Books

**Description from Amazon: Long revered in both East and West, St. Lucia is an early virgin martyr whose life and legacy shine as a light of faith, hope, and compassion in the darkness of winter and sin. Lucia, Saint of Light introduces young readers to both her life and her delightful Christmas-related festival as it is trad...

**Description from Amazon: Babushka lives on her own in a cottage where everything is as neat as a pin. But she is so busy cleaning and polishing that she hardly notices the miraculous events going on around her. Then a mysterious dream leads her to put her daily worries aside and venture out to find a special baby. On her jo...

FROM SARAH:

Brian Wildsmith’s vibrant and colorful illustrations make this retelling of the Nativity story a visual feast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Rebecca, a young girl living in Nazareth, accompanies a small donkey searching for his mother to a stable in Bethlehem where they both witness a special event.

**Description from Amazon: In a unique Appalachian Christmas story that includes music and lyrics, a thirteen-year-old girl recounts the efforts of her, her siblings, and her wise grandmother to bring the joy of Christmas to her father after her mother's death. Tour. IP.

The New York Times bestselling author revisits the characters from her beloved novels Love Walked In and Belong to Me in this captivating, beautifully written drama involving family, friendship, secrets, sacrifice, courage, and true love for fans of Jojo Moyes, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer.On ...

FROM SARAH:

The heartwarming and humorous story about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. (nope, the dog doesn't die 😉)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his certification test, though, it seems like that dream will never come true--until a family adopts him. They want him to be a companion for their ten-year-old son, Gus, who has autism.

FROM SARAH:

The Anno books all have this in common: they just beg to be pored over again and again. Add any Anno books you can get your hands on to yoru permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A pictorial journey through the traditional countryside, farms, and towns of northern Europe takes readers past familiar storybook characters, visual jokes and puzzles, tricks of perspective, and other surprises.

FROM SARAH:

Arguably the best wordless book on this list—read the whole trilogy of wordless picture books by Aaron Becker!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship.

FROM SARAH:

A perfect wordless book to read before your next camping trip.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Inside a tent it's cozy. But what is going on outside? Is it dark? Is it scary? Not if you have your trusty flashlight! Told solely through images and using a spare yet dramatic palette, artist Lizi Boyd has crafted a masterful exploration of night, nature, and art.

FROM SARAH:

A winter classic. You may even forget this one is wordless, it's so rich in storytelling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On a snowy winter night, a young boy builds a snowman in hopes that it will come to life. When his wish comes true, the boy and his snowman share silly and tender moments--dressing up, sneaking around the house, skateboarding, and much more.

FROM SARAH:

A wordless book and a kind of seek-and-find, all in one. And with Henry Cole's pitch-perfect storytelling, to boot!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Simple and stunning images tell the story of a cat named Spot as he weaves his way in and out of a city in this wordless picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Henry Cole.Through this gorgeous visual narrative, Henry Cole shows us a day in the life of a cat named Spot.

FROM SARAH:

A wordless book that's ideal for a Civil War study. Inspiring. Heartfelt.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young girl's courage is tested in this haunting, wordless story.When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice.

FROM SARAH:

Who doesn't love Carl? Don't we all wish we had a dog like this!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Available in paperback for the first time, the modern classic that introduced the beloved baby-sitting rottweiler to the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Equipped with a backpack full of supplies, Polo sets off on a little boat--and on a series of delightful adventures that take him across (and under) the ocean, to an island and a frozen iceberg, to space and home again, with a world of magical encounters along the way.

FROM SARAH:

What's not to love about Flora? It's rare for a wordless book to be honored by a Caldecott Honor, and this one deserved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A 2014 Caldecott Honor BookIn this innovative wordless picture book with interactive flaps, Flora and her graceful flamingo friend explore the trials and joys of friendship through an elaborate synchronized dance. With a twist, a turn, and even a flop, these unlikely friends learn at last how to dance.

FROM SARAH:

Another wonderful wordless book by Barbara Lehman.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This book is about a book. A magical red book without any words. When you turn the pages you’ll experience a new kind of adventure through the power of story.Winning a Caldecott Honor for its illustrations of rare detail and surprise, The Red Book crosses oceans and continents to deliver one girl into a new world of possibility, where a friend she’s never met is waiting.

FROM SARAH:

One of these days, I'll have to interview Barbara Lehman to find out where she gets these story ideas! I bet your library has this one. Definitely worth reading!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A ride on the train is exciting. There’s always something new to see, even if you’ve been there before. But some train rides are better than others . . .What if a train took you somewhere else entirely? What if the doors opened in a strange, new place?

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A boy’s small paper boat—and his large imagination—fill the pages of this wordless picture book, a modern-day classic from the creator of Pardon Me! that includes endpaper instructions for building a boat of your own.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Evoking picture book classics like Aaron Becker's Journey and Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express, here is an emotionally rich bedtime picture book about a lonely child's nighttime adventure that is also a showcase for the extraordinary illustrations of Daniel Miyares.

FROM SARAH:

If you haven't had the pleasure of reading a wordless book by Daniel Miyares yet, start here! Sweet, delightful, and great for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Acclaimed author/illustrator Daniel Miyares returns to the sweet, nostalgic tone of his beloved illustrated book, Float, in this gorgeous, spare picture book about making a new friend.There’s a new boy in the neighborhood, and he’s up to something very curious.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, this book is especially delightful for dog-lovers. My own kids loved it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal, this New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it.

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:

See if your library has this delightful book, as well as others by the same author.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a young boy discovers an abandoned book on the side of the road, it opens a window to another world just as real as his own. But what happens when the two worlds collide?

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.