FROM SARAH:

Oh, this is SUCH fun! Who can resist a mystery about a very good girl, a talking rat, and a horrible, wicked nanny? This page-turner is laugh-out-loud funny and will keep you and your kids guessing to the very end. I'm surprised they haven't turned this one into a movie yet!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet—some days. Honestly, Emmy really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all. . . .

Age rec: 7+

From Sarah:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

From the Publisher:

At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty.

Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Flowers are calling to all the animals of the forest, "Drink me!"—but it’s the pollinators who feast on their nectar. In rhyming poetic form and with luminous artwork, this book shows us the marvel of natural cooperation between plants, animals, and insects as they each play their part in the forest's cycle of life.

FROM SARAH:

If you get nostalgic over Little Golden Books, don't forget this one! ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Children will enjoy this story of a young brother and sister who plant seeds that will result, after much hard work and patience, in a bountiful garden!

FROM SARAH:

Boys just absolutely adore this classic series. Worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Billy loves horses more than anything else in the world, and what he wants most is his own pony. Full of beautiful illustrations and sweet relationships.

*Description from Amazon: Can Danny and his father outsmart the villainous Mr. Hazell?Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he's the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secre...

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare's most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: Confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely new picture book to captivate the hearts and minds of your children with the sweeping story of God’s love. Illustrated by Andrew Peterson’s son, this is one worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM PUBLISHER: 

Like many great stories, the Bible has multiple thematic threads that run from beginning to end. In this book we will follow the wonderful golden thread of God's presence: his desire and determination to be with his people.

FROM SARAH:

In this continuation of Little Women, we head to Plumfield, the school Jo March runs with her husband. This school for boys is one-of-a-kind, and may feel a lot like your homeschool on its craziest days! Delightful in every way.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

**Description from Amazon: The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system!When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #15: Viking Ships at Sunrise, they had lots of questions. Why did Vikings go on raids? Did they really...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When her Grandpa Jack dies, Hope remembers the time she went with him to pick blackberries, and she realizes that he will continue to live in her and in her memories.

FROM SARAH:

I love visiting Port William and also really love a story that is short. This collection offers both! You can read these short stories one at a time, whenever you wish to slow down and step back into the land and heart that is Wendell Berry’s writing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Their contrasts are humorous, of course, and recall the tall tales of rural Americana. In the novella Watch with Me, we are given a story of such depth, breadth, and importance it earns being listed as one of the most important short stories written in the American language during the twentieth century.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frances is determined to make Christmas jolly for her younger brother, even if it means joining family on the mainland and leaving Papa behind on their isolated lighthouse island. After all, would Santa even know how to find them in this faraway spot? But when Christmas Eve is ushered in on a wild storm and Papa risks his life to rescue a drowning man, the children realize that the most important thing about the holiday is being together.

FROM SARAH:

I just love P.J. Lynch's illustration style, and pairing him with Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol was a brilliant move. Love this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying spectres of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Build essential skills while having fun with Home Workbooks! Now updated with fun, colorful pages and engaging art, each book measures 7" x 9.25" and is filled with 64 pages of age-appropriate activities, puzzles, and games.

NARRATED BY: Jean Fritz, BEST FOR AGES: 6+

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Denzel Washington

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 23 min

FROM SARAH:

Nature books that are as lovely to look at as they are to read . . . and packed with insightful information. The whole series is worth owning!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from the award-winning duo of Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long, A Butterfly Is Patient celebrates a dazzling variety of butterflies in all their beauty and wonder. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these beautiful winged insects through watercolor illustrations that bring to life garden landscapes filled with flowers, vines, leaves, and sunshine.

FROM SARAH:

Kids love cumulative stories, and this one is particularly joyful and fun to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A sneaky snake has no idea that the captives in his belly are planning their escape! In the spirit of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback, the reader sees a cutaway of the snake’s belly and can even guess how the tale ends!

**Description from Amazon: The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, writt...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When she was young, the writer Flannery O'Connor was captivated by the chickens in her yard. She'd watch their wings flap, their beaks peck, and their eyes glint. But while she loved birds of all varieties and kept several species around the house, it was the peacocks that came to dominate her life. Written by Amy Alznauer with devotional attention to all things odd and illustrated in radiant paint by Ping Zhu, The Strange Birds of Flannery O'Connorexplores the beginnings of one author's lifelong obsession.

