Books

** Description from Amazon: “A stunning accomplishment. This story pierces the heart.” —Chicago Sun-Times RUN RUN RUN. That’s what twelve-year-old Annie loves to do. When she’s barefoot and running, she can hear her heart beating…thump-THUMP, thump-THUMP.It’s a rhythm that makes sense in a year when everything’...

** Description from Amazon: Need help finding the perfect poem for a holiday celebration or a science unit? A funny riddle poem or a bilingual poetry book? Here is a comprehensive resource for teachers, librarians, and parents packed with poetry bibliographies and research-based strategies for selecting and sharing poetry with...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A Tangled Web' is a tale that follows two intertwined families through a year of heartbreak and hilarity in a scramble to acquire a family heirloom. When Rebecca Dark realises she is dying, she invites her extended family to one of her usual gatherings to inform them of her departure. After the shocking revelations of her will, a competition ensues between the rival family members.

** Description from Amazon: National Bestseller  Winner of England’s Booker Prize and the literary sensation of the year, Possession is an exhilarating novel of wit and romance, at once an intellectual mystery and triumphant love story. It is the tale of a pair of young scholars researching the lives of two Victorian poets....

FROM SARAH:

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! These illustrations are precisely what we mean when we say the best books have pictures you want to look at a little longer than necessary. And Joyce Sidman is one of the best lyrical poets for children. Don't miss this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Welcome to the night, where mice stir and furry moths flutter. Where snails spiral into shells as orb spiders circle in silk. Where the roots of oak trees recover and repair from their time in the light. Where the porcupette eats delicacies—raspberry leaves!—and coos and sings.

Come out to the cool, night wood, and buzz and hoot and howl—but do beware of the great horned owl—for it’s wild and it’s windy way out in the woods!

** Description from Amazon: Embark on a methodical, meticulous, and hilarious quest for the perfect pet in this wickedly witty cautionary collection of pet poems.If you’re the type that oohs and aahs at furry faces, precious paws, the words ahead may be alarming: Animals aren’t always charming. If you think you’d like a ...

** Description from Amazon: A spider is a “never-tangling dangling spinner / knitting angles, trapping dinner.” A tree frog proposes, “Marry me. Please marry me… / Pick me now. / Make me your choice. / I’m one great frog / with one strong voice.” VanDerwater lets the denizens of the forest speak for themselves in t...

** Description from Amazon: Hamid rubbed the light from his eyes and looked again. He was not dreaming; it was his stepfather!The man watched Kinza as a snake might watch a baby rabbit at play, waiting for the moment to strike. And for one breathless moment Hamid was sure that he would reach out and snatch her away. Hamid doe...

** Description from Amazon: This poignant and hilarious story of loss and redemption “explores the process of grief, second chances, and even the meaning of life” (Kirkus Reviews).In the remarkable, bizarre, and heart-wrenching summer before Cullen Witter’s senior year of high school, he is forced to examine everything h...

**Description from Amazon: • More than 500 appearances on national bestseller lists• #1 Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today• Won 12 book awards• Translated into 35 languages• Voted Top 100 Business Book of All Time on GoodreadsPeople are using this simple, powerful concept to focus on what matters mos...

**Description from Amazon: Keeping this volume close at hand is like having a child's librarian for a best friend. A great book spurs the imagination in childhood, inspires our dreams in adulthood, and nourishes the soul with depictions of life fully and courageously lived. Among the greatest gifts you can bequeath to a child...

**Description from Amazon: One of Time Magazine's Top Five Books of the Year.A Christian Science Montor,Denver Post, and Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year."Once in a great while, a book comes along that has such wonderful characters and marvelous prose, that you read it as much for the pure joy it offers on every page a...

**Description from Amazon: Faith, Hope and Poetry explores the poetic imagination as a way of knowing; a way of seeing reality more clearly. Presenting a series of critical appreciations of English poetry from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day, Malcolm Guite applies the insights of poetry to contemporary issues and the con...

**Description from Amazon: For over half a century, scholars have laboured to show that C. S. Lewis's famed but apparently disorganised Chronicles of Narnia have an underlying symbolic coherence, pointing to such possible unifying themes as the seven sacraments, the seven deadly sins, and the seven books of Spenser's Faerie Q...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An in-depth study of Lewis’s great love of literature and his monumental work as a literary critic.

**Description from Amazon: Vibrates with encouragement for women who want to explore and enjoy the world of books Gladys Hunt, long-time advocate of reading and author of the cherished Honey for a Child’s Heart, has written this new book for busy women who want a wider worldview and stimulus for intellectual and emotional g...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Few understood David Eliot's anguish at losing Nadine. He came back from the war a shattered and lonely man. But his return to the Eliot family refuge on England's Hampshire coast is gradually pushing back the dark waters of soul and spirit.Nadine and her husband have settled with their children into a wonderful old inn not far away. Surrounded by a wild and mysterious wood, the guesthouse seems to be able to mend minds and bodies. Pilgrims from the past and new ones now finding their way to this healing, comforting oasis sweep readers into a story of intertwining destinies, of love lost, and love forever gained.

