FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.

FROM SARAH:

A lighthearted and playful picture book about gratitude, perfect for November reading before an afternoon spent outside.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this book! Colleen is a homeschooling mother of four. In this book, she sheds light on the drive so many of us for perfection... and calls us to a higher, holier path instead. Relatable. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In The Heart of Perfection, Colleen weaves the stories and wisdom of these saints with Scripture and beautifully crafted tales of her own trial-and-error experiments in applying that wisdom to her life. She introduces us to such saints as Jane de Chantal, a single mother who conquered her impatience only after her ex-perfectionist friend Saint Francis de Sales convinced her to trade punishing prayer regimens for the tougher discipline of showing gentleness to rude in-laws, rowdy kids, and herself. Colleen describes the battle against obsessive guilt that turned timid people-pleaser Alphonsus Liguori into a fearless defender of God’s mercy; the discernment rules that helped Ignatius of Loyola overcome crippling discouragement and distraction; the concern for reputation that almost cost the world the radical witness of Francis of Assisi; and the biblical work-life balance that Benedict of Nursia pioneered after years of driving himself and others too hard—and without surrendering his holy zeal.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jan Brett creates an irresistible, mischievous character that kids will recognize in themselves. Jan transports us to a glorious Scandinavian landscape where a beautiful fall turns into a magnificent snowy winter. Her signature borders depict the troll family missing Rollo, and animals as appealing as those found in The Mitten.

**Description from Amazon: Illustrated by the best-selling artist, Caroline Jayne Church, finally this classic song is becoming a children's board book!You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.You make me happy when skies are gray.Lovingly illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church, the bestselling artist from I LOVE YOU THROUGH AND T...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Thirteen-year-old Meg and her sister Molly couldn't be more different. Molly is beautiful and popular, and Meg is brainy and introverted. Accepting these differences has always been difficult for Meg. When Molly falls ill, however, Meg must learn not only to accept Molly and her life, but to accept death.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Max Von Sydow

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 28 min

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Caldecott Honor BookAn ALA Notable BookA breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book that is pitch-perfect for anyone of any age who has experienced any type of loss or disappointment.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A military space probe, sent to collect extraterrestrial organisms from the upper atmosphere, is knocked out of orbit and falls to Earth. Twelve miles from the crash site, an inexplicable and deadly phenomenon terrorizes the residents of a sleepy desert town in Arizona, leaving only two survivors: an elderly addict and a newborn infant.

The United States government is forced to mobilize Project Wildfire, a top-secret emergency response protocol. Four of the nation’s most elite biophysicists are summoned to a clandestine underground laboratory located five stories beneath the desert and fitted with an automated atomic self-destruction mechanism for cases of irremediable contamination. Under conditions of total news blackout and the utmost urgency, the scientists race to understand and contain the crisis. But the Andromeda Strain proves different from anything they’ve ever seen—and what they don’t know could not only hurt them, but lead to unprecedented worldwide catastrophe.

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.

**Description from Amazon: From two-time Newbery medalist and living legend Lois Lowry comes a moving account of the lives lost in two of WWII’s most infamous events: Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. With evocative black-and-white illustrations by SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner Kenard Pak.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What would you do if you were the moon? Do you think you would rest quietly in the night sky? Oh, no. The moon does so much more than you might imagine!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Acclaimed author Lola M. Schaefer and award-winning artist Bethanne Andersen explores themes of empathy, hope, and peace in this breathtaking picture book that will bring joy to the holidays as well as year round storytimes.

On a cold winter morning, Bear welcomes a new star to the sky and searches for the perfect tree—a majestic evergreen—under which to host a celebration for everyone to enjoy. Almost as if by magic, guests start to arrive. They are feathered, furry, scaled—on the wing, on four paws, on two feet. They are young and old. They bring gifts. They bring love. They bring hope for peace.

FROM SARAH:

This is one of my favorite board books to tuck into a baby shower gift! Simple and practically perfect.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This simple, funny read-aloud follows a boy’s exciting stroll through the countryside. The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie!

