FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From the author of Caroline, a revealing retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved Little Women, from the perspective of Margaret “Marmee” March, about the larger real-world challenges behind the cozy domestic concerns cherished by generations of readers.

FROM SARAH:

A tribute to all of the kids who love to ask, "why?", this fascinating picture book biography brings to life the story of a man who never stopped asking questions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This colorfully illustrated biography of the Greek philosopher and scientist Eratosthenes, who compiled the first geography book and accurately measured the globe's circumference, is just right for budding mathematicians, scientists, historians, and librarians!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Christmas is Treva's favorite time of the year. But this year, decorations and presents are mysteriously disappearing. When Treva follows a small creature making off with the Christmas pudding, she discovers two irresistible trolls who want to have Christmas, but don't understand it.

**Description from Amazon: Is your child getting lost in the system, becoming bored, losing his or her natural eagerness to learn? If so, it may be time to take charge of your child’s education―by doing it yourself.The Well-Trained Mind will instruct you, step by step, on how to give your child an academically rigorous, c...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anastasia's tenth year has some good things, like falling in love and really getting to know her grandmother, and some bad things, like finding out about an impending baby brother.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Danny Glover

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 25 min

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 love this book so much, I selected it for its own Family Book Club at RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan’s poignant text and award-winning artist Kenard Pak’s gentle and rustic illustrations paint the picture of a beautiful red barn and the people who call it home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.

FROM SARAH:

Martin Waddell's story of a hardworking duck and the lazy farmer is a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork. All the makings of a fable are in here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Farmer Duck isn't your average duck. This duck cooks and cleans, tends the fields, and cares for the other animals on the farm—all because the owner of the farm is too lazy to do these things himself. But when Farmer Duck finally collapses from exhaustion, the farmyard animals come to the rescue with a simple but heroic plan.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The cheerful, busy family that prepared the delectable meal in "Feast for 10" now gets ready for Christmas. A simple counting format frames all the festivities, from one star at the top of the Christmas tree to ten hands stringing popcorn, then counting once again from one wreath to ten folks wishing peace for all. There's a special job for everyone: Grandmother reads a story, Mom bakes and her children taste, Dad and Sister wrap baskets for the needy, and everyone, even the littlest, joins together to sing carols. Inviting, cleverly patterned cut-paper illustrations complement simple rhymes as this special family make the preparations part of their Christmas celebration.

FROM SARAH:

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

Recommended for 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites.

When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy that can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Wendell O. Scott made history as the only black driver to win a race in a NASCAR Grand National (now Spring Cup) division. Eric Velasquez’s illustrations and Carole Boston Weatherford’s rhythmic text illuminate the story of a man who worked full-time while racing on the side. A man who married, raised six children, and educated all of them.

**Description from Amazon: Publishing in time for the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, here is a beautiful read-aloud about animal families preparing for an impending storm in their bayou habitat.   Journey to the Louisiana wetlands and watch as all the animals of the bayou experience one of nature’s most dramatic ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Susan Jeffers, the Caldecott Honor and New York Times bestselling artist of The Nutcracker and The Twelve Days of Christmas, takes readers on an enchanted journey set to lyrics from the beloved holiday song.

FROM SARAH:

Another well-done audio version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

"Every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding," says Ebenezer Scrooge. Mean old Scrooge despises Christmas until Christmas Eve, when a haunted voice from the past changes his life: overnight! Many know this story but few have experienced the true marvel of the tale.

**Description from Amazon: A hilarious picture book from New York Times bestselling author of The Penderwicks Jeanne Birdsall and New York Times bestselling illustrator Harry Bliss about one child's outrageous school essay on his "pet" sheep.   Things to know about sheep: Sheep live outside. Sheep have wool. Sheep will not l...

NARRATED BY: Natalie Ross, BEST FOR AGES: 10+ (heads up: young earth creationists may want to skip this one)

**Description from Amazon: When Piper the dog's grim new master treats him badly, he is terrified and runs away to the big city where his courage and desire to please makes him a hero and finds him a new, loving home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The greedy Leprechaun King has locked away all the luck in Ireland and the whole country has fallen in to despair. Through clever charades, Fiona outwits the Leprechaun King and restores luck to the land. Luminous illustrations add to the magic and wonder of this original folktale.

FROM SARAH:

Read this book alongside Room for Everyone! (Heads-up, RAR Premium Members... there's a Family Book Club Guide for that one.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

FROM SARAH:

There isn't a Cynthia Rylant book in existence that we don't love around here. :) This one is perfect for late spring rainy days.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When rain is on its way, some people and animals hurry home and get cozy inside. But others stay out to soak up the glorious showers! Wet drops bounce on leaves and roofs, creeks fill up, trees take a shower, cats have a show, and everyone relishes the rain.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely read-aloud for a unit or book basket based on flowers or springtime.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Follow the progress of a little girl and her father as they purchase “a garden,” and board the bus to carry it home. The pansies, tulips, daffodils, geraniums, and daisies are lovingly planted in a window box, and the candles on the cake are lighted—just as Mom walks in the door ...