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.

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 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 THE PUBLISHER:

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world’s diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Stick Man lives in the family tree. With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.
But one day, Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play fetch! Things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. Lonely and lost, Stick Man wants nothing more than to be home with his family for Christmas. And when he helps Santa Claus out of a bind, he finds the perfect ticket home!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s Christmas Eve, and Suzy Goose and her friends are admiring their beautifully decorated tree. It’s perfect except for one thing: a star for the top. But Suzy sees just the right one, high in the sky, and no one can stop her from trying every possible way to get it! Bold, expressive illustrations follow the charmingly single-minded goose in a new adventure, a tale of seasonal magic found in surprising places.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A cherished holiday scene from a beloved classic comes to life in this festive, cozy picture book homage to Little Women.It’s almost Christmas, and Jo March is determined that this year, unlike the last, there will be presents.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all...

The acclaimed author of nearly a hundred books for children and adults, Pearl S. Buck captures the spirit of Christmas in this elegant, heartening story about a boy's gift of love. Originally published in 1955, this timeless story with glorious full-color art by Mark Buehner will be a welcome addition to your holiday collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This beloved Christmas carol, written in 1857, celebrates the wise men's journey and the first Christmas night. Internationally renowned artist Gennady Spirin pays his own type of homage with paintings so exquisitely detailed and wrought that they, too, are a gift -- to that baby in the manger and to you.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

That cold winter's night, beneath the star's light... ...a Little One came for the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life — one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh — a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.

FROM SARAH:

A cozy tale with warm and inviting illustrations. Perfect for cat-lovers and knitters!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

**Description from Amazon: "A captivating story filled with English charm, luminous wisdom, and astounding spiritual insight"Goudge's singular gift is the depth and insight she brings to her characters. Mary Lindsay is a born and bred Londoner who has enjoyed her city life--a prestigious job, and friends with whom she takes i...

**Description from Amazon: From once upon a time to happily ever after, these are the fairy tales everyone knows and loves. Here you will find the princess who kisses a frog, the fairy godmother who changes everything, and the ugly duckling who becomes a graceful swan. Master artist Michael Hague has selected and illustrated ...

**Description from Amazon: Hailed by The Washington Post as "a definitive synthesis of the best editions" and by The Times of London as "a monument to Shakespearean scholarship," The Oxford Shakespeare is the ultimate anthology of the Bard's work: the most authoritative edition of the plays and poems ever published. Now, almo...

FROM SARAH:

This whole series is adorable! Great for a baby shower gift.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gossie is a small yellow gosling who loves to wear bright red boots—every day. But one morning she can't find them!

This sweet story models social-emotional growth for the youngest children using simple language and adorable illustrations of baby farm animals. A family library essential that makes a perfect gift for babies and toddlers.

**Description from Amazon: Starting with the simplest images-apples for A, bowls for B, cat for C-Sara Pinto has taken a magical leap in the concept of alphabet books. Each letter has a door, and behind each door the objects arrange and rearrange themselves so that with every letter the picture becomes more complex. Letter by...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It's time to start your engines in this Richard Scarry classic all about vehicles! Buckle-up for a fun-filled day of planes, trains, automobiles ... and even a pickle truck!

**Description from Amazon: 7 trade size paperback books in box. Half Magic; Knight's Castle; Magic by the Lake; Time Garden; Margie or Not? Well-Wishes; Seven-Day Magic.

**Description from Amazon: “[Sigrid Undset] should be the next Elena Ferrante.” —Slate The turbulent historical masterpiece of Norway’s literary masterA Penguin Classic  In her great historical epic Kristin Lavransdatter, set in fourteenth-century Norway, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset tells the life story of one pass...

**Description from Amazon: Introducing the beloved trilogy that has captured the hearts and imaginations of the many fans of bestselling author Elizabeth Goudge. "The Bird in the Tree "takes place in England in 1938, and follows a close-knit family whose tranquil existence is suddenly threatened by a forbidden love . . . . Ma...

**Description from Amazon: Despite the "crinkled pink petals strewn in the path of those who would have preferred red," four generations of Eliots have survived the War and are moving forward. The family's remarkable matriarch Lucilla is still with them, though she's facing the dark night of the soul. All is turned on its he...

**Description from Amazon: Part of the elegant Knickerbocker Classics series, The Complete Sherlock Holmes is comprised of 4 full-length novels and 56 short stories featuring the world's most famous pipe-smoking detective. For Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide, this stunning gift edition has a full cloth binding and ribbon mark...