FROM SARAH:

A delightful and magical regency read from the author of Beyond Mulberry Glen, Millie Florence. You'll likely enjoy this one every bit as much as the kids!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ashton Harper has three problems and two of them are his sisters. First Drusilla, the oldest, who has decided that all she cares about is muslin and courtship. Second Zizi, the youngest, a stubborn optimist who is constantly pushing her brother outside his comfort zone. And third, their invitation to audition for a ballroom dancing scholarship at the prestigious Overmorrow Academy of Arts, which could be either a dream come true or a hope-crushing failure. As a proud, sarcastic realist, Ashton is betting on the latter.

A story of family and ambition, The Balter of Ashton Harper is woven with whimsy, hope, and Millie Florence’s signature light-hearted depth.

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful rendering of the Christmas Story. I especially love the use of light and color in the illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This beautiful retelling of the traditional Nativity story captures all the drama and joy, beginning with the angel's amazing announcement to Mary.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

According to legend, Will Cody (later known as America's greatest showman, Buffalo Bill) rode for the Pony Express at the age of fifteen. His most famous ride, recounted in this lyrical verse story, covered 322 miles, required 21 horses, and took over 21 hours to complete.

FROM SARAH:

I have been drawn to this book from the moment I saw the cover! This is a lovely story about two cardinals, the tradition of the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City, home, and family. A wonderful book to make a part of your Christmas book library!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles. . . . From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.

NARRATED BY: Kenneth Branagh, BEST FOR AGES: 5+

**Description from Amazon: The room fronted the west, but a black cloud, barred with red, robbed the hour of twilight's tranquil charm. Shadows haunted it, lurking in corners like spies set there to watch the man who stood among them mute and motionless as if himself a shadow. His eye turned often to the window with a glance ...

FROM SARAH:

A St. Patrick's Day story worth checking out from your local library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What do leprechauns do? They bury a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, of course. But as Mrs. Bally Bunion’s ox, Miss Maude Murphy’s hen, and Old Jamie soon find out, they can’t resist having a little fun along the way.

FROM SARAH:

Buy this book for your permanent collection—you'll be glad you did! Lovely, and worth putting on display. A book to treasure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry — sprinkled with facts and fun things to do — sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder.The buzz of bees in summertime. The tracks of a bird in the winter snow. This beautiful book captures all the sights and sounds of a child’s int...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A mestiza Peruvian American of European, Jewish, and Amerindian heritage, renowned author Monica Brown wrote this lively story to bring her own experience of being mismatched to life. Her buoyant prose is perfectly matched by Sara Palacios’ engaging acrylic illustrations

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's Christmas Eve, and the rabbits have moved to a new burrow. Fletcher is excited about celebrating the holiday with them, until he realizes...Santa Claus won't know where to deliver their presents!

But after a cozy night of caroling and blackberry pie, Fletcher wakes to a snowy Christmas morning full of wonderful surprises.

FROM SARAH:

This story is both whimsical and nautical, and Lucy Landry is a modern Michigan Anne Shirley! It's also shorter than most novels on this list (and you know I *do* love a short read). Sweet and hopeful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lucy, a spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to the stormy waters of Lake Superior to live with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers—and, she hopes, to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seeking…

NARRATED BY: Christopher Cazenove, BEST FOR AGES: 10+

FROM SARAH:

In general, if a book is written by Cynthia Rylant, then I want to read it. Aloud. Many times. And this is no exception.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them? Perhaps more than we realize.

From the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, with over two million products sold, comes Found based on Psalm 23. Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, little ones will fall in love with this padded cover board book that reminds them of God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbr...

FROM SARAH:

Before there was Hannah, there was Nathan, the gentle yet sturdy presence who served as our invitation to the “membership” in Port William. Nathan Coulter is a portrait of rural life rendered with deep affection — a story about belonging, memory, and the quiet forces that form a life. Recommended for readers 15+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Welcome to Port William. In his debut novel and the first in his beloved series, Wendell Berry introduces readers to a place where community becomes "membership," bound by affection, duty, and an inseparable devotion to the land

**Description from Amazon: “Books are like puzzles,” write Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone. “The author’s ideas are hidden, and it is up to all of us to figure them out.” In this indispensable reading companion, the Goldstones–noted parent-child book club experts–encourage grownups and young readers alike to adopt ...

