FROM SARAH:

Clever! Britta Teckentrup created a peek-through format for this one that teaches kids about the phases of the moon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over deserts and forests, Arctic tundra and tropical beaches, the moon shines down on creatures around the world. Children will love discovering how it changes from day to day as the lunar cycle is shown through clever peek-through holes, each revealing the moon in a different size and shape.

It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In bouncy rhyming text, an excited and hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal.

FROM SARAH:

I think all of the early readers from All About Reading are worth owning. They were some of my younger kids' favorite books to practice reading on! Well written and illustrated. Easy to use either with All About Reading or on its own.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A phonics-based reader, Chasing Henry: a collection of short stories contains charming, beautifully illustrated stories.

FROM SARAH:

This series of early readers was adapted from the original Frances books that so many of us knew and loved as children. This one is a particularly lovely tale, though all in the series are worth picking up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Follow Julia Child—chef, author, and television personality—from her childhood in Pasadena, California, to her life as a spy in WWII, to the cooking classes she took in Paris, to the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, to the funny moments of being a chef on TV.

FROM SARAH:

A 2016 Newbery Honor. I would suggest reading a couple of reviews before handing this to your kids or reading it aloud. Here's a starred review from the trustworthy reviewers at Redeemed Reader, and also a thoughtful review with special considerations for Christian families from my pal, Carolyn Leiloglou.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children: William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte...recently brought back from the dead.

As the narrator collects their tales, the story of these three unlikely allies begins to come together.

Their adventures take them on a chase through France to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned. They’re taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. And as their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints.

FROM SARAH:

The story of a black teenage girl who is trying to make her way in a world that doesn't make it easy. Best for teens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Presents the life and work of the African American folk artist who had to overcome a severe injury to his right arm in order to paint.

**Description from Amazon: A search of Grandmother's attic turns up a valuable item for Cranberryport's fall antique sale while, at the same time, the wily trickster, Cyrus Grape, threatens to spoil everything, bringing Mr. Whiskers and the rest of the town to the rescue.

FROM SARAH:

I love Pam Munoz Ryan's novels, and this one is especially for boys who like historical fiction or biographies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the time he is a young boy, Neftalí hears the call of a mysterious voice. Even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself, Neftalí knows he cannot ignore the call. He listens and follows as it leads him under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain on an inspiring voyage of self-discovery that will transform his life and, ultimately, the world.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely reflection on God's greatest gift: Jesus. Excellent for an Advent/Christmas mama devotional, to read with the morning's first hot sip of coffee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Beginning with Jesse, the father of David, The Greatest Gift retraces the epic pageantry of mankind, from Adam to the Messiah, with each day’s reading pointing to the coming promise of Christ.

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorite middle-grade authors, and one of my favorite middle-grade books. Watch how Shakespeare transforms one student's life in this can't-put-it-down novel. Highly recommended. If you've got all young kids, read this one on your own!  Gary Schmidt is easily one of today's best writers for teens. Meet him in the Author Access replay inside RAR Premium.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

**Description from Amazon: A collection of essays, including: I. Tremendous Trifles II. A Piece of Chalk III. The Secret of a Train IV. The Perfect Game V. The Extraordinary Cabman VI. An Accident VII. The Advantages of Having One Leg VIII. The End of the World IX. In the Place de La Bastille X. On Lying in Bed XI. The Twelve...

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 SARAH:

We're big fans of books by the Provensens around here! You probably know them from The Glorious Flight or The Maple Hill Farm books. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Alice and Martin Provensen were one of the most talented husband-and-wife author-illustrator teams of the twentieth century. A long-out-of-print cult classic first published 50 years ago, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a treasury of their illustrations accompanied by fairy tales from authors such as A. A. Milne, Hans Christian Andersen, and Oscar Wilde. Full of magic, ingenuity, and humor, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a witty modern descendant of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and a classic in its own right, sure to be beloved by a new generation.