**Description from Amazon: Enthralling prose retellings for young readers of some of Shakespeare's most beloved works. This selection of works features The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and O...

Freedom within a country is vital to the health and well-being of its residents—so is freedom as a mother. It allows you to shake off the mental and emotional limitations that hold you back. Freedom enables you to come into your own, to rise to your best self. It helps you become a better mother, ...

FROM SARAH

I'm just going to say it: I have no idea why my kids and I love this book so much, but we do. It's a favorite every time I read it aloud, and we usually get to the end and then start it all over again. Ben Hatke's illustrations are hilarious!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone!

It's up to Goblin to save the day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is the first picture book biography of Dr. Seuss, written especially for his young fans who want to know what made him tick. The animals in the zoo that his father ran and his fondness for drawing them, the injustices he suffered as the child of German immigrants, and his inherent sense of humor all fed into the imagination of this boy.

FROM SARAH:

When I'm looking for a nonfiction book to introduce my kids to a topic, Gail Gibbons is often my first stop! This book explores all aspects of pumpkins. I bet you'll learn a thing or two yourself, while reading it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

How they grow, their traditional uses and cultural significance.

**Description from Amazon: In these remarkable pages, Marigold Hunt retells for children the events reported in The Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke's account of the dangerous early days of the Church. Focusing on the deeds and experiences of Sts. Peter, Paul, Luke, and Barnabas, author Hunt shows children that the Catholic Chu...

(My son likes to listen to this while he looks as his own copy of The Action Bible) NARRATED BY: Full Cast, BEST FOR AGES: 7+

**Description from Amazon: A beautifully illustrated story of the Nativity.  He was just an ordinary donkey, but on his back he carried a miracle. He carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem on the night she gave birth. Along the way he dreamed he was carrying a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose. He dreamed he was carrying a ...

**Description from Amazon: Who was Shakespeare, and why has his work remained so compelling to us for so many centuries? With conversational text, informative sidebars, and full-color photographs, The Young Person’s Guide to Shakespeare makes Shakespeare’s life and work accessible to young readers. Topics addressed includ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mabel the mouse wants nothing more than to be a fearless sea captain traveling the world in search of adventure. Every night she watches a man carefully construct a model ship, as his son watches by her side. Mabel and the boy know the model ship is anything but a toy, but they both long to see if it can really float. So Mabel hatches a plan to make her seafaring dreams come true.

FROM SARAH:

A delightful return to the world of Heather and Pickett for those who loved The Green Ember.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Heather and Picket must protect their precious charge in the forbidding wilderness, then return to face off against the crystal key conspirators. Intrepid detective Fiona Black looks for clues to unlock an ancient mystery’s connection to the present. Helmer, Jo, and the faithful heroes of the cause all fight on as rabbitkind’s resistance teeters on the edge of collapse.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Imagine that you are an outstanding baseball player but banned from the major leagues. Featuring lively verse, fascinating facts, and archival photographs, this is a celebration of the Negro Leagues and the great players who went unrecognized in their time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Bursting with heart and brimming with charm, this is a joyful, hilarious ode to the family we love best. And oh my MOPS--Meeting of Penderwick Siblings--does Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks at Last crescendo to one perfect Penderwick finale.

NARRATED BY: Jessica Almasy

BEST FOR AGES: 8+

LISTENING LENGTH: 1 hour, 50 min

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 THE PUBLISHER:

Warble is a small yellow warbler who lives on the beautiful island of Icyland, where he pursues his hobby of human watching. But on a warm day, a deep fog rolls in and obscures his view. The rest of the birds don't seem to notice the fog or the other changes Warble observes on the island. The more the fog is ignored, the more it spreads. When a Red-hooded Spectacled Female (Juvenile) appears, Warble discovers that he's not the only one who notices the fog. Will they be able to find others who can see it too? And is the fog here to stay?

*Description from Amazon: Following a wild and raging storm, the Swiss family Robinson are stranded at sea. But the thundering waves have swept them off to a tropical island, where a new life awaits them. Their ship is laden with supplies and the island is packed with treasures, so they soon adapt and discover new dangers an...

