from Amazon: Richard Scarry introduces toddlers to the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose! Featuring his unmistakable art (now restored to its original glory) and fifty of Mother Goose's most beloved rhymes, Scarry's timeless collection, now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is a must-have for readers of all age...

FROM SARAH:

I love Mother Goose the way other people love fairy tales. They filled my childhood with enchanting language! The illustrations in this collection are particularly sweet.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From bestselling artist Sylvia Long comes an enchanting collection of over seventy-five classic Mother Goose rhymes. Imbued with the artist's love of nature and overflowing with charming details, this spectacular compilation includes such timeless favorites as Old Mother Hubbard, Mary had a little lamb, and Rock-a-bye baby. Sylvia Long's Mother Goose is a perfect gift that, like the rhymes themselves, will be passed from one generation to the next.

**Description from Amazon: Illustrates forty-five traditional nursery rhymes, including "Little Bo Peep," "Jack Sprat," "Pat-a-Cake," and "The Man in the Moon."

**Description from Amazon: Llama, Llama red pajama waiting, waiting for his mama.Mama isn't coming yet.Baby Llama starts to fret.In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft...

**Description from Amazon: When little Etta the Elephant goes to her Aunt Ellen's house, she takes a journey through bicycle-filled Cycle City, a town filled with bikes of all kinds! At the end of the day, a special surprise awaits Etta—the most amazing bicycle parade imaginable. Detail-rich illustrations in this fun seek-a...

FROM SARAH:

Lola Dutch is a little too much. Any chance your kids can relate? The world is a big wonderful place, and Lola feels bursting with creativity! This one appeals to my girls and my boys alike. Listen to the husband/wife team behind this book on the RAR podcast.

Lola Dutch is a delightfully creative girl who is bursting with grand ideas.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the best ways to serve breakfast -- an elegant feast! -- to the ideal sleeping spot -- a majestic blanket fort, of course! -- Lola is inspired all day long.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lauded by critics as a worthy heir to such greats as Silverstein, Seuss, Nash and Lear, Harris's hilarious debut molds wit and wordplay, nonsense and oxymoron, and visual and verbal sleight-of-hand in masterful ways that make you look at the world in a whole new wonderfully upside-down way.

FROM SARAH:

Think of Cilla Lee-Jenkins as a kind of modern Ramona Quimby. I'm a fan of this one, as well as the lovely author, Susan Tan.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Priscilla Cilla Lee-Jenkins is on a tight deadline. Her baby sister is about to be born, and Cilla needs to become a bestselling author before her family forgets all about her. So she writes about what she knows best--herself!

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for readers who love history brought vividly to life. This gripping young adult novel offers a powerful look at a moment when ordinary people were called to extraordinary bravery. I’d recommend it for readers 15 and up who love survival stories based on real events.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's summer during the late eighteenth century in Philadelphia, and Mattie Cook is caught in the middle of a plague that sweeps the city and destroys everything in its path. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Mattie and her grandfather discover the yellow fever cannot be outrun. Based on the true events of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, this one is a page-turner.

**Description on Amazon: The beloved classic in a Spanish language edition, now available in board book format.Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a classic of children's literature. Bill Martin's rhythmic text speaks directly to young children, and Eric Carle's gorgeous illustrations hold children enraptured readin...

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

**Description from Amazon: A young woman holds her newborn sonAnd looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him: "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always As long as I'm living My baby you'll be." So begins the story that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Since publication in 1986, Love You Foreve...

**Description from Amazon: From beloved children’s book creator Crockett Johnson comes the timeless classic Harold and the Purple Crayon!One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.Harold and his...

**Description from Amazon: FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. On Christmas Eve, Jack and Annie's tree house transports them to King Arthur's castle at Camelot, where they undertake a quest to the castle of the Otherworld.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This enthralling modern fairy tale from Caldecott and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola and debut illustrator Doug Salati celebrates the greatest power of all: love.

FROM SARAH:

Anything by Tomie dePaola is worth reading, but this one will especially capture the attention of your smallest reader! Be sure to look for the mouse stowing away treasures throughout the pages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Charlie Needs a Cloak, readers follow a shepherd as he shears his sheep, cards and spins the wool, weaves and dyes the cloth, and sews a beautiful new red cloak. Follow along with Tomie dePaola's incomparable illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tomie dePaola’s classic illustrations accompany his heartwarming story about his relationship with his grandfather as a small boy.

**Description from Amazon: In a gorgeous and contemplative new picture book, legendary author-illustrator Tomie dePaola reminds us that mindfulness—being quiet, still, and present with one another—is a very special thing.Everything is in such a hurry, busy as busy can be. The birds are flying so fast, the dragonfly is zoo...

**Description from Amazon: Beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola’s take on traditional “Jack tales”—in which a young hero ventures out to seek his fortune and gains it through luck or pluck—is perfect for preschoolers. His hero’s reward is a wealth of animal friends who increase in number—and volume—as the ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan and Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola have joined forces to create a stunning and lyrical new bedtime picture book that’s sure to become an instant classic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Bursting with heart and brimming with charm, this is a joyful, hilarious ode to the family we love best. And oh my MOPS--Meeting of Penderwick Siblings--does Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks at Last crescendo to one perfect Penderwick finale.

**Description from Amazon: A hilarious picture book from New York Times bestselling author of The Penderwicks Jeanne Birdsall and New York Times bestselling illustrator Harry Bliss about one child's outrageous school essay on his "pet" sheep.   Things to know about sheep: Sheep live outside. Sheep have wool. Sheep will not l...

**Description from Amazon: Lucky and Squash are next-door neighbors and best friends. But there's a locked gate between them, so they can never play together. If only their owners fell in love and got married, Lucky and Squash would be brothers. . . . Unfortunately, Miss Violet and Mr. Bernard have never even said hello to ea...

**Description from Amazon: The room fronted the west, but a black cloud, barred with red, robbed the hour of twilight's tranquil charm. Shadows haunted it, lurking in corners like spies set there to watch the man who stood among them mute and motionless as if himself a shadow. His eye turned often to the window with a glance ...

**Description from Amazon: When their father's business fails, the six Bastable children decide to restore the family fortunes. But although they think of many ingenious ways to do so, their well meant efforts are either more fun than profitable, or lead to trouble...

**Description from Amazon: From N. D. Wilson, bestselling author of the 100 Cupboards series, comes this funny and adventurous picture-book debut. It’s time for kindergarten, and a young boy is prepared for the task, thanks to his unflinching ninja skills. The challenges of school are no match for a ninja, with his quick re...

FROM SARAH:

I adored Amelia Bedelia as a child, and so do my own kids! These easy-to-read editions are excellent companions for your budding reader.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From dressing the chicken to drawing the drapes, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers tell her to do. If things get a bit mixed up, well, that's okay. When Amelia Bedelia is involved, everything always turns out perfectly in the end!

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

**Description from Amazon: New from the creator of Captain Underpants, it's Dog Man, the #1 New York Times bestselling, crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop...

**Description from Amazon: Nancy's mom says Nancy has too many tutus! But what happens when her class hosts a swap-and-shop and Nancy finds the perfect tutu?

**Description from Amazon: Who Is Geronimo Stilton?That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure ...

**Description from Amazon: Barbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty years. Over 60 million copies in print and now with a bright new look for a new generation!   Meet the World’s Funniest ...

**Description from Amazon: Don't miss the first and bestselling book in the beloved Pete the Cat series! Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes...