Books

**Description from Amazon: PreSchool-Grade 2-Pinkalicious eats so many pink cupcakes that she wakes up the next morning with pink skin and hair. The color just won't wash off, and the doctor diagnoses her with Pinkititis and tells her to eat green food to get better. Still, when her parents aren't looking, she sneaks just one...

**Description from Amazon: A harrowing adventure inside enemy territory. Heather and Picket are plunged into the darkness of Morbin's shadow, fighting to bear the flame of the cause and light the way for rabbitkind's upright insurrection.

**Description from Amazon: A Green Ember story set during Heather and Picket's arrival at Cloud Mountain, The Last Archer follows the journey of Jo Shanks. Jo is a gifted archer with a burden on his back and a fire within. Eager to see the Longtreaders receive justice, he travels from his Halfwind Citadel home to a Cloud Moun...

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 lovely Chinese folk tale about an honest schoolboy and an Emperor's challenge. Beautifully illustrated in Demi's iconic style.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Demi's exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping's embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.

FROM SARAH:

With dazzling illustrations and a surprising math twist, this clever tale is perfect for kids who love stories where the smallest hero outsmarts the biggest problem.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Long ago in India, there lived a raja who believed that he was wise and fair. But every year he kept nearly all of the people's rice for himself. Then when famine came, the raja refused to share the rice, and the people went hungry. Then a village girl named Rani devises a clever plan.

FROM SARAH: 

If you want math to feel like an adventure, this picture book biography is the perfect "addition" to your library. Julie Ellis’s playful storytelling and Phyllis Hornung’s warm illustrations invite readers ages 6 and up to explore Ancient Greece and experiment with hands-on math in a way that's fun and accessible.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Children can test their math skills and learn the Pythagorean Theorem alongside young Pythagoras in this STEM adventure. Pythagoras' curiosity takes him from Samos to Alexandria, where he meets a builder named Neferheperhersekeper, who introduces him to the right angle.

FROM SARAH:

This adorable read-aloud combines music, math, and bright illustrations to deliver a story full of humor and heart, proving that a little practice can create something magical—especially when you’re rocking out with friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Pythagoras and his cousins want to win a music contest, but first they must figure out how to play their instruments in tune, something that's never been done before.

FROM SARAH:

One of several picture book retellings of Cinderella from around the world. Read several of these and then discuss what makes them similar and different for a lovely read-aloud week!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Presents the life of a Egyptian woman who lived in fifth century Alexandria and became a respected scholar in mathematics and philosophy.

FROM SARAH

MESOPOTAMIA- The story of Gilgamesh is said to be one of the oldest stories every recorded. This is the first picture book in a trilogy, retelling the epic of Gilgamesh for children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them.

FROM SARAH:

A gorgeous picture book that captures the heart of Christ's mother beautifully! Highly recommend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In sharing events from Mary's birth to her crowning as the Queen of Heaven, these fifteen stories will inspire a lifelong love for and devotion to Mary. They will draw children closer to her son and invite them, like Mary, to say Yes to the presence of Jesus in their lives.

FROM SARAH:

A collection of fables first told by the Greek slave & philosopher Aesop, combined with lush, rich illustrations by Jerry Pinkney.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this elegantly designed volume, more than sixty of Aesop's timeless fables have been carefully selected, humorously retold, and brought gloriously to life by four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Jerry Pinkney.

FROM SARAH

EGYPT- a nonfiction look at the process of mummification; this one gets a little gruesome-- don't say I didn't warn you!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Aliki describes and illustrates the techniques and the reasons for the use of mummification in ancient Egypt.

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?

**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...

**Description from Amazon: A timely and empowering book featuring “solid, practical advice for women on how to properly nurture their sons” (Kirkus Reviews).   From the moment a mother holds her newborn son, his eyes tell her that she is his world. But often, as he grows up, the boy who needs her simultaneously pushes he...

**Description from Amazon: "Your go-to gift for new fathers." — Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and radio hostWhether you know it or not, if you're a dad, you’re a hero— that's the message of bestselling author and pediatrician Meg Meeker. Even if you're struggling with all the dema...

**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...

**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...

FROM SARAH:

A funny, moving tale from one of today's very best authors for young adults. What would you do if an English butler just showed up at your house one morning during the before-school frenzy? Absolutely delightful to read aloud (especially if you can pull off the butler's English accent!) Meet the author in his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep--one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a literary environment dominated by men, the first American to earn a living as a writer and to establish a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic was, miraculously, a woman. Hannah Adams dared to enter―and in some ways was forced to enter―a sphere of literature that had, in eighteenth-century America, been solely a male province.

