**Description from Amazon: "Fun and lighthearted." —Publishers WeeklyA resilient and quirky colony of church mice fears another Great X more than they fear cats. Under the Mouse Mistress Hildegarde’s leadership, a resilient group of church mice save themselves from one danger after another—sometimes by the skin of their...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: William Hurt

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 29 min

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe was first published in 1719 without any reference to its author, Daniel Defoe. The book was presented as a true autobiography of a castaway marooned for 28 years on an uninhabited island. It was been considered one of the first English novels. and is one of the most published books in history. Crusoe becomes self-sufficient using material salvaged from shipwrecks and endures cannibals, earthquakes, and mutineers before his final rescue. He rescues a native who has escaped from cannibals and names him Friday in reference to the day of the week he was found.

FROM SARAH:

I'm a fan of Will Hillenbrand's charming illustrations. A great introduction to what makes a "mystery" and a lovely read-aloud for Valentine's Day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Could the bear have a secret friend? Who is leaving him surprises? The ever-lovable Daniel Pinkwater spins a funny and sweetly offbeat story.

FROM SARAH:

A luscious addition to our collection of picture book biographies. This one reads especially well with older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This anthology embodies Robert Pinsky's commitment to discover America's beloved poems, his special undertaking as Poet Laureate of the United States.

FROM SARAH:

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Maine was beautiful, but Anna missed home, and Papa. And as the weeks went by, she began to wonder what would happen if the rains never came. Would she and Caleb and Sarah and Papa ever be a family again?

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 SARAH:

A tranquil tale with beautiful, realistic illustrations that capture the serene beauty of a morning at the pond. Jane Yolen wrote this as a poem to one of her favorite places.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On Bird Hill took readers on a surreal journey with a boy and his dog, as they stopped, looked, and noticed things along their path, ultimately discovering the miracle a hatching baby bird. On Duck Pond continues their journey, this time in a new place―a serene pond, filled with birds, frogs, turtles, and other creatures going about their quiet business.

FROM SARAH:

From our very own Waxwing Books, this picture book with gorgeous illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard will, we hope, become a bedtime favorite!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Just before first morning light, Little Shrew is awakened by the moon.

A mysterious fragrance leads her to a garden of moonflowers, where moths flutter, crickets hum, and frogs and peepers keep the beat. Join Little Shrew’s merry romp in the moonlit garden in this bedtime story for adventurous souls.

FROM SARAH:

Straightforward, strategic, soulful, and a little sassy, The Lazy Genius Kitchen will turn your hardest-working room into your favorite one, too.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

You want your kitchen to be the heartbeat of the home, but you’re overwhelmed and out of breath trying to make it happen. Meals are on a never-ending loop, and you don’t have time to prepare dinner, much less enjoy it. Popular Lazy Genius expert and bestselling author Kendra Adachi is here to help!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since she was a young girl, Eliza Hamilton hoped to help people in need. From the private quarters of her family home to her national platform as Hamilton’s partner, Eliza was a lifelong advocate for fairness, freedom and faith. The remarkable acts of charity and public service she performed after Alexander’s death are considered a significant contribution to the Hamilton legacy the world celebrates today. Here is a thoughtful, historical account of her life beginning with her childhood influences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. With spare text based on the story in the ballet, this book offers a front-row seat to the enthralling tale that is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike.

**Description from Amazon: A “wholly satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel in verse starring a boy, a lost dog, and a lonely old man, from Newbery Honoree Marion Dane BauerMark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with his plan. Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner alrea...

FROM SARAH:

You either enjoy Roald Dahl or you don't... and this book is as good a place to find out which camp you belong in. Heads-up, I'm a fan of most of Dahl's books, but when I read them aloud, I tend to modify some of the language. 😅 Read this book and then watch the (1971) movie to compare!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

One day Naomi and Ruth find an abandoned egg near the road. Naomi decides this special egg must be hatched. And when it is, it's plain to see that this is no ordinary chick!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen.

This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country.

Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.

FROM SARAH:

Another romping St. Patricks' Day read-aloud written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Jamie O'Rourke's wife leaves him alone for a week, it's up to Jamie to do the housework. But Jamie isn't just the laziest man in Ireland, he's also the messiest! When a magical pooka arrives unexpectedly and starts to do the dishes and sweep the house, Jamie thinks that maybe he's the luckiest ...

FROM SARAH:

If this one isn't already on your own toddler's bookshelf, do yourself a favor and add it. It never gets tiring and every single one of my kids adored it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush and brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.

The day is done.
They say good night,
and somebody
turns off the light.

NOTE FROM SARAH:

A quiet, gentle story that reads like a love letter to grandmothers everywhere. Kenard Pak is one of my favorite illustrators these days!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This sweet story captures the singular experience of a visit with Grandma, especially when you share a name.

FROM SARAH:

If it's written and/or illustrated by Kevin Henkes, then I probably like it. ;) And this book is no exception! An ideal gift for an Easter basket.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The national bestseller about a curious rabbit is now available in a sturdy board book edition, just right for little hands, Easter baskets, and welcoming spring.

