FROM SARAH:

Something about the way the ocean meets the sky enlivens the imagination, and the Fan brothers catch that mystery beautