FROM SARAH:

This is a continuation of fairy and folk tales, as good as the first one! From Sarah: A continuation of fairy tales and folk tales, and just as good as the first one!

Recommended for ages 4-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A book that even adults will enjoy reading aloud again and again, Classic Bedtime Stories will keep youngsters of all ages engaged for hours. Gustafson’s unique style makes this a volume to be cherished by children, parents, and grandparents for generations to come.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In A Different Beautiful, Courtney explores what her family has discovered in raising a child with physical differences and what she has learned about true beauty. Through her personal insights and experiences, Courtney shares how you, too, can learn to find and celebrate God’s version of beautiful in your life, especially within our differences and struggles.

FROM SARAH:

What do *you* see, when you see a cat? This is a fun read-aloud any time of year, but especially just before a stroll around the neighborhood, where you might just see . . . well, you know. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

FROM SARAH:

The story of a young immigrant girl finding her place on a class trip to the apple orchard. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Farah feels alone, even when surrounded by her classmates. She listens and nods but doesn’t speak. It’s hard being the new kid in school, especially when you’re from another country and don’t know the language. Then, on a field trip to an apple orchard, Farah discovers there are lots of things that sound the same as they did at home, from dogs crunching their food to the ripple of friendly laughter.

**Description from Amazon: A Newbery Award winner! Most dolls lead a comfortable but unadventurous life. This was true of Miss Hickory until the fateful day that her owner, Ann, moves from her New Hampshire home to attend school in Boston—leaving Miss Hickory behind. For a small doll whose body is an apple-wood twig and whos...

FROM SARAH:

Mem Fox's repetitive, rhyming text and Patricia Mullins' vibrant illustrations make this a delightful read-aloud, especially for young children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

“I can see a nose and two eyes in the bushes!” cries Hattie.

But nobody is listening.
Not goose. Not pig. Not horse. Not cow.
She tries again and again to warn her friends, but nobody seems to care!

Little ones will enjoy happy shivers of anticipation as Hattie spots a fox in the bushes and the tale builds. Hattie’s friends are in for a big surprise when they realize that what she’s been saying is true!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this useful book from the First Experience series, the affable star of Mister Rogers Neighborhood helps children share feelings of the loss of a pet while offering reassurance that grieving is a natural, healing thing to do.

In 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice.

In Reading in the Wild, reading expert Donalyn Miller continues the conversation that began in her bestselling book, The Book Whisperer. While The Book Whisperer revealed the secrets of getting students to love reading, Reading in the Wild, written with reading teacher Susan Kelley, describes how to...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Flannery O’Connor’s work has been described as “profane, blasphemous, and outrageous.” Her stories are peopled by a sordid caravan of murderers and thieves, prostitutes and bigots whose lives are punctuated by horror and sudden violence. But perhaps the most shocking thing about Flannery O’Connor’s fiction is the fact that it is shaped by a thoroughly Christian vision. If the world she depicts is dark and terrifying, it is also the place where grace makes itself known. Her world—our world—is the stage whereon the divine comedy plays out; the freakishness and violence in O’Connor’s stories, so often mistaken for a kind of misanthropy or even nihilism, turn out to be a call to mercy.

FROM SARAH:

A well-written picture book biography about Charles Herny Turner and his fascination with bugs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color? All of these questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. He was fascinated by plants and animals and bugs. And even when he faced racial prejudice, Turner did not stop wondering. He constantly read, researched, and experimented.

FRMO THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery Honor–winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming story infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anna’s father gives her the most wonderful present for her birthday—eight beautiful tulips! But tulips in Holland in the 1600s are more precious than gold or jewels, and everyone who walks by the house wants to trade her for one!

**Description from Amazon: The parables and teachings of Jesus are brought to life in John Hendrix’s award-winning illustrations.

** Description from Amazon: Ten-year-old Comfort Snowberger has attended 247 funerals. But that's not surprising, considering that her family runs the town funeral home. And even though Great-uncle Edisto keeled over with a heart attack and Great-great-aunt Florentine dropped dead--just like that--six months later, Comfort kno...

Graphic-novel darling Babymouse makes her picture-book debut in a Christmas story . . . all about cupcakes! (Typical.)   Thank goodness Babymouse ate all of the Christmas cookies her mom made for Santa. Now she can make him something he really wants—CUPCAKES! But wait . . . what’s that rumbling...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Sister Fox knows so many secrets: why the chickadee sings in the lilac bush, where the best places are to bark at the moon, and how to see an owl on a winter night. Sister Fox even knows the secret of how to catch poems and stories.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young boy awakens with the dawn, opens his eyes and looks closely at his world. He admires all that surrounds him, large and small, from the radiant sun to a tiny, but exquisite, ladybug.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. Jane, Michael, and the twins have never had such a wonderful nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement everywhere she goes.