**Description from Amazon: Leave it to Molly to transform all her 'faults' into marvelous talents.. . . [Catrow's] pictures fill the pages with wild perspectives, goofy-looking kids, and hilarious details. . . . Leaves readers with the feeling that anything can be accomplished if you are the best person you can be and make th...

FROM SARAH:

Did you read this one as a kid? Your kids will still love it just as much (and if you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat!). When Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, she and her brother end up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to get caught up in a mystery that makes headlines.

FROM THE PUBLISHERS:

When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort-she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because be was a miser and would have money.

Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie bad some ideas, too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same, and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she bad discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.

**Description from Amazon: What is this World? What kind of place is it?“The round kind. The spinning kind. The moist kind. The inhabited kind. The kind with flamingos (real and artificial). The kind where water in the sky turns into beautifully symmetrical crystal flakes sculpted by artists unable to stop themselves (in bo...

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:

In this all-new Christmas tale, Dasher the reindeer discovers that the only thing better than making Christmas magic is making a new friend to share it with.

FROM SARAH:

A softly illustrated celebration of a pumpkin's growth. Warm and cozy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Jamie plants a pumpkin seed in the spring and, after watching it grow all summer, carves a face in it for Halloween! But best of all, he saves some seeds that he will plant again next spring.

**Description from Amazon: Explainer-in-Chief David Macaulay updates the worldwide bestseller The New Way Things Work to capture the latest developments in the technology that most impacts our lives. Famously packed with information on the inner workings of everything from windmills to Wi-Fi, this extraordinary and humorous ...

FROM SARAH:

A picture book biography about Sarah Hale, a woman of persistence who saved Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Thanksgiving might have started with a jubilant feast on Plymouth's shore. But by the 1800s America's observance was waning. None of the presidents nor Congress sought to revive the holiday. And so one invincible "lady editor" name Sarah Hale took it upon herself to rewrite the recipe for Thanksgiving as we know it today. This is an inspirational, historical, all-out boisterous tale about perseverance and belief: In 1863 Hale's thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday. This story is a tribute to Hale, her fellow campaigners, and to the amendable government that affords citizens the power to make the world a better place!

Scheduled to be published across the globe, the story of Fermat's Last Theorem, devised by the seventeenth-century French mathematician Pierre de Fermat, recounts the struggles of three and a half centuries of scientists to devise a proof for it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Here are 12 spirited, easy-to-implement ideas for theme gardens that parents and kids can grow together, connecting children to nature through gardening. Each project includes a plan and the planting recipe--as well as a "Discovery Walk," activities and crafts to make with what you grow. And each is illustrated with author Sharon Lovejoy's lyrical watercolors.

I’m going to give you a bear hug.A show you how much I care hug.A good night     Sleep tight        Way beyond compare hug. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes, is a playful and comforting bedtime padded boa...

FROM SARAH:

A sweet addition to your early reader's collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this sweet, silly, rhyming story, a troop of knight owls is on a mission. Can they find the dragon, save the kingdom, and even find time for a snack? Lots of lots of giggles are guaranteed!

**Description from Amazon: A wise tale of a little princess who wanted the moon and got it. “Grown-ups themselves will find the book hilariously funny. . . . The lovely, squiggly illustrations in color are exactly right.”--The New Yorker

**Description from Amazon: Fans of Thomas & Friends will have a special reading experience when they open the pages of this sturdy board with glow-in-the-dark illustrations. Train-loving boys and girls ages 2 to 5 will be intrigued to see the moon, stars, Thomas' headlight, and more brighten the night with a soft glow in thi...

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Davy Crocket

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 22 min

FROM SARAH: It's no secret that I LOVE a good picture book biography, and this is one of my very favorites! Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told, Katie Wray Schon has created a wonderful tribute to Pauline Baynes, who created illustrations of Middle Earth and Narnia that will forever be etched in our hearts.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Just in time for the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comes Painting Wonder, an enchanting picture book biography about the artist whose illustrations brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien to life.

Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea.

Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves. Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children.

Follow Pauline into some of the most beloved and prominent landscapes in all of children’s literature: the magical lands of J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In their thirty-year lifetimes, Arctic Terns travel nearly 1.5 million miles, that’s enough to fly to the Moon and back three times! Each year they brave blistering winds, storms, rough seas, and airborne predators as they travel between the Earth’s poles, chasing the summer. In The Longest Journey: An Arctic Tern’s Migration, we follow one such bird as it spreads its wings and sets out to make its first globe-spanning trip with its flock.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this sweet book, perfect for littles who love their mama. The expressive illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Amazon Best Book of the Year is the perfect holiday, Valentine's Day—or any day—board book for little hands and flippers!.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kit is visiting Aunt Millie in Mountain Hollow, Kentucky, in 1934. When a professor arrives to study Kentucky mountain traditions, Kit is thrilled to help with her research--until it becomes clear that somebody doesn't want "outsiders" nosing around. Kit decides to find out who's making trouble--even if it means venturing into Lonesome Hollow in the dark of night.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a book that is as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of slow but steady Snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship.

