Books

FROM SARAH:

This is always my first chapter book read-aloud (or at least, it was with all six of my own kids!), but it's also a perfect choice for a developing reader. It tells the story of a young boy who saves a baby dragon, has adventures after their escape, and reunites the dragon with its family. I've yet to meet a kid who doesn't love this story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Elmer Elevator tells a stray cat about his dream of being able to fly, he learns of a captive dragon on Wild Island. The dragon has been forced by the jungle residents to serve as their shuttle across a wide river—and anyone who rescues the dragon from its cruel captors might be entitled to a free ride.

FROM SARAH:

An all-time favorite read-aloud in our house, and a perennial favorite for my boys! Short and delightful. A great choice especially for one of your first read-aloud novels.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s a dream come true for Ralph S. Mouse when he get his own set of wheels: a red motorcycle. But when Ralph drives straight into trouble, it’s his human friend Keith who helps him. A Beverly Cleary classic, and the first in a 3-part series!

FROM SARAH:

The literary masterpiece. (I talk more about Charlotte's Web and why it has to be as sad as it is in RAR #202: For Kids Who Don't Like Sad Books.) The audiobook is narrated by the author and is just fabulous.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, among many other books.

FROM SARAH:

When Paddington Bear moves in with the Browns, life changes forever. This classic series of tales about a well-intentioned bear who finds himself in many unfortunate predicaments delights young readers. Especially wonderful if you can read it with a British accent. ;) Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.

FROM SARAH:

A great first novel to read aloud because the stories within are so short (and funny!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This silly series begins with Josh McBroom getting duped into buying 80 acres of land that are all stacked on top of each other. But never fear -- it isn’t as bad as it seems. These books are laugh-out-loud funny and illustrated by Quentin Blake, who illustrated many of Roald Dahl’s books.

FROM SARAH:

It's a classic, and there's good reason why! Pippi has been beloved by generations of readers. If you'd like a modern Pippi-like tale, try Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Oh Pippi! Pippi Longstocking lives with her horse and monkey (but without parents) at her home Villa Villekula. She’s always ready for an adventure and soon, neighbors Tommy and Annika are along for the ride. This book is as fun as Pippi’s signature hairstyle.

FROM SARAH:

A Read-Aloud Revival community favorite. Rabbits with Swords! This story will inspire heroic virtue in your children (and who knows... maybe you too!). This is the first in a truly wonderful fantasy series. Your kids can meet author S.D. Smith at his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world.

FROM SARAH:

The gold standard of children's books. Really, I don't actually think books get better than The Chronicles of Narnia. Guaranteed to suck you and your kids in every time. Especially wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Good, evil; battles, betrayals; this classic series begins with either The Magician’s Nephew, or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (depending on who you ask!). There are 7 books in all -- one filled with more adventure and fantasy than the next.

FROM SARAH:

The book that turned me into reader in the 3rd grade. I love this book! The audiobook is also especially well done, as is the movie.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a menacing, kid-hating headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!

FROM SARAH:

A silly, lighthearted board book this is sure to get your little one giggling.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Are you longing for adventure? Mischief? What about sandwiches?

Tag along with one sneaky ninja who is happy to share his busy day (but not his lunch) with curious kids everywhere in this rhyming picture book perfect for fans of The Three Ninja Pigs and 10 Little Ninjas.

FROM SARAH:

When a child asks the zoo for a pet, they keep sending animals, but none of them seem just right. Well, maybe until the end? Kids love lifting the flaps to reveal the animals!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young readers love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent—a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect pet?

With bright, bold artwork, a catchy refrain, and a whole host of favorite animals, Dear Zoo is a must for every child’s bookshelf.

FROM SARAH:

A timeless classic told in sing-style rhyme, illustrated with Eric Carle’s famous flat collage artwork. My toddlers love chanting along while we read.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.

FROM SARAH:

You may know E .B. White best from Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little, but his delightful storytelling shines in this book, which beautifully describes both the natural world, and the nature of friendship. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

FROM SARAH:

The classic short stories from the author/illustrator of Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal. I especially love reading aloud this book with my boys.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This collection of six tales follows Homer Price, resident of Centerburg, U.S.A. Follow Homer around town as he mans his uncle’s lunch counter (and his fancy new doughnut-making machine), builds radios and even catches a gang of robbers.