**Description from Amazon: A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERDeep in the water,Mr. Fish swims aboutWith his fish face stuckIn a permanent pout.Can his pals cheer him up?Will his pout ever end?Is there something he can learnFrom an unexpected friend?Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dr...

**Description from Amazon: Adorable dragons search for a bedtime snack in this heartfelt and funny debut picture book set to the tune of “Hush, Little Baby.” Baby and Mama dragon are almost ready to settle in for the night. But Baby can’t sleep until he gets a treat, so together they search for one in a beautifully deta...

**Description from Amazon: The Caldecott Honor-winning classic by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon!When David Shannon was five years old, he wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were these words: NO, DAVID! . . . and a picture of David doing things he was not supposed to do. Now David is all grown...

**Description from Amazon: The sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland that is set some six months later than the earlier book, Alice again enters a fantastical world, this time by climbing through a mirror into the world that she can see beyond it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Celebrate Christmas with one of the world's best-loved storytellers.

In this collection there is mystery and magic, laughter and mischief, the joy of shared times and plenty of delicious food - many of the ingredients that have been delighting Enid Blyton's fans for more than 70 years.

Available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This seasonal compendium collects together poems, short stories, and prose extracts by some of the greatest poets and writers in the English language.

**Description from Amazon: "Read to me!" is a popular request parents hear from their children. How better to fulfill this wish than to read a Bible storybook written and illustrated just for kids? The award-winning Read Aloud Bible Stories series has delighted children, parents, and teachers for decades. Written by Ella K...

**Description from Amazon: "Read to me!" is a popular request parents hear from their children. How better to fulfill this wish than to read a Bible storybook written and illustrated just for kids? The award-winning Read Aloud Bible Stories series has delighted children, parents, and teachers for decades. Written by Ella K...

**Description from Amazon: This extraordinary prayer just for children is perfect for the youngest reader. New gift book edition Caldecott-winning player for a Childish sure to win new fans and become a favorite. Keep growing in faith and joy through little Simon Inspirations books for your child! Key Details Author Rachel Fi...

**Description from Amazon: Cowboy Small takes good care of his horse, Cactus. In return, Cactus helps Cowboy Small get work done on the range. Together they round up cattle for branding and live the good life. At night, Cowboy Small eats at the chuck wagon, sings with his friends, and sleeps under the stars.

**Description from Amazon: A warm friendship develops between a young Quaker boy and a seagull on old Nantucket.

**Description from Amazon: Three times a voice comes to Isaac in his dreams and tells him to go to the capital city and look for a treasure under the bridge by the royal palace. Feeling a little foolish perhaps, but determined to see for himself if the dream is true, Isaac sets out on his long journey. What he finds makes a s...

**Description from Amazon: An intuitive understanding of the things children love to know, combined with the d'Aulaire's extraordinary artistic ability make this book on the life of one of America's most beloved founders a perennial classic. Folk art style illustrations are enhanced with pert aphorisms from Poor Richard's Alm...

**Description from Amazon: "He was born in a little red brick house that his father had built on the oyster-shell hill. By that time so much land had been cleared that the wilderness was far in the distance" (10). So begins the simple and inauspicious life of George Washington, a backwoods Virginia boy destined to become the ...

**Description from Amazon: “Here, at last, is the new edition of Mozart, The Wonder Boy, that you have wanted for such a long time. The first book of Mozart, The Wonder Boy, had some delightful music, but you wanted still more, and here it is — thirty-five full pages of Mozart music that you will find at the end of the st...

**Description from Amazon: Frederic Chopin, celebrated pianist and probably the greatest composer for the piano the world has ever known, was born in a little cottage in Poland on the estate of Count Skarbek, whose children were tutored by his father, Nicolas Chopin. The child loved music from babyhood and when the family mov...

**Description from Amazon: Here is the story of Ludwig van Beethoven, greatest master of all, told with feeling and delicate skill for boys and girls. "Perhaps he, too, will become a musician, like all the Beethovens!" said Father Johann...From then on, the four-year-old Ludwig was kept at the piano hour after hour until the ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lydia, a young Amish girl, lives on a farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All summer long she has worked on a small hooked mat, her first "piece" that must be finished before she can go to market with her father. In spite of her best efforts, Lydia is much more interested in the wagon coming down the road, in the stories Granny tells, in stopping at Cousin Lavina’s, who is making apple butter, in holding the new baby at Cousin Kate’s, and even in chasing Nate’s runaway pig.

Will Lydia finish this mat so that she can go to market?

**Description from Amazon: Before Andrew and Jamie, there was N. C. Wyeth. The star student of Howard Pyle's Brandywine School, Newell Convers Wyeth (1882–1945) created more than 3,000 illustrations in the course of his career. This original full-color collection focuses on his most popular illustrations, featuring early wo...