**Description from Amazon: There are things to be afraid of in the woods at the end of Autumn Street. But the year she goes to live in her grandfather's big house—while her father is fighting in World War II—Elizabeth can't put a name to those dark, shadowy fears. But she finds solace in her friendship with Charles, a boy...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Morgan Freeman

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 26 min

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: 

My new favorite graphic novel series. A classic in the making! The second installment in this series releases in 2022 and I already have it pre-ordered. Fans of Ben Hatke, meet Tim Probert. You won’t be disappointed!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.

FROM SARAH:

Matt Tavaras, one of RAR's favorite author/ illustrators, is back with another story about Dasher, the reindeer with big dreams and an even bigger heart. You will want to pour over every page filled with lush language and stunning illustrations. Age rec: 4 and up

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Matt Tavares’s sequel to the New York Times best-selling Dasher is a joyful ode to helping others—and another holiday classic in the making.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole . . .Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a barren desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the huge city standing alone at the top of the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.

For millions of readers around the world, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved Christmas classic. In this thirtieth-anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout.

FROM SARAH:

She's the master of books that get (delightfully) stuck in your head. 😅 I love every Karma Wilson book I've ever read, but this one is a particular favorite. Listen to Karma talk about whimsy and the power of childhood reading on RAR episode #215.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There's a small, hungry frog sitting on the log in the middle of the bog.
He flicks ONE tick off of a stick.
He sees TWO fleas in the reeds.
He spies THREE flies buzzing in the skies.
The frog is feeling pretty fine, but then...
the log in the middle of the bog starts to rise....
What a surprise!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Whether you're in the midst of a major life transition or are weary of the low-grade anxiety that daily life can bring, Emily helps create space for your soul to breathe so you can live life with God at a gentle pace and discern your next right thing in love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt comes a picture book biography of a giant in the struggle for civil rights, perfectly pitched for readers today. Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jamie Johnson is a seven-year-old girl with an annoying older sister, a short attention span, and an odd hobby of collecting paint sample cards.

Laren Lark is an almost thirteen-year-old girl with a love of books, a talent for poetry, and a past full of road school adventures.

This book is a whimsical story about what happened to them one fateful summer, with a pound of friendship, a gallon of family, and a ton of everyday joy.

FROM SARAH:

I'm not an introvert (I'm sure you're shocked! 🫢) but this book spoke to me all the same. I love Jamie's compassionate, gentle, bookish approach.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jamie shares vulnerable stories from her own life as well as thoughts from other introverted mothers, letting you know you're not alone. Her practical suggestions and creative inspiration are enhanced with quotes and insights from four beloved writers--Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L. M. Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Together, Jamie and this band of fellow introverts gently point you toward hope, laughter, and joy.

FROM SARAH:

Barbara Cooney is one of my very favorite illustrators (obviously! 😉), and this is one of my very favorite Christmas picture books!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.

FROM SARAH:

A charming early reader, perfect for spring and summer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's springtime, and the perfect day to plant a garden. The brother and sister from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, and Snow Day! return and plant peas in their backyard.

FROM SARAH:

A funny, quick read-aloud that will delight parents and children alike. Lighthearted and sweet! One of my favorites.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, he’s none too pleased. All ends well in this winsome book of poems—each labeled with its proper poetic form. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and found—and, most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poet’s Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.

NARRATED BY: Michael Chamberlain, Scott Merriman, Taylor Ann Krahn, and RJ Palacio BEST FOR AGES: 11+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To Tantamount, great-great-grandfather's folly--"a mass of fantastic turrets and buttresses and battlements"--come the Richleighs: Edwin, sixteen, heir to the family's enormous wealth, Angeline, Sebastian, and the baby, eight-year-old Maud. Mama and Papa have gone abroad; New Nurse has declined to journey to the remote west of England; tutor and governess soon leave, and servants too. The children are alone in the moldy halls. The children are free of rules, free of formalities, free to be themselves. To show them how to manage they have neighbors, Nancy and her younger brother Dick. The six stay together, playing on the beach, catching and cooking fish, picking berries, until the Richleighs' past life fades in a succession of strange and lovely days. But Tantamount remains: they have given it their allegiance, it has disclosed its terrible past (and present) as a smuggler's den and worse.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Slithering stoorworms, mischievious brownies, fierce kelpies and magical selkies -- these are the creatures of Scottish folklore.