FROM SARAH:

A favorite from my own childhood! My daughter Clara couldn't get enough of the whole series at age 10. Fabulous on audio.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house and smells like cookies. She was even married to a pirate once. Most of all, she knows everything about children. She can cure them of any ailment. Patsy hates baths. Hubert never puts anything away. Allen eats v-e-r-y slowly. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has a treatment for all of them.

FROM SARAH:

This book begins like a nature guide and quickly devolves into chaos...in the best way possible. If you need a laugh (and honestly, who doesn't?), pick up a copy of this gem at your local library or bookstore. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An absurdly laugh-out-loud funny picture book about the villainy of fish, illustrated by National Book Award-winning creator Dan Santat.

FROM SARAH:

A clever sixteen-year-old heroine is out to uncover some buried family secrets in this Young Adult historical novel. Romance is a key plot point, but it's innocent and charming, appropriate for readers 15 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newly orphaned Peggy Grahame is caught off-guard when she first arrives at her family’s ancestral estate. Her eccentric uncle Enos drives away her only new acquaintance, Pat, a handsome British scholar, then leaves Peggy to fend for herself. But she is not alone. The house is full of mysteries—and ghosts. Soon Peggy becomes involved with the spirits of her own Colonial ancestors and witnesses the unfolding of a centuries-old romance against a backdrop of spies and intrigue and of battles plotted and foiled. History has never been so exciting—especially because the ghosts are leading Peggy to a romance of her own!

FROM SARAH:

I love a girl with "a grand spirit", and Rebecca does not disappoint. Charming, witty, and brimming with the warmth of small-town life, this beloved classic celebrates the power of kindness, creativity, and a well-timed belly laugh.

FROM PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

Emily is rumored to be Lucy Maud Montgomery's favorite character of all of the ones she wrote! Rich with the rhythms of nature and the trials of growing up, this novel is a celebration of resilience and courage in the face of great loss. Head's up that it deals heavily with the death of a parent.

FROM PUBLISHER:

Emily Starr has never known what it is to be unloved. But when her father dies, she is left in the care of her mother's family. Emily is a stranger to the proud Murrays, none of whom think they can cope with such a heartbroken, headstrong girl. They decide to draw lots for her, and Emily is sent to live at New Moon with stern Aunt Elizabeth, the head of the clan. Kind Aunt Laura and friendly, eccentric Cousin Jimmy also live at New Moon, though, so she is not without hope.

FROM SARAH:

The March sisters are each distinctive in their own way, but they band together to help their mother while their father is serving in the Civil War. We selected this book for our summer 2023 Mama Book Club pick. RAR Premium members can access the Mama Book Club Guide here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?

FROM SARAH:

Inspired by a true story, this quietly powerful chapter book is full of grit, trust and bravery that blooms when a child faces the wilderness with a heart wide open. It's a perfect independent read for kids that are ready for more text on the page, but not quite ready to read longer novels on their own.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. “Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble,” her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. The dark woods were full of animals and Indians, too, and Sarah was only eight!

The true story of Sarah’s journey is inspiring. And as she cares for her father and befriends her Indian neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all.

FROM SARAH:

Fun fact: this is the series that first inspired Karina Yan Glaser to write her modern Vanderbeeker series! If you'd like, pair it with the All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the All-of-a-Kind Family. Together they share adventures that find them searching for hidden buttons while dusting Mama's front parlor and visiting with the peddlers in Papa's shop on rainy days. The girls enjoy doing everything together, especially when it involves holidays and surprises. But no one could have prepared them for the biggest surprise of all!

FROM SARAH:

Told from the perspective for 4-year-old Bonnie (the youngest in the family), this cute series of stories features a look at family life in Kentucky in the early 1900s. Happy Little Family is the first in the series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bonnie is more than ready to join her older sisters and brother in the many adventures she sees come their way, whether it be sliding along the ice, searching for arrowheads, or going on that journey of all journeys-across the swinging bridge to school. Winter or summer, something is always happening in the Fairchild house, tucked amidst the pine trees of the Kentucky hills one hundred years ago or more.