In Mary Poppins Comes Back, the beloved nanny returns when she's pulled down from the clouds by the string of Michael's kite. In her care, the Banks children meet the King of the Castle and the Dirty Rascal, visit the upside-down world of Mr. Turvy and his bride, Miss Topsy, and spend a breathless afternoon above the park, dangling from a clutch of balloons. Surprises are sure to pop up when Mary Poppins is around!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. Ann McGovern's simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today - THANKSGIVING.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

FROM SARAH:

I really wanted to like this (and the companion to it, A Midsummer NIght's Dream) more than I did. The story itself left a lot to be desired--so many missed opportunities to use Shakespeare's real text! The illustrations, however, are quite lovely. This isn't a top recommendation from me, but we're lacking in great picture book versions of Shakespeare's tales, so if your library has it, you can check it out to see what you think.

Recommended for ages 4-8.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover the Bard’s dazzling play about magic, revenge, and forgiveness, reimagined by Shakespeare’s Globe as a gorgeously illustrated picture book for children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What happens when you expect an itty-bitty kitty . . . but get a lion instead?

FROM SARAH:

Anything by Tomie dePaola is worth reading, but this one will especially capture the attention of your smallest reader! Be sure to look for the mouse stowing away treasures throughout the pages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Charlie Needs a Cloak, readers follow a shepherd as he shears his sheep, cards and spins the wool, weaves and dyes the cloth, and sews a beautiful new red cloak. Follow along with Tomie dePaola's incomparable illustrations.

FROM SARAH:

A whimsical and summery tale. Read it before you head out for the beach!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Filled with fun rhymes and make-believe stories, this wonderfully illustrated children's tale offers an imaginative view of a beach that includes swimming, surfing, and splashing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

**Description from Amazon: A little boy brings his older brother, born with one hand, for show-and-tell. The students ask him all sorts of questions about how he does things with one hand and realize that he can do anything they can do, he just does it differently. Along the way, they notice that we're all different in one...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

I adore this whole series from Kenard Pak, but this one in particular might be my favorite! I love comparing the use of colors from the beginning of the book to the end (or even the different sides of the cover). Love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows--autumn is on its way! Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Arthur takes readers on an adventure of faith with this devotional that relates themes from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit to living the Christian life. Readers will be reminded that God chooses us to be unlikely heroes in the adventure of life.

**Description from Amazon: Jack and Annie’s biggest, most exciting book of facts is their greatest adventure outside the tree house!   Jack and Annie have been all over the world in their adventures in the magic tree house. And they’ve learned lots of incredible facts along the way. Now they want to share them with you! ...

FROM SARAH:

Clever and fun, with Pat Hutchins's unique illustration style.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Fox is after Rosie, but Rosie doesn't know it. Unwittingly, she leads him into one disaster after the other, each funnier than the last. To enjoy Rosie's walk as much as Rosie does, just look inside!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them...But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the author of the million-copy-selling Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. It all starts with a simple principle: Not everything has to be so hard.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: When the highly imaginative Lady Sophia Garfield discovers some very real German spies in her home, no one believes her, so she sets out alone to gain proof and, in the process, save Britain

FROM SARAH:

This is the first in the Austin Family Chronicles, written by the beloved Madeleine L'Engle. I recommend it in Read-Aloud Family for teens!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For a family with four kids, two dogs, assorted cats, and a constant stream of family and friends dropping by, life in the Austin family home has always been remarkably steady and contented. When a family friend suddenly dies in a plane crash, the Austins open their home to an orphaned girl, Maggy Hamilton. And that's when it all changes.

FROM SARAH:

Tim Egan's charming tales of Dodsworth around the world are worth adding to your collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dodsworth and his duck have just arrived in London via hot air balloon. There is so much to see!

FROM SARAH:

The third in the Wilderking trilogy by Jonathan Rogers. This series is one of my most highly recommended read-alouds. Start with The Bark of the Bog Owl.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Aidan Errolson, recently returned home to Corenwald, learns of a new party of Aidanites who believe he is the destined king to overthrow the tyrant King Darrow.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Henry, a spunky Siamese cat, always follows his family wherever they go -- and Christmastime is no exception! When The Kid takes part in the town's Christmas pageant, Henry is determined to be in it, too. After all, the manger sure makes a comfortable bed. And who says cats can't sing Christmas carols?

