Books

FROM SARAH:

There are a few author/illustrators who nail their wordless books every time. Bill Thomson is one of them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a boy and his dog go for a hike, the boy trips on a fossil, and it comes to life, revealing an ancient plant. The boy is so intrigued that he breaks two more fossils that come to life—a dragonfly and a pteranodon.

FROM SARAH:

Bill Thomson's wordless books have been a big hit in my home, especially with my boys!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Using just nine words, the award-winning creator of Chalk takes readers on another unforgettable journey. When three children discover a typewriter on a carousel, they are transported on an adventure of their own creation—complete with a giant beach ball and a threatening crab.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

This one might be my favorite of all of Barbara Lehman's. Wordless storytelling at its best!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company. But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting.

FROM SARAH:

There are a few author/illustrators who nail their wordless books every time. Barbara Lehman is one of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Museums: filled with mysterious, magical art, and curiosities? Or secrets? And what might happen if a boy suddenly became part of one of the mind-bending exhibits? Join the fun in Museum Trip, by Barbara Lehman, the author-illustrator of the Caldecott Honor-winning The Red Book.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely treasury (with beautiful illustrations by the inimitable Jane Dyer) with folk tales from all around the world. This would make a great morning basket read-aloud. Great for a wide age range.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From beloved author Jane Yolen and acclaimed illustrator Jane Dyer a collection of thirty stories from around the world, perfect for sharing and for bedtime.

This collection of well-known and not-so-well known stories, fairy tales, folk tales, and fables from Russia to Africa to Korea and beyond includes magic tales, homey tales, and animal tales.

FROM SARAH:

A story about a lively fox that remains a picture book classic. Why are so many of the best picture books about foxes, I wonder? 💭

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book of 1971. "One fine day a fox traveled through the great forest. When he reached the other side he was very thirsty."

FROM SARAH:

I just think Eric A. Kimmel is one of the best at writing spins on fairy tales and fables. This is a particularly fun one, especially if you're learning about Westward Expansion.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From award-winning author Eric A. Kimmel with gorgeous, brightly patterned illustrations from artist Mara Penny, Hank and Gertie brings a modern twist to the classic Hansel and Gretel folktale combined with the high-adventure landscape of the Oregon Trail.

FROM SARAH:

A tender, quiet book about the many shapes of love, illustrated in Claire Keane's lovely style. Perfect for bedtime or to read aloud just before a nap.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Perfect for any fond gift or tender moment, this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt hearts old and young.

FROM SARAH:

Snag this one from your library for Valentine's Day, if you enjoy reading books in rhyme!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Little Duck and all of her friends on the farm celebrate Valentine’s Day by inviting a newcomer to join in the fun in this charming addition to the award-winning Click, Clack series from the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott winning team.

FROM SARAH:

I'm a fan of Will Hillenbrand's charming illustrations. A great introduction to what makes a "mystery" and a lovely read-aloud for Valentine's Day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Could the bear have a secret friend? Who is leaving him surprises? The ever-lovable Daniel Pinkwater spins a funny and sweetly offbeat story.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this sweet book, perfect for littles who love their mama. The expressive illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Amazon Best Book of the Year is the perfect holiday, Valentine's Day—or any day—board book for little hands and flippers!.

FROM SARAH:

Gail Gibbons is often my go-to for nonfiction topics. She has a skill for explaining complicated ideas in spare text and lovely illustrations. Hear Gail on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every February 2, people all across America wonder about the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. Will he see his shadow on that day or won't he? Will spring come early or late?

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, I love this series by Jory John and Benji Davies! All of the these books are charming and laugh-out-loud funny. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bear can't wait to spend a pleasant day by himself. But his persistent next-door neighbor, Duck, wants to take a morning stroll . . . with Bear. He just wants Bear to like him already.

FROM SARAH:

For fans of Mr. Whiskers and the whole Cramberryport crew. Also read Cranberry Thanksgiving!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Suffering codfish! Somebody's after me," Mr. Whiskers groans. And somebody is. It all starts on a gray February day in Cranberryport, when Mr. Whiskers admits to Maggie and Grandmother that he has never, ever, received a valentine.

FROM SARAH:

If this one isn't already on your own toddler's bookshelf, do yourself a favor and add it. It never gets tiring and every single one of my kids adored it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.

The day is done.
They say good night,
and somebody
turns off the light.

**Description from Amazon: Already available in board book format, this very first Spot book now has a brand-new cover in a fresh, vibrant color that makes it jump off the shelf.

FROM SARAH:

This book is popular for a reason! The rhyming text and funny animals are tops, and Little Blue is a great friendship model. Another fave that everyone should have.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pickup--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.