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:

Did you catch Mr. Erickson in one of our author events? Boys especially seem to love these hilarious misadvetnures of a working dog on a ranch. Best enjoyed as audiobooks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The popular Hank the Cowdog series is based on the humorous antics of the canine Head of Ranch Security. In this first book, Hank and his little buddy, Drover, set out to solve a series of baffling murders on the ranch. Is Hank a suspect? An Outlaw? Can he clear his good name?

FROM SARAH:

A great book to invite your kids to look just a little closer at an apple—that practically perfect portable snack!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Crunchy and tasty, sweet and tart, in colorful shades of red, yellow, and green -- sometimes all three -- everyone loves apples! In this lively and vibrant book, young readers will learn how apples grow, from the planting of a tree, to the pollination of buds by bees, and on to the harvest.

Help Your Teen Catch the Lifelong Reading Bug. Honey for a Teen’s Heart spells out how good books can help you and your teenager communicate heart-to-heart about ideas, values, and the various issues of a Christian worldview. Sharing the adventure of a book lets both of you know the same people, s...

Nestled high on the cliffs of Mount Hegel, the village of Haven has remained quiet and unchanged for hundreds of years. But with strange sightings across the Great River, a wild summer storm, and Growly gone missing, the bears of Haven are now faced with challenges they have never known before. For ...

**Description from Amazon: Each December, generations of children delight in the ballet version of the quintessential Christmas story The Nutcracker. But few have had the opportunity to revel in the richly detailed original tale. Now, in this glorious new edition, acclaimed children's book author and editor Janet Schulman ret...

**Description from Amazon: A long time ago there lived over the waters, a Duchess, a Duke and their family of daughters. Everything went smoothly and happily in this large family, until one day the Duchess decided to make: A lovely light luscious delectable cake - adding yeast six times for good measure! So the cake rose, and...

FROM SARAH:

Just when we thought we couldn't love Andrew Peterson any more... !!! This book will make you wonder, make you think, and make you glad to be alive. Partly a memoir, partly a consideration of our role in creating alongside the Creator.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over the last twenty years, Andrew Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts, and executive-produced a film—all in a belief that God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal. He’s stumbled along the way, made mistake after mistake, and yet has continually encountered the grace of God through an encouraging family, a Christ-centered community of artists in the church, and the power of truth, beauty, and goodness in Scripture and the arts.

FROM SARAH:

I'm not actually sure poetry for children gets better than Robert Louis Stevenson. I love this collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A Child's Garden of Verses is a collection of poetry for children about childhood, illness, play and solitude by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson.

FROM SARAH:
Another fantastic book in the “Over and Under” series, this time focused on the beauty of the rainforest.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Discover the wonder that lies hidden among the roots, above the winding rivers, and under the emerald leaves of the rainforest in this glorious nature book for children and adults alike. Perfect for anyone who can't get enough of the rainforest and all the animals living in it.

FROM SARAH:

Especially good for a child who is anxious or nervous about new experiences. Here's a fun, lighthearted take that will put everyone (even your nervous Nellie) in the mood for the beach!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

A lovely first taste of the work of Charles Dickens. More on reading abridged versions of the classics is in RAR #183: Should we Avoid Abridged Versions of Classics?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A comprehensive and remarkable collection of retellings of all the major novels and some novellas too! Complete list of stories: The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, Barnaby Rudge, A Christmas Carol, Martin Chuzzlewit, Dombey and Son, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Hard Times, Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and Our Mutual Friend.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this book so much, I published it as the first middle grade release from Waxwing Books! This hope-filled fantasy novel tells the story of Lydia Green, who has to face shifting library shelves, a creeping darkness, and the forest Tenebrae to bring light to her world. Read it aloud with the whole family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A captivating tale filled with heartwarming characters and an undertone of hope for readers of all ages.

Eleven-year-old Lydia Green doesn’t want anything to change. She lives happily in Mulberry Glen with her mismatched family of a fairy guardian, a philosopher, and twin troublemakers known as the Zs. But now, rumors swirl about The Darkness, a powerful force that dwells in the forest Tenebrae.

Lydia knows The Darkness is nothing to be trifled with, but when a foolish choice by the Zs puts her family in danger, she must leave home and face the strange magical world of The Valleylands.