Of course, wherever Henry goes, adventure follows. And soon he finds he must play a shepherd offstage in order to save the pageant. But if this cat can't do it, no one can! Mary Calhoun's sparkling, amusing tale and Erick Ingraham's luminous illustrations will enchant Henry's fans at Christmastime and the whole year through.

NARRATED BY: Eleanor Erika Davis

BEST FOR AGES: 8+

LISTENING LENGTH: 45 min

FROM SARAH:

A classic graphic novel created in 1929, The Adventures of Tintin introduces readers to a courageous young journalist and his trusty side-kick as they go on wild and wonderful adventures. It's perfect for ages 8 and up and especially wonderful for reluctant or struggling readers who appreciate lots of illustrations supporting the text.

FROM PUBLISHER:

Join traveling reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, along with well-known friends such as Captain Haddock, as they embark on extraordinary adventures spanning historical and political events, fantasy and science-fiction adventures and thrilling mysteries. These full-color graphic novels broke new ground when they were first released and became the inspiration for countless modern-day comic artists.

** Description from Amazon: National Book Award WinnerThe red words painted on the trailer caused quite a buzz around town and before an hour was up, half of Antler was standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world.Toby Wilson is having the toughest summer of his life. It's the summer h...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Return to the wonderful world of Newbery Honor Book Turtle in Paradise through the eyes of Turtle’s cousin Beans!

FROM SARAH:

TK

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Auggie loves his job at the Fabled Stables, but he fears the day when it will come to an end. Fen keeps dropping hints that caretakers don’t stay forever, and it’s giving Auggie the grumps. Thankfully, there always seems to be a new stall to fill. This time, the stables set Auggie on a quest to rescue a beast called the Shibboleth—but the portal leads Auggie and Fen to the lair of the evil Rooks!

**Description from Amazon: Describes the life of Jesus Christ and the establishment of his Kingdom as the Catholic Church.

NARRATED BY: Jean Fritz, BEST FOR AGES: 7+

FROM SARAH:

The winter begins to melt and the spring slowly warms up the earth in this delightful picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rap, bap, tap. Late one winter night, a child awakes to peculiar noises in the backyard- a bear! They journey together through the snowy forest as other animals eagerly join in, creating a parade to welcome the spring.This is a perfect seasonal read aloud to bridge Winter and Spring.

FROM SARAH:

You know I can't get enough of Tomie dePaola, and this newly digitzed version of his book, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, pops right off the page. This book is featured in RAR's Christmas School for 2023.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Strega Nona returns with her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, and Bambolona, the baker’s daughter, in time for the big Christmas Eve feast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
With fantastic characters and enchanting language, Lewis Carroll created magical wonderlands children have always loved to visit. These 26 selections from his classic works have never lost their fascination.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tomie dePaola’s classic illustrations accompany his heartwarming story about his relationship with his grandfather as a small boy.

**Description from Amazon: When a woman reports her 81 year old mother has not returned from her walk, Officer Jack's and Officer Kate's day turns into a walk in the woods.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rich in suspense and surprises, The Swiss Family Robinson entices young readers to come along on a wonderful adventure, where each moment brings a new thrill. Featuring amazingly resourceful characters and a landscape bursting with exotic wildlife and plants, it’s an irresistible tale of ingenuity.

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.

**Description from Amazon: “A cheeky meditation on the everyday miraculousness of skin. . . . It’s freewheeling fun.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Is there anything more splendid than a baby’s skin? Cocoa-brown, cinnamon, peaches and cream. As children grow, their clever skin does, too, enjoying hugs and ti...

FROM SARAH:

Elisa Kleven’s soft illustrations complement this tender story of a girl who creates an apple doll to ease her anxieties about starting school.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lizzy loves the big apple tree in her yard more than anything. So when the first day of school comes, she picks a beautiful apple, turns it into a makeshift doll she names Susanna, and takes it along to keep her company. But her teacher tells her that dolls aren't allowed at school.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

**Description from Amazon: Retells twelve favorite Greek myths

** Description from Amazon: Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt with an introduction and Notes by John M. Marincola.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best wor...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Tiger Rose's kitten days are long gone and she's grown too tired to stay, so she says her goodbyes to all the creatures and the joys of her natural world—from the scolding blue jay, to the dog and children she shares her home with, to a chipmunk, startled by her gentleness, to her favorite shady patch under a piney bush. In a final vision, Tiger Rose takes one last leap into the blue sky and becomes one with all—the earth, the air, the sun. . . . This is perhaps the most reassuring book on death available for children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Wondrous things are happening in this humble little stable. The animals are gathering round. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.