FROM SARAH:

A lovely tribute to poetry and the wisdom of a grandfather. This is slow-paced and sweet, and would make a fantastic introduction to haiku. I loved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Where do poems come from? This beautiful picture book about a young aspiring poet and his grandfather shows that the answer lies all around us--if we take the time to look.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

While picking out their Christmas tree, a couple of curious kids start to wonder where Christmas trees came from. Who invented the first one? How did they become so popular? And how have they changed over the years?

Celebrated children's author Tomie dePaola is here to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas trees--and everything you never even thought to wonder about. With bright illustrations and kid-friendly text, Tomie dePaola's Christmas Tree Book is full of facts, history, and legends.

**Description from Amazon: The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers!Travel through time and around the world with Jack and Annie to help them solve mazes and crossword puzzles, break secret codes, play games, draw pictures, and more! They've seen the age of the dinosaurs and the h...

FROM SARAH:

Explore the hidden world beneath the pond's surface in this gem from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. All the books in this series are fabulous!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered...over and under the pond.

A little boy and his family gather at the cemetery for the unveiling of his grandpa's gravestone, bringing stones to place on the grave, in the Jewish custom. They tell stories that help the boy deal with his loss, reminding him of the wonderful memories he has of his grandpa.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

When it comes to authenticity, is being fully yourself always worth the risk? From the author of Blue Like Jazz comes New York Times bestseller Scary Close, Donald Miller's journey of uncovering the keys to a healthy relationship and discovering that they're also at the heart of building a healthy family, a successful career, and a trusted community of friends.

FROM SARAH:

Steven Kellogg transforms this classic tall tale into a whirlwind of color, comedy, and colossal feats. From carving out the Grand Canyon to creating the Great Lakes, Paul and Babe’s escapades leap off every page. This vibrant picture book is a celebration of imagination, heroism, and the joy of stories too big to be true… and too fun to resist.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A funny retelling of the tallest of tall tales, the rollicking adventures of Paul Bunyan and his great blue ox, paired with the extravagant and lively illustrations of Steven Kellogg. Perfect for read-alouds full of laughter!

Where was the first mile of highway paved? Who was the 38th President of the United States? What is the nation's most remote National Park? What was the first bottled soda pop in this country? Find the answers to these questions and many more in M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet.

FROM SARAH:

One of my favorite audio versions of A Christmas Carol. This one is narrated by Hugh Grant, and is just a delight to listen to.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Audible Studios presents a brand new recording of Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story A Christmas Carol, performed by Hugh Grant.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kids love origami—and what could be cooler than transforming a piece of paper into Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Yoda, or R2-D2? And not just any paper, but custom-designed paper illustrated with art from the movies.

NARRATED BY: Jean Fritt, BEST FOR AGES: 6+

FROM SARAH:

Jan Brett’s masterful work gives readers a way to discuss belonging, self‑confidence, and kindness, all within a warm, fairy‑tale setting. It’s a reassuring reminder that every child—quiet, bold, quirky, or anything in between—has something beautiful to offer the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this classic picture book from best-selling author-illustrator Jan Brett, Fritz the pony becomes a hero when he rescues the children of a walled city.

**Description from Amazon: This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At first, master artist Rembrandt van Rijn rebuffs his young son Titus and his attempt at art, but gradually Rembrandt is won over by his enthusiasm and persistence, and begins to teach Titus the basic techniques of drawing.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, I do love a book by Atinuke! This book is particularly joyful and colorful. Best for the youngest among us.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.

FROM SARAH:

I *love* this picture book. I can read it over and over again without tiring. The illustrations! The story! The imagination! You won't be disappointed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One boy's quest for a greener world... one garden at a time.While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.

**Description from Amazon: "Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts.” —Kirkus ReviewsAlly has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disrup...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young mathematical genius from India searches for the secrets hidden inside numbers — and for someone who understands him — in this gorgeous picture-book biography.

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 SARAH:

Not as scary as the movie, this is a fabulous read-aloud for a wide range of ages. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a cyclone. The novel is one of the best-known stories in American popular culture and has been widely translated. Its initial success, and the success of the 1902 Broadway musical which Baum adapted from his original story, led to Baum's writing thirteen additional Oz books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tales from Shakespeare is an English children's book written by Charles Lamb with his sister Mary Lamb.

The book reduced the archaic English and complicated storyline of Shakespeare to a simple level that children (and many adults!) could easily read and comprehend.