FROM SARAH:

For the reader who wants to see the spiritual implications tucked into Narnia that may not be immediately known. Dig in a little deeper with the help of RAR favorite, Jonathan Rogers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The World According to Narnia is a journey further up and further into the imaginative world of C.S. Lewis. Along the way, Jonathan Rogers makes the case that this world-the one where we actually live-is a place no less wondrous than Narnia itself.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford professor and the beloved writer of The Chronicles of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Perfect for gift-giving, a gorgeous box set that includes all eight paperback volumes of the C. S. Lewis Signature Classics. Boxed together for the first time, here are the signature spiritual works of one of the most celebrated literary figures of our time.

Douglas Gresham claims that Jack Lewis was the finest man and the best Christian he has ever known. Of course, Jack to Douglas is C. S. Lewis to the rest of the world. The informal address Gresham uses to refer to the great writer is indicative of the intimacy he shared with Lewis for a dozen years,...

FROM SARAH:

The entire Narnia series is beloved for good reason, of course, but Prince Caspian seems to be a favorite among many kids. C.S. Lewis's Narnia series is (easily) one of the best middle grade series ever written.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Pevensie siblings travel back to Narnia to help a prince denied his rightful throne as he gathers an army in a desperate attempt to rid his land of a false king. But in the end, it is a battle of honor between two men alone that will decide the fate of an entire world.

A beautiful hardcover edition of The Silver Chair, book six in the classic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The full color jacket features art by three time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, David Wiesner, and black-and-white interior art by the series' original illustrator, Pauline Bayn...

A beautiful hardcover edition of The Horse and His Boy, book three in the classic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The full color jacket features art by three time Caldecott-winning artist David Wiesner and interior black-and-white illustrations by the series' original illustrator, Pauline ...

A beautiful hardcover edition of The Last Battle, book seven in the classic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The full-color jacket features art by three time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator, David Wiesner, and black-and-white interior art by the series' original illustrator, Pauline Bay...

Narnia...where the owls speak, where evil weaves a spell, where sorcery enslaves the land.
Narnia is in peril, and only Eustace and Jill can help. Along with Puddlegum, a gloomy but valiant Marsh-wiggle, they are sent by the mighty lion Aslan to find Prince Rilian, heir to the throne. Their quest l...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend.Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George.

FROM SARAH

I once asked Newbery-Award winning author Kate DiCamillo which famous book character she would have dinner with, if she could, and do you know what she said? Yep. Ribsy. I bet you'll understand why when you read this tale of America's favorite dog!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, center stage in this dog's eye view of the adventure of a lifetime. This classic story about a dog and his boy is as fresh and funny as ever!

Far off the coast of California looms a harsh rock known as the island of San Nicholas. Dolphins flash in the blue waters around it, sea otter play in the vast kep beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches. Here, in the early 1800s, according to history, an Indian girl spent eighteen years a...

Also available on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winner of the Newbery Medal, this remarkably moving novel has impressed the hearts and minds of millions of readers. Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice.

2011 Reprint of 1938 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Ueland published two books during her life. The first was "If You Want to Write," first published in 1938. In this book, she shares her philosophies on writing and life in general....

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every porcine wonder was once a piglet! Celebrate the joy of a new arrival with this endearing picture-book prequel to the New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson series.

Revisiting once again the world of Raymie Nightingale, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo turns her focus to the tough-talking, inescapably tenderhearted Beverly.   Beverly put her foot down on the gas. They went faster still. This was what Beverly wanted — what she always wanted. To get ...

Conceived by Kate DiCamillo and featuring enchanting illustrations by Jaime Kim, this nearly wordless graphic story follows a little girl in search of a friend.“La la la . . . la.” A little girl stands alone and sings, but hears no response. Gathering her courage and her curiosity, she skips far...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A delightfully warm, encouraging story of a young girl and the special library dog who helps instill patience, acceptance, and confidence as she learns to read.

FROM SARAH:

Among my very favorite picture books to read aloud. Wordy Birdy is entirely delightful and loveable, even if (and especially because) she has a tendency to talk too much.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Wordy Birdy, a very chatty bird who talks WAY more than she listens! A hilarious new story from Tammi Sauer, beloved author of Nugget & Fang, Chicken Dance, and My Alien. Wordy Birdy LOVES to talk. “Hello, sunrise. Hello, pink sky. Hello, orange sky!” But does she love to listen? NOPE.

FROM SARAH:

Wordy Birdy returns in this sequel—equally as funny as the first! A perfect read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Wordy Birdy and her pals are back, in a hilarious new story with a truly ridiculous villain—from beloved author Tammi Sauer.Wordy Birdy and her pals are heading on a camping trip, and our favorite chatty bird is all ready for a big night under the stars.