FROM SARAH:

The first book from Kate Dicamillo . . . and it's still my favorite of them all! A fabulous read-aloud for ages 7-14, especially if you've got dog lovers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

India Opal is at the grocery store when she makes a new friend -- a dog she names Winn Dixie (after the store, of course!). Winn Dixie helps Opal navigate Naomi, Florida, and find the inner courage to learn about her mom who left when she was 3.

FROM SARAH:

It's a classic for a reason! Introduce your child the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter with this most famous tale of a naughty rabbit, a grumpy farmer, and a tantalizing garden.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published by Frederick Warne in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden!

FROM SARAH:

There are not words to convey just how much I adore this entire series. If I was pressed to name my all-time favorite book, I'd probably name this one. I read it aloud with all of my kids, and my boys loved it every bit as much as my girls did. Highly recommended. (Audible | LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Cuthberts are expecting a boy to help work on their farm, Green Gables. Instead, they get “Anne with an e,” who will surely win girls’ hearts with her spunky personality and big imagination.

FROM SARAH:

The classic tale, still as wonderful as it was when you were a kid. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Sam leaves his family’s New York City apartment, he travels all the way to the Catskill Mountains where he survives in a hollowed-out tree, and finds independence and freedom.

FROM SARAH:

This one is a rip-roaring Gold Rush adventure that is truly hilarious, perfect for readers who love survival stories with a (large) helping of humor. It's filled with historical facts and fast-paced escapades stretching all the way from Boston to California.

FROM PUBLISHER:
Jack’s aunt is in trouble. Even after she sells her beloved mansion, she still doesn’t have enough money to pay off all her debts or, more importantly, to take care of twelve-year-old Jack and his two sisters. Luckily Jack has a plan! He’s going to strike gold. Setting out from Boston with his stuffy but trusty butler, Praiseworthy, the two of them stow away on a ship bound for California—and the Gold Rush. Along the way they’ll meet sailors, miners, outlaws, and wild animals. But will it all be worth it when they strike it rich?

FROM SARAH: 

Equal parts witty and whimsical, this fantasy blends satire and suspense with a dash of nonsense to create a captivating read. I'd recommend it for readers 12 and up who love quirky fairy tales full of lively characters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The hands of all thirteen clocks stand still in the gloomy castle on a lonely hill where a wicked Duke lives with his niece, the beautiful Princess Saralinda. The Duke fancies he has frozen time, for he is afraid that one day a Prince may come and win away the hand of the Princess—the only warm hand in the castle. To thwart that fate, he sets impossible tasks for Saralinda’s suitors. But when the bold Prince Zorn of Zorna arrives, disguised as a wandering minstrel, and helped by the enigmatic Golux, the cold Duke may at last have met his match.

FROM SARAH:

Be sure to have a full box of tissues nearby when you open this one! Kate DiCamillo brings her signature charm and stunning prose to another classic-in-the-making. Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, I'd recommend it for ages 8 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

FROM SARAH:

Meg and her brother Charles are viewed as unintelligent, especially compared to their brilliant parents, one of whom has disappeared. Did he really leave their family, or was it perhaps a wrinkle in time? The 1963 Newberry Award winner.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

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:

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 book to inspire courage and independent thinking in your youngsters. I especially love reading this (short!) book with my boys.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Edward has been left at home to protect his mother and sister, while his father is away watching for a raid from the north. Both the French and the Indians are true threats in New York in 1756, but Edward has a weapon -- his father’s matchlock gun. Note: Edward’s mother is injured in the book, and Native Americans are killed.

FROM SARAH:

The story of the boy who will grow up to marry Laura, Farmer Boy tells of Almanzo and his family, who live on a farm in upstate New York. Based on a true story, of course! (You can read this Little House on the Prairie book out of order—it's a great introduction to the rest of the series, especially for boys.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved story of how her husband, Almanzo, grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived.

FROM SARAH:

Set in 15th-century England, this stirring novel is rich with medieval atmosphere and vivid illustrations. Because it's a coming-of-age story and deals with some difficult moral dilemmas, I'd recommend it for readers 12 and up.