Among the shifting library shelves and new friends of her quest, Lydia uncovers more questions than answers, and the Darkness begins to creep into her mind. If she wants to save her family, she will have to be braver than ever before.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Once there was a bridge and a terrible and VERY hungry troll lived underneath it. When the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip-clop across the bridge to get to the grassy ridge, the troll is already imagining all the way to prepare a delicious goat dinner. But the troll underestimates those seemingly sweet but oh-so-savvy goats! This is the first in a groundbreaking new collection of fractured fairy tales crafted by one of today's most celebrated and acclaimed authors, Mac Barnett, and brought to stunning visual life by award-winning and beloved creator of I Want My Hat Back, Jon Klassen.

FROM SARAH:

I think all of the early readers from All About Reading are worth owning. They were some of my younger kids' favorite books to practice reading on! Well written and illustrated. Easy to use either with All About Reading or on its own.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A phonics-based reader, Shipwreck!: a collection of short stories contains charming, beautifully illustrated stories.

FROM SARAH:

For kids who can't get enough of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole. An imaginative take on what lies right outside, if only we let our imaginations go...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A stunning picture book about the power of imagination, perfect for fans of Extra Yarn and Journey, from debut author-illustrator Joseph Kuefler.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

An illustrated edition of the enchanting prequel to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit—the classic fantasy that inspired Peter Jackson’s major motion picture trilogy—in a newly expanded edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it's true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A classic in the making, this heartwarming story about empathy and imagination is one that families will treasure for years to come.

FROM SARAH:

I have not yet read this book (which usually keeps a book from being added to any of our lists!) but it comes so highly recommended from the trustworthy folks at Redeemed Reader, I thought it should be included. Be sure to read their review before embarking on this set of Arthurian tales with your kids.

Recommended for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Translated, adapted, told, and retold, the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have captivated imaginations across time. Now comes a lavishly illustrated, masterful retelling sure to enthrall a new generation of readers. From the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the quest for the Holy Grail, stories both familiar and unfamiliar are woven into a vivid tapestry of Arthurian lore that spans from the king’s conception to his final battle. Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and other timeless characters come to life as complex men and women in a rich and atmospheric feat of storytelling that feels at once historical and fantastical, otherworldly and fully human.

FROM SARAH:

A perfect picture book biography to read before or after a trip to Yosemite National Park!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a child, Ansel Adams just couldn't sit still. He felt trapped indoors and never walked anywhere--he ran. From his early days in San Francisco to the height of his glory nationwide, Antsy Ansel chronicles a restless boy's path to becoming an iconic nature photographer.

Each year Eliot's presence reasserts itself at a deeper level, to an audience that is surprised to find itself more chastened, more astonished, more humble.' Ted HughesPoet, dramatist, critic and editor, T. S. Eliot was one of the defining figures of twentieth-century poetry. This edition of Collect...

**Description from Amazon: The jaunty Cranberryport characters return in this cheerful celebration, as Mr. Whiskers attempts to prepare dinner for his birthday. What looks like a disaster turns into a wonderful surprise. Full-color illustrations.

NARRATED BY: Natalie Ross, BEST FOR AGES: 8+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly; follow the metamorphosis of this familiar backyard creature as it evolves into a delicate flying insect.

FROM SARAH:

This classic picture book is based on a real little red lighthouse and a real great gray bridge... and you can still visit them today! You may remember this delightful book from your own childhood.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the Manhattan bank of the Hudson River, a small lighthouse--made of steel and painted bright red--proudly protects boats with his faithful beam. One day a great expanse of gray steel, which also shines a bright light into the fog and darkness, is built over it. The little red lighthouse feels insignificant and useless in comparison but soon learns that . . . small can be mighty!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

When Akimbo and his park ranger father accidentally capture a lion cub, Akimbo decides to name it Simba and care for it. The two soon become inseparable. But when Simba grows too big, Akimbo must make the right choice for his wild friend.