**Description from Amazon: Describes the weight clock and the spring clock and how they work.

**Description from Amazon: ‘Before the zoo opens each day a small army of keepers, vendors, and maintenance workers perform the daily tasks of cleaning and setting up. Then the crowds flock in. . . . The busy pictures are filled with details and action. The writing is crisp, clear, and informative.’ —SLJ. Outstanding ...

**Description from Amazon: All the wild gorillas live in Africa. They are peaceful and intelligent, and live in family groups called troops. Here are descriptions of the physical characteristics of these primates as well as information about how they live, including how they eat, raise their young, and adapt to their environm...

FROM SARAH:

We just love Gail Gibbons's nonfiction picture books around here! This is one of her best—a lovely look at flowers. Your library likely has this and many other books by Gail. You can listen to Sarah's interview with Gail on the RAR podcast #103.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With her signature combination of clearly-labeled diagrams, infographics, and accessible language, Gail Gibbons introduces the basics and life cycle of flowers. Sweet-smelling violets, delicate roses, vibrant tulips-- and many more-- come alive on the profusely illustrated pages.

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 ...

Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? Here is an explanation of how the position of the Earth in relation to the sun causes seasons, and the wonders that come with each one of them. Summer. Autumn. Winter. Spring comes again. Year...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Introduce young readers to the fascinating process of how catepillars become butterflies.

Follow the transformation from a tiny white egg laid on a leaf to a brilliantly colored butterfly in this kid-friendly introduction to metamorphosis.  With detailed, bright watercolors, Gail Gibbons illustrates the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, stage by stage, as it grows, changes, and takes flight.

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.

Everyone talks about the weather, but not everyone understands all the words used. Where fog, clouds, frost, thunderstorms, snow, fronts, hurricanes, and other weather-related phenomena come from is explained here. Common terms that are not commonly understood are clearly defined. A list of curious ...

FROM SARAH:

Gail Gibbons is a perpetual favorite around here, and this book is both informative and captivating, filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating owl facts. Your library very likely has it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With their striking appearance and distinctive hoot, hoot, owls are one of the most recognizable birds in the world.  But did you know there are more than 140 types of owls living in the world

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Berries, apples, melons, and grapes; oranges, grapefruits, bananas -- yum! This scrumptious picture book, a companion to The Vegetables We Eat, offers youngsters an inviting, information-packed cornucopia of favorite fruits. Gail Gibbons combines a clear, simple text with her signature illustrations to present fruit facts galore: the parts of fruits, where and how they grow, harvesting, processing, where to buy them, and how to enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.

Sharks first lived more than 400 million years ago, 200 million years before dinosaurs walked the earth. From the dwarf shark to the great white shark, here is information on the physical characteristics of these animals, how they differ from other fish, how they are born (some hatch from eggs, othe...

Basic information about stars and constellations.

A board book guide to tools and what they do from beloved nonfiction author Gail Gibbons.What are tools? How do they help us make things? For busy toddlers keen on building, Gail Gibbons presents the answers to those questions in this cheerful board book introduction to tools and what they do. From ...

Their amazing abilities and how they fit into the natural world.

The alarm sounds. Fire! Fire! Big trucks roll out of the firehouse and race to the scene. Out come the soft hoses and aerial ladders. Whether the fire is in the city or in the country, on the waterfront or in a deep forest, firefighters are on the scene in moments, ready to attack the blaze.Fire! Fi...

Tornadoes are funnel-shaped clouds that can cause massive destruction on the ground. Their winds can swirl faster than 260 miles per hour! Using her acclaimed combination of clear text and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons explains how tornadoes form, the scale used for classifying them, and what...

Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, and create waves as high as 18 feet. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. For centuries people did not know when a hurricane was coming. Now we have new methods to predict when and wher...

Planet Earth is in the Milky Way Galaxy, the cloudy band of light that stretches clear across the night sky. How many galaxies are there in the universe? For years astronomers thought that the Milky Way was the universe. Now we know that there are billions of them. Gail Gibbons takes the reader on a...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In words and pictures, Gail Gibbons captures all the excitement and adventure of cowboy life. Her colorful watercolors re-create cowboys' clothing, equipment, and lifestyle, and the lively text includes descriptions of famous cowboys and cowgirls, as well as historical facts. True to Gail Gibbons's fine reputation as a nonfiction author for kids, Cowboys and Cowgirls will delight, excite, and inform any young buckaroo.