FROM SARAH:

A funny, delightful book that perfectly shows dramatic irony. I loved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A foolish knight is certain that his side of the wall is the safe side in this clever, amusingly meta picture book by the acclaimed creator of It's Only StanleyThere's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero--a young knight--is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers on the other side..

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this bright picture book, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons tells you everything you need to know about this holiday. You'll learn the story of Patrick's life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday.

From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to a fun holiday.  A perfect introduction to the customs surrounding the holiday-- parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green.

FROM SARAH:

A simple, delightful, look at the country we all love to read aloud about in March!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On the heels of the runaway bestsellers This is New York and This is Paris, Universe is pleased to reissue another title from M. Sasek's beloved and nostalgic children's travel series.

FROM SARAH:

The story of St. Patrick for the youngest set.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the author of Strega Nona comes the story of the shepherd who heard the voice of God and converted the Irish people, now in a special format just right for the youngest readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A picture book biography about Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, a name he earned from toting around a trombone twice as long as he was high. A testament to the power of music and the ability to follow your dreams. A delight for all ages!

FROM SARAH:

An “impossible” math problem is no problem for Sophie! This beautifully told biography, paired with Barbara McClintock’s intricate illustrations, is a tribute to the power of perseverance and the truth inside each one of us that we can do hard things.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The true story of eighteenth-century mathematician Sophie Germain, who solved the unsolvable to achieve her dream.When her parents took away her candles to keep their young daughter from studying math...nothing stopped Sophie.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Before Jacques Cousteau became an internationally known oceanographer and champion of the seas, he was a curious little boy. In this lovely biography, poetic text and gorgeous paintings combine to create a portrait of Jacques Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Robert Frost was a child, his family thought he would grow up to be a baseball player. Instead, he became a poet. His life on a farm in New Hampshire inspired him to write "poetry that talked," and today he is famous for his vivid descriptions of the rural life he loved so much.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

William "Doc" Key had a special way with animals. Growing up an enslaved child in Tennessee, Doc was sent to plantations around the state to care for sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Her mother was bedridden and her father was rarely home. Mary did not go to school. She served as housekeeper, handyman, nursemaid, and servant, for years. In 1893 Mary traveled to West Africa and proceeded to embark on an astonishing journey of discovery.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

An inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille—a blind boy so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet.

FROM SARAH: 

The compelling picture book biography of Louis Braille. My own 7 year-old asked me to read this one again and again. Discover the story of a boy who loses his sight and finds a gift for the world.

FROM SARAH

A marvelous picture book biography about shy Peter Mark Roget, who loved words and loved order ... and changed the world with his own combination of the two! Excellent – especially for older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Charlotte, James, and baby John have promised to be on their very best behavior for when George Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, Gilbert Stuart. But, it seems like every time George Washington comes to visit, Charlotte has to write another apology letter, even when they try to follow George Washington’s Rules of Good Behavior.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the 1940 Caldecott Medal award this edition reintroduces readers young and old to America's most beloved President through exquisite illustrations made from the original lithographic proofs the authors created in 1939.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A life of the Genoese weaver's son who sought to prove the world is round, telling how he studied map-making in Portugal, waited long years for financial and material support from Isabella of Spain, and finally made four voyages to the New World.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this charming and lavishly illustrated edition, Leif is a sturdy, adventurous Viking boy who crosses uncharted seas to arrive at “a beautiful land with forests of strange trees growing all the way down to the shores.” Leif wrestles with polar bear cubs, watches the fierce Norse gods race in the glow of the Northern Lights, and becomes a strong and courageous hunter.

FROM SARAH:

What do you know about Fibonacci's life? If you're anything like me, your answer is, "very little." This book will fix that, while also allowing for a rather lovely read-aloud at the same time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a young boy in medieval Italy, Leonardo Fibonacci thought about numbers day and night. He was such a daydreamer that people called him a blockhead.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Florence Nightingale revolutionized the world of medicine by emphasizing cleanliness, food that was hot and nutritious, and organization in hospitals. What began as an attempt to make army hospitals safer and more effective became a lifelong mission, and remains relevant today.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ellen Prentiss's papa said she was born with saltwater in her veins, so he gave her sailing lessons and taught her how to navigate. As soon as she met a man who loved sailing like she did, she married him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Give me your tired,  your poorYour huddled masses yearning to breathe free...Who wrote these words?  And why? In 1883, Emma Lazarus, deeply moved by an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe, wrote a sonnet that was to give voice to the Statue of Liberty.