FROM PUBLISHER: 

Written and Illustrated by the incomparable Howard Pyle, Men of Iron is the story of a young squire, Myles Falworth, growing up n the 15th century as he seeks not just to become a knight, but also redeem his father’s honor. With chapters full of vivid detail, Pyle masterfully combines historical realism with a captivating fictional story.The reader will experience Myles’ adventures, share his troubles, fight his battles and rejoice in his victories as if they had been transported through the centuries are were really by his side. This edition is complete with all the original illustrations by the author.

FROM SARAH:

Some of my kids liked this classic even better than Little House on the Prairie... and that's saying something! Caddie is one of six siblings, and her story is based on the life of the author's real grandmother. Adventures abound.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Based on stories of the author’s grandmother, Caddie loves hunting and pranks, but refuses to be a “lady.” Set in Wisconsin in the late 1800s, Little House fans will love Caddie!

FROM SARAH:

Nine-year-old Ruth works to overcome her temper in this book about God’s love and mercy set at the scenic Tanglewood property. (First in a series.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ruth and her beloved brother Philip find solace in the expanse of the Tanglewoods' property. There they escape into bird watching, climbing, and general misadventures with their friend Terry.

FROM SARAH:

This one comes up again and again in podcast episodes! The first in Ralph Moody’s autobiographical series, this is a wonderful father-son story. Note: Does contain a few mature words that begin with H and D.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary.

FROM SARAH:

Elizabeth Ann must leave her home to move to rural Vermont and live with relatives. She needs a little extra care, though, so will anyone there understand her? If you're a homeschooling family, you'll especially love this one! (The characters are 👌🏼.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Thanks to her loving but over-protective guardian aunts, Betsy is a fearful, self-absorbed, nine-year-old hypochondriac. One of the most terrible items on her long list of fears is the horrid cousins her aunts never mention without shuddering. When her aunts are suddenly no longer able to care for her, Betsy is, incredibly, sent to live with those very relatives.

FROM SARAH:

An absolute delight to read aloud, this rollicking tale of that sleepy bear and his friends is sure to please your small reader. Karma Wilson's text is just perfect!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bears's cave fills with animal friends as he sleeps in this classic book from New York Times bestselling team of Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman.

FROM SARAH:

Funny and down-to-earth, your child may very likely read this one to you after you've read it together once or twice!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Learning about opposites has never been more fun — or funny — than with this winning board book. Yummy!

FROM SARAH:

Corduroy is perfect for reading aloud to even the littlest listeners. It's timeless, tender and gently profound- one of my favorite classics and a treasure for any home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

2018 marks Corduroy’s 50th anniversary, and Don Freeman’s classic character is even more popular today than he was when he first came on the scene. Now his original story is available in an unabridged, sturdy board book format, perfect for even the youngest readers.

FROM SARAH:

If you are ever in the area, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Northampton, Massachusetts is worth every minute you can spare to visit!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Perhaps Eric Carle’s best-known picture book, a very hungry caterpillar eats his way through the pages and makes the grandest transformation of all.

FROM SARAH:

How will a hungry little mouse manage to guard his strawberry from the big, hungry bear? From the wonderful husband/wife team, Don and Audrey Wood.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Little Mouse loves strawberries, but so does the big hungry bear. . . How will Little Mouse stop the bear from eating his freshly picked, red ripe strawberry? This classic story is beloved for its humor, expressive illustrations, and surprise ending—pure read-aloud fun!

FROM SARAH:

Soothing words and charming illustrations have made this Margaret Wise Brown book a classic. Say goodnight with Bunny to the great green room, the light and the red balloon

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

FROM SARAH:

Follow the zoo’s night watchman as he tucks in all the animals for the night. But, uh-oh...did that gorilla just nab his keys?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who's that short, furry guy with the key in his hand and the mischievous grin?

FROM SARAH:

If you loved The Father Brown Mysteries, then be sure to add this cozy British mystery to your TBR. Part spy-novel, part allegory, this totally unique read is a Chesterton classic you'll be pondering for a long time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Man Who Was Thursday - A Nightmare is about an eccentric Scotland Yard detective named Syme who infiltrates a dangerous underworld anarchist group in London with the help of a poet he befriends. The taut adventure story that ensues is a unique blend of espionage and mystery - told in that inimitable Chesterton wit.