Do you ever mail a letter and wonder what happens to it after you drop it in the box? Read all about the post office and learn how letters are weighed, sorted, transported, culled, canceled, coded, binned, boxed, and sorted once again. Find out how people and machines work together to deliver the le...

Their tadpole beginnings, noises they make, body parts and how they live.

FROM SARAH:

Another winning series from master author Cynthia Rylant. The Henry and Mudge books delighted my twin boys, especially. We couldn't get enough of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.

FROM SARAH:

I just love all the Poppleton books (and, in fact, every single early reader written by Cynthia Rylant). Delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poppleton the pig makes a friend, reads a library book about adventure, and helps a sick friend get better.

FROM SARAH:

I love these early reader collections that give you a lot of bang for your buck, and of course this one is fabulous because it's written and illustrated by none other than Tomie dePaola.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Together for the first time in a collectable hardcover boxed set, join Andy & Sandy for four easy-to-read picture book adventures, from legendary author/illustrator Tomie dePaola and longtime Henson scribe Jim Lewis!

FROM SARAH:

By the same author/illustrator who gave us Frog and Toad. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that—he tells seven stories, one for each boy!This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

FROM SARAH:

By the same author/illustrator who gave us Frog and Toad. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Weasel is ready for his dinner, and poor Mouse is it. Can Mouse stop Weasel from serving up mouse soup for supper? The clever mouse tells the weasel four stories to make the soup tasty—then manages to trick the weasel and get home safely.

FROM SARAH:

A sweet early reader in the spirit of Frog and Toad.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book It is a blustery spring day, and Mouse and Mole are very excited. They are going to go bird watching! They are planning to make bird books! Mouse and Mole pack paper and crayons and hurry outside. It turns out, birds are not so easy to watch.

FROM SARAH:

My twins absolutely loved this whole series from Grace Lin, both as read-alouds or to practice their developing reading skills on!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ling & Ting are twins. They share a birthday. They bake cakes, and they make birthday wishes. They tell stories and wrap gifts. They also share a birthday secret! The simple text and colorful art makes this early reader a perfect choice for children learning to read.

FROM SARAH:

My twins absolutely loved this whole series from Grace Lin, both as read-alouds or to practice their developing reading skills on!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ling and Ting like to be silly in the fourth book in this irresistible early reader series. The beloved twins from the Geisel Honor early reader series are back to share their favorite funny stories with beginning readers, now in paperback.

FROM SARAH:

I love the original Frances books these early readers are based on, and the early reader versions are equally delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frances is a fussy eater. In fact, the only thing she likes is bread and jam. She won't touch her squishy soft-boiled egg. She trades away her chicken-salad sandwich at lunch. She turns up her nose at boring veal cutlets.

FROM SARAH:

Kids love Mo Willems's delightful characters, and you just be surprised at how much you do, too! They are all funny, funny, funny.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

FROM SARAH:

Mo Willems' humorous and heartwarming story about trying new things, featuring the lovable Elephant and Piggie. These books are perfect for early readers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Elephants Cannot Dance! Piggie tries to teach Gerald some new moves. But will Gerald teach Piggie something even more important?

FROM SARAH:

What's better than an Elephant and Piggie book? A bunch of them, put together!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mo Willems, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, celebrates ten years of Elephant & Piggie in this special bind-up collection: Today I Will Fly!; Watch Me Throw the Ball!; Can I Play Too?; the award-winning Let's Go For a Drive!; and I Really Like Slop!

FROM SARAH:

Another old standby worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The meanings of "up" are conveyed with merry verse and illustrations in a happy book that celebrates the joy of life.

FROM SARAH:

This might have been Clara's favorite early reader to practice on. A Dr. Seuss classic that never gets old.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three friends balance counting and fun in this silly Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss and illustrated by Roy McKie. When a lion, a dog, and a tiger meet up, they soon discover that they can each do different things while balancing apples on their heads.

FROM SARAH:

This Dr. Seuss title is a staple for any early reader! Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beginning with just five fish and continuing into flights of fancy, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish celebrates how much fun imagination can be.