**Description from Amazon: Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer hits a home run with her newest protagonist, who always sees the positive side of any situation.     Jeremiah is not one to let anything keep him down. Starting with his adoption by computer genius Walt, Jeremiah has looked on his life as a series of lucky breaks...

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.

FROM SARAH:

Lauded by many as some of the best American books of all time for children, the Little House series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's real life. I prefer to listen to these on audio (narrated by Cherry Jones) rather than reading them aloud. Highly, highly recommended for all ages. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first in Laura’s story about her family of American pioneers. Join the Ingalls family as they celebrate Christmas and the harvest and their first trip to town.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is young William, His mind all ablaze, Who stays up all night Writing poems and plays. And this is a book, unforgettable and wise, that applauds inspiration, creation, story, and the world and works of William Shakespeare

FROM SARAH:

A sure way to make you long for the sea! The lovely watercolors in this story make me want to look a little longer than necessary—a trait I look for in picture books. Perfect for summer (or when you’re dreaming of summer).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The little blue cottage waits each year for summer to arrive―and with it, the girl. Through sunny days and stormy weather, the cottage and the girl keep each other company and wile away the long days and nights together. Until one year, and then another, the cottage is left waiting and empty season after season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This lavish, four-color edition features over 220 curated illustrations, including stills from the films, stunning art by Norman Rockwell, and iconic illustrations by children’s-book illustrators Alice Barber Stevens, Frank T. Merrill, and Jessie Wilcox Smith.

FROM SARAH:

The rollicking picture book biography about a pioneer in children's books: John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. Nancy Carpenter's (hilarious) illustrations make reading this book pure delight.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The rollicking picture book biography about a pioneer in children's books: John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. Nancy Carpenter's (hilarious) illustrations make reading this book pure delight.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Desmond and Clayton must work together to win the Biggest Pumpkin competition, in this popular bestselling picture book.Once there were two mice who fell in love with the same pumpkin....Desmond the field mouse wants to carve the biggest jack-o'-lantern in the neighborhood with his pumpkin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom passed down from Anne’s father—also a writer—in the iconic passage that gives the book its title.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gingerbread Baby and his friend, Matti, take his gingerbread band to the Christmas Festival where they are a hit! That is until the aroma of gingerbread reaches the children, making them hungry.

That means it is time to run away. Clever Matti uses snow to disguise the gingerbread instruments while Gingerbread Baby leads the audience on a merry chase to the smartest hiding place ever--a giant Christmas tree.

FROM SARAH:

A classic that girls love every bit as they ever did! I like to recommend books in this series to kids who love The Penderwicks series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Pauline, Petrova, and Posy love their quiet life together. They are orphans who have been raised as sisters, and when their new family needs money, the girls want to help. They decide to join the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to earn their keep.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A vividly illustrated version of a traditional English carol offers a celebration of nature and the cycle of seasons, depicting the renewal of the Earth and the world as a component of the Nativity.

**Description from Amazon: A beloved nursery rhyme classic to put your child on the road to reading!Rosemary Wells, one of America's foremost creators of children's books, will have the very youngest child turning pages and remembering the words. What better way instill a lifetime love of reading and learning?

**Description from Amazon: (star) "A compelling and inspirational portrait of the author emerges from these vivid snapshots of life's joyful, sad and surprising moments."--Publishers Weekly, starred review   In this moving autobiography, Lois Lowry explores her rich history through personal photographs, memories, and recall...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated. But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Anjelica Huston

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 26 min

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:

You'll be eager for a snow day after reading this book, just so you can hear the many different sounds of snow. I loved everything about this book, and it's illustrated by one of my very favorite illustrators—Kenard Pak. Highly recommended for your winter reading basket. This is an RAR Premium Family Book Club pick for winter 2024.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A snowy day, a trip to Grandma's, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s Christmas at the cottage by the lake and the bears are busy preparing to celebrate. The human owners of the cottage, however, are in the city feeling glum. Until the idea comes to them to spend the holidays at their cottage.

What follows is a set of misadventures as the family arrives without presents—they were left on the train—and without the usual holiday accouterments—the Christmas trees and turkeys are all sold out. But they are in for a treat as the cottage has been decorated by their unseen friends. So the bears unwittingly save Christmas for their human hosts, yet are still able to enjoy their own fine celebration. And, as with the other books, the bears do so all while cleverly avoiding confrontation with their human friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For nine-year-old Flora Smallwood, Rosetown, Indiana, is full of surprises, many of the best of which happen at the Wing and a Chair Used Book Shop, where she loves to read vintage children’s books after school in the faded purple chair by the window.

But lately, those surprises haven’t been so good. Her dear old dog, Laurence, recently passed away. Not long after, her parents decided to take a breather from their marriage, and now Flora has to move back and forth between their two houses. Plus, she’s just begun fourth grade, and it is so much different than third.

Luckily Flora has two wonderful friends—one old and one new. And with them around to share thoughts and laughs and adventures big and small, life in Rosetown still has many sweet moments—and even some very happy surprises!