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

Ethel Pochocki, whimsically and unforgettably, presents a new set of  heavenly friends to readers young and old in this third collection of Once Upon a Time Saints stories.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

t's been said that the glory of God is the soul fully alive. It's time to start chasing our spark, and Your Blue Flame will show you how.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1889, New York reporter Nellie Bly—inspired by Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days—began a circumnavigation she hoped to complete in less time. Her trip was sponsored by her employer, The World. Just hours after her ship set out across the Atlantic, another New York publication put writer Elizabeth Bisland on a westbound train. Bisland was headed around the world in the opposite direction, thinking she could beat Bly's time. Only one woman could win the race, but both completed their journeys in record time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every year, trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her Christmas feast. But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won't come knocking next Christmas Eve!

Once again, Jan Brett creates an original Christmas story full of warmth and magic. Featuring beautiful borders, intricate illustrations, and a stunning display of the Northern Lights, Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? will rightfully take its place among Jan's Christmas favorites with the whole family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A procession travels to Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. The little drummer boy comes along, although he is too poor to bring a present fit for a king. Instead, he plays a song on his drum for the Christ Child. Within the little drummer boy's seemingly simple gift lies the true spirit of Christmas.

**Description from Amazon: When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, has to move away to take care of her ailing father, Eleanor must try to bear the summer without Bibi and prepare for the upcoming school year. Her new, less-than-perfect babysitter just isn't up to snuff, and she doesn't take care of things like Bibi used to....

NARRATED BY: Barbara Caruso, BEST FOR AGES: 10+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One WWII pilot’s mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin in 1945 comes to life in this moving middle-grade historical account. After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To bring a bit of hope, he began dropping chocolate and chewing gum by parachute.

What began as a one-time gesture of compassion turned into an official U.S. Air Force operation. “Operation Little Vittles” grew, as more and more pilots volunteered to drop the parachutes, and donations of candy and cloth poured in from all over. This inspiring story of one man’s contribution to the rebuilding of a country after war is a unique look at history.

FROM SARAH:

Tomie shares the story of the true St. Patrick, as well as the most famous legends surrounding him. If you only get one St. Patrick's Day book from this list, make it this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The story of Patrick’s life, from his noble birth in Britain, to his being captured and taken to Ireland by a group of bandits, to the “dreams” that led him to convert the Irish people to the Christian faith.

**Description from Amazon: Already available in board book format, this very first Spot book now has a brand-new cover in a fresh, vibrant color that makes it jump off the shelf.

FROM SARAH:

I do love a Kevin Henkes book! This one is a springtime delight.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek collaborate for the first time since their acclaimed picture book Birds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A celebration of August Wilson’s journey from a child in Pittsburgh to one of America’s greatest playwrights.

FROM SARAH:

I'll be honest, I've never read Beowulf... but this is the version I've seen recommended most often, and the one my own teens read as part of their history class at our homeschool co-op.

Recommended for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Composed toward the end of the first millennium, Beowulf is the elegiac narrative of the adventures of Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero who saves the Danes from the seemingly invincible monster Grendel and, later, from Grendel's mother. He then returns to his own country and dies in old age in a vivid fight against a dragon. The poem is about encountering the monstrous, defeating it, and then having to live on in the exhausted aftermath

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Each of us is in the middle of a story. In this astoundingly unique book, bestselling author N.D. Wilson reminds us that to truly live we must recognize that we are dying. Cause of death: life.

FROM SARAH: 

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets.

Recommended for ages 7-14.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

"It's your job now," Anna says as she hands Caleb her journals, asking him to continue writing the family story. But Sarah, Jacob, Anna, Caleb, and their new little sister, Cassie, have already formed a family, and Caleb fears there will be nothing left to write about. That is, before Cassie discovers a mysterious old man in the barn, and everything changes.

FROM SARAH:

If you are glad to live in a world where there are Christmases, you are going to love this gentle picture book celebrating Anne, Diana and all their Green Gables friends. Age rec: 4 and up

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A heartwarming holiday picture book inspired by L.M. Montgomery's beloved classic Anne of Green Gables.

FROM SARAH:

If you live in the north, your kids will recognize that Thanksgiving sometimes means snow! This classic song is brought to life with delightful illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Set in the nineteenth century, this story features Christopher Manson’s indelible wood carvings, which capture the wonders of winter—such as sledding and ice-skating—and the Thanksgiving feast.

FROM SARAH:

Margaret Wise Brown's classic tale, paired with Felicia Bond's warm illustrations (you know her from the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the barnyard there are roosters and cows, horses and goats, and a pink piglet who is learning to squeal. Felicia Bond's atmospheric illustrations add to the tranquil simplicity of this gentle story. Big Red Barn makes a lovely baby shower gift and is a wonderful addition to any preschooler's library.

Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—takes readers on a spiritual journey through his early life and eventual embrace of the Christian faith.