FROM SARAH:

A YA fantasy with a totally unique magical system is hard to come by, but Jeffrey Overstreet delivers brilliantly in this epic adventure. The series opener is poetic and suspenseful, perfect for readers 14 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When thieves find an abandoned child lying in a monster’s footprint, they have no idea that their wilderness discovery will change the course of history. Cloaked in mystery, Auralia grows up among criminals outside the walls of House Abascar, where vicious beastmen lurk in shadow. There, she discovers an unsettling--and forbidden--talent for crafting colors that enchant all who behold them, including Abascar’s hard-hearted king, an exiled wizard, and a prince who keeps dangerous secrets. When Auralia’s gift opens doors from the palace to the dungeons, she sets the stage for violent and miraculous change in the great houses of the Expanse.

FROM SARAH:

A fun combination of Mother Goose and I Spy, this book is one your child won't tire of hearing you read time and time again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Each Peach Pear Plum is a timeless picture book classic from the bestselling illustrator/author team Janet and Allan Ahlberg, creators of Peepo! Each beautifully illustrated page encourages young children to interact with the picture to find the next fairy tale and nursery rhyme character.

FROM SARAH:

Perfect rhythm to read aloud. This one can be read aloud over and over, and never gets old.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A madcap band of dancing, prancing monkeys explain hands, fingers, and thumbs to beginning readers.

FROM SARAH: 

An afternoon with Mary Poppins is sure to make the ordinary into something magical, with a carpet bag full of surprises and (slightly stern) charm. Although this Mary differs from her movie counterpart, I think you'll find every minute with her nothing less than enchanting.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

The obvious recommendation. If your teen hasn't read this yet, it's time! :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frodo and his pals set out on a journey to find the Ruling Ring. Will the Hobbits’ friendships be enough to keep them safe?

FROM SARAH:

A classic story of friendship starring Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger, this river tale is a wonderful read-aloud full of big personalities. (Except for Mole, who is a little shy.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Far from fading with time, Kenneth Grahame's classic tale of fantasy has attracted a growing audience in each generation.

FROM SARAH:

One of my all-time favorite classics; it just never gets old! My boys especially love this one. Read it and then watch the Shirley Temple movie to compare! Also great on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Everyone is scared of Heidi’s grandfather, but when she moves to the Alps to live with him her sunny personality helps them form a connection. Soon, however, they are separated. Will they reunite? This classic is an excellent read-aloud for all ages.

FROM SARAH:

I love children's books that offer wisdom for readers of any age. Part allegory, part fairy tale, this tender classic reminds us that what matters most is not always what is seen, but what is felt.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this book like no other, a little prince serves as a guide for a pilot whose plane goes down in the Sahara Desert. A bit fairy tale, a bit fantasy, this book is much more than it seems and filled with complex lessons.

FROM SARAH:

The first book in a sweet series. Betsy and Tacy meet in this book, and a beautiful friendship blossoms as the girls share adventures. Two of my daughters will name this as one of their favorite books of all time. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There are lots of children on Hill Street, but no little girls Betsy's age. So when a new family moves into the house across the street, Betsy hopes they will have a little girl she can play with. Sure enough, they do—a little girl named Tacy. And from the moment they meet at Betsy's fifth birthday party, Betsy and Tacy becomes such good friends that everyone starts to think of them as one person—Betsy-Tacy.

FROM SARAH:

This board book is a silly good time...and kids will love the “oops!” moments.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three earnest animals and one misguided turkey learn colors and clothes in this Sandra Boynton classic.

FROM SARAH:

Who is peeking through the pages of this book? Die-cut windows and rhyming texts will help kids figure it out.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Colorful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what's peeking through the die cut windows in these two fun board books. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters guessing and giggling all the way to the suprise endings.

FROM SARAH:

I once interviewed the author of this book, and she told me something surprising—that's not a DAD in the pictures, it's an older brother! Makes you want them to get away even more now, doesn't it? 😉

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beloved for more than 30 years, this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury celebrates the joys of an afternoon outdoors with family.