FROM SARAH:

Perfect read-aloud rhythm. Just try not to have fun reading this one aloud. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a hungry fox sets out to make dinner out of the rabbits in the field, the rabbits scurry to their burrows, yet one remains above ground and must move quickly to escape before it's too late.

FROM SARAH:

Best for all ages. A classic! One to buy for your own shelves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ivy, Holly, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she's sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney's luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Tammi Sauer and Dan Santat have whipped up a giddy, goofy romp where cows fly over the moon, ducks surf in a water trough, and one very familiar-looking rooster gets all shook up!

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for kids who love adventures that include treacherous villains, encounters with the elements, and riddles to decipher. You'll learn a fair share about history, while you're at it! Best for 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I'm a fan of everything written by Caroline Starr Rose, but this one is my favorite yet! Follow Jasper and his brother on their search for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. It's a page-turning mystery your kids don't want to miss! Best for 10+, though younger kids can certainly listen in.

**Description from Amazon: Lucky and Squash are next-door neighbors and best friends. But there's a locked gate between them, so they can never play together. If only their owners fell in love and got married, Lucky and Squash would be brothers. . . . Unfortunately, Miss Violet and Mr. Bernard have never even said hello to ea...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Larnel doesn't know his neighbor, Mrs. Katz, very well, until he asks her to adopt an abandoned kitten. Mrs. Katz agrees on one condition: that Larnel helps her take care of the kitten she names Tush. As Larnel grows to love Mrs. Katz, he also learns about the common themes of hardship and triumph in each of their cultures.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young Camille befriends a strange visitor to his small town, and one day he brings this man a gift of bright, beautiful sunflowers. The man is the artist Vincent van Gogh, and the sunflowers quickly become the subject of a magnificent painting.

FROM SARAH:

A St. Patrick's Day story that reads aloud well. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jamie seeks a way to prove that he is not too young to march in the big St. Patrick's Day parade.

FROM SARAH:

Delightful and charming! This book has perfect rhyme, and the illustrations are just adorable. Read this one with your youngest kiddos!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The habits of rabbits are many, not few, with plenty of things that they love to do! This sweet, lyrical story by Douglas Florian follows a family of rabbits as they have fun doing everyday things like digging holes, building snow rabbits, thumping their feet, and more. But as the day comes to an end, their favorite thing to do is say "goodnight" with a hug and a kiss.

FROM SARAH:

A cumulative story, much like This Is the house that Jack built, but set in a springtime garden! Fun to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Building on a rhyme that will be familiar to many children, author-illustrator Cole creates an enticing guide to creating a garden. 'This is the garden that Jack planted . . .' The final illustration presents a satisfied-looking boy surrounded by a lush, bird-filled flower garden.

**Description from Amazon: A New York Times bestseller!A touching story about a girl and her dog, perfect for young animal lovers.Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end ...

**Description from Amazon: These eight Shakespeare plays, retold in prose by British author Andrew Matthews and beautifully illustrated by Angela Barrett, make a perfect introduction to the most famous writer in the Western world. As fresh today as when they were first performed, these stories are just right for entertaining ...

FROM SARAH:

A fantasy series by N.D. Wilson starts here, with The Legend of Sam Miracle. Fast-paced, Wilson's fantasies are some of my favorites to recommend (especially to boys).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sam Miracle’s life is made up of dreams, dreams where he’s a courageous, legendary hero instead of a foster kid with two bad arms that can barely move. Sometimes these dreams feel so real, they seem like forgotten memories. And sometimes they make him believe that his arms might come alive again.

FROM SARAH:

Hands-down, the #1 resource you want at your fingertips when embarking on reading Shakespeare with your kids! Listen to Ken and my conversation on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. In order to make sure you're ordering the new copy with additional chapters, we recommend ordering directly from the Penguin Random House here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winner of the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book, How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare is a foolproof, enormously fun method of teaching your children the classic works of William Shakespeare by Tony-Award winning playwright, Ken Ludwig.

FROM SARAH: 

Astrid Sheckels is a picture book illustrator to watch! Her classic style won my heart right out of the gate. There’s a lot to look at and love in this sweet story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Lucy's wish was all it took for Hector Fox and his merry band of woodland friends to set out on an adventure beyond the friendly Green Wood. They had all heard a roumor of an enormous, shadowy stranger living in the Forbidden Marsh. Was it a fairy-tale giant?

FROM SARAH:

An old standard that pleases the youngest readers. Perfect to read aloud before heading to the farm.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A young girl spends a glorious fall day picking apples and searching for the perfect pumpkin in this refreshed classic."When red and yellow leaves are on the trees," a little girl goes with her parents to a farm where they pick apples and choose "the best pumpkin of them all."

Set in Mexico amidst the monarch butterflies' annual migration and during the Days of the Dead, Ghost Wings, written by Barbara M. Joosse, author of the best-selling Mama, Do You Love Me?, and illustrated with the luminescent artwork of Giselle Potter, is the touching story of a little girl whose ve...