**Description from Amazon: The acclaimed and beloved author of Hourglass now gives us a new memoir about identity, paternity, and family secrets--a real-time exploration of the staggering discovery she recently made about her father, and her struggle to piece together the hidden story of her own life.What makes us who we are?...

FROM SARAH:

I'm a fan of Nikki McClure's papercut illustrations. They're bold and contrasty, and make you want to look longer than necessary even in their simplicity.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Apple follows the life of an apple throughout the year, demonstrating the cyclical patterns in nature. The youngest readers will delight in following the journey of the bright red apple—the only splash of color in the otherwise black-and-white illustrations—as it travels from tree, to harvest, to snack, to compost, and finally to sprout. A single word complements each illustration, urging early readers to reflect on each stage in the apple’s life.

**Description from Amazon: Babbette Rabbit hires the bear detectives to find out who has been stealing from her produce stand at night, and when their stakeout fails, Poker the porcupine goes undercover.

FROM SARAH:

A new favorite journal from one of my all-time favorite people. Tsh has given us a simple way to think about the things that matter and hold space to get quiet at the beginning and end of our days. This book is a beauty.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This easy-to-use journal encourages readers to bookend each day with short, personal reflections that bring insight and intentionality to their busy and unpredictable lives.

FROM SARAH:

Inspiration and practical application come together in this helpful guide for the Christian on a healing journey. This short read will carry you beyond its pages and into the arms of the Father's love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life's Hurts, Dr. Matthew Breuninger examines the nature and causes of our wounds. Finding Freedom in Christ outlines a six-step model to help readers identify and remove the barriers to God's healing grace—making deeper conversion possible. Ultimately, the goal of this healing model is to free individuals to love and serve God and one another

FROM SARAH:

This is the first in Gail Carson's series of very popular fairy tale retellings. It's been awhile since I've read it, and I haven't read the rest in the series. My kids, however, have enjoyed this one!

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy's gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it's to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate . . .

FROM SARAH:

I know this book is out of print, but if you stumble on *any* essays by Katherine Paterson, I have this advice for you: snatch it up! This is my very favorite collection of thoughts about reading and writing books for kids. You can hear my interview with Katherine Paterson on episode 81 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

World-renowned, award-winning children's book author Katherine Paterson shares her insights into the wonder of a child's imagination in this stunning collection of more than a dozen critical essays on reading and writing for children. Originally published as two books: Gates of Excellence and The Spying Heart.

FROM SARAH:

A picture book about one of my favorite poets, illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators! This picture book is a bit sad but it's so lovely, and worth owning for your home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From Michael Bedard and two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Barbara Cooney comes a story about American poet Emily Dickinson and the young girl who befriends her.What if your neighbor were the reclusive poet Emily Dickinson?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bear is getting ready for a long winter nap when his friends come "KNOCK KNOCK" knocking! A hilarious tale from bestselling author Tammi Sauer and bestselling illustrator Guy Francis.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.

FROM SARAH:

This is one of those sequels I enjoyed even more than the original! Perfect for girls 12+, especially if they loved Kit Kittredge books when they were younger. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice.

NARRATED BY: John R. Erickson, BEST FOR AGES: 5+

FROM SARAH:

Lane Smith was one of Barbara Cooney's favorite illustrators. His beautiful illustrations and simple text in this book capture the bliss of a perfect day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Today is a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel.Cat is lounging among the daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, deep in the cool water. Chickadee is eating fresh seed from the birdfeeder. Squirrel is munching on his very own corncob. Today is a perfect day in Bert's backyard.

FROM SARAH:

This darling board book by the illustrator of Give a Mouse a Cookie is a gem. Your kids will spot some of their favorite characters from other books, as well!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a tiny bug decides to go for a walk, anything can happen! He might meet a cat, a crocodile, a pig, or even a bee to dance and play with, and that means more friends for everyone.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors.

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.

FROM SARAH:

I think all of the early readers from All About Reading are worth owning. They were some of my younger kids' favorite books to practice reading on! Well written and illustrated. Easy to use either with All About Reading or on its own.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A phonics-based reader, Heirloom Antics: a collection of short stories contains charming, beautifully illustrated stories.