Award-winning children's author Theresa Breslin has collected the best-loved tales from all over Scotland. Retelling each in its own individual style, she presents funny tales, moving tales and enchanting fairy tales. Soar with the goshawk, dive with selkies and battle with the stoorworm, as each story is brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Scottish fine artist Kate Leiper, which brim with otherworldly beauty.

A wonderful gift, this is a truly stunning book to be treasured for a lifetime and will be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as well as children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hans Brinker; or, the Silver Skates is a novel by American author Mary Mapes Dodge, first published in 1865. The novel takes place in the Netherlands and is a colorful fictional portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life, as well as a tale of youthful honor. The book's title refers to the beautiful silver skates to be awarded to the winner of the ice-skating race Hans Brinker hopes to enter.

FROM SARAH:

Among one of my favorite books to read aloud on St. Patrick's Day. A delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Full of humor and charm, Tomie dePaola's retelling of this classic fable is boldly illustrated, with detailed borders based on ancient Irish metalwork.

FROM SARAH:

Goodness, I just love Julie Fogliano's writing, and this is one of my favorites! Check your library to see if they have it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden.

**Description from Amazon: Everybody knows your typical dragon breathes fire.But when Crispin tries to breathe fire on his seventh birthday, fire doesn't come out—only whipped cream! Each time Crispin tries to breathe fire, he ends up withBand-Aidsmarshmallowsteddy bears?Crispin wonders if he’ll ever find his inner fire. ...

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

It’s such a boring summer, so when Jane finds a coin, she wishes something exciting would happen. Of course, it does! A funny and classic family tale for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen. And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true.

**Description from Amazon:  After taking her children to visit Shakespeare’s house, E. Nesbit – one of the greatest of children’s novelists – was faced with a conundrum:   “I can’t understand a word of it,” said Iris.    “And you said it was so beautiful,” Rosamund added, reproachfully. “Wha...

FROM SARAH:

Ooh, this book is one of my favorites on this whole list! We all know the fable of the ant and the grasshopper, and this book is a gentle play on that fable... with a delightful twist and a love for stories. LOVE.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Snow is coming! Mama tells Moses to gather supplies-quick, quick, quick! But as Moses makes his way through the forest, he hears a whistle-y song, and an inspiration to play and dance. Will he be able to share these not-so-practical delights with his practical-minded family?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
A new edition of Louisa May Alcott's classic short-story collection, centered around her classic tale An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, originally published in 1882 as volume 6 of her Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag series. Like her famous Little Women series, Alcott's short stories are beloved by adults and children alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Anne Sibley O'Brien's dreamlike illustrations beautifully complement this fictional story based on real-life experiences. Back matter contains information about the admission of Cambodian refugees into the United States, specifically Maine, after soldiers forced them out of their homeland in the 1970s. An author's note and glossary are also included.

Snuggle Time Prayers, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is a perfect bedtime collection of fifteen prayers. This padded cover board book will help children settle down at bedtime and remind them of their blessings as they draw closer to God.

From the Publisher:

In this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two well-respected New Testament scholars interpret the Gospel of John in its historical and literary setting as well as in light of the Church's doctrinal, liturgical, and spiritual tradition. They unpack the wisdom of the Fourth Gospel for the intellectual and spiritual transformation of its readers and connect the Gospel with a range of witnesses throughout the whole history of Catholicism. This volume, like each in the series, is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.

FROM SARAH:

I haven't read this classic, but everyone I know who has read it has loved it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When orphaned young Maria Merryweather arrives at Moonacre Manor, she feels as if she's entered Paradise. Her new guardian, her uncle Sir Benjamin, is kind and funny; the Manor itself feels like home right away; and every person and animal she meets is like an old friend. But there is something incredibly sad beneath all of this beauty and comfort--a tragedy that happened years ago, shadowing Moonacre Manor and the town around it--and Maria is determined to learn about it, change it, and give her own life story a happy ending. But what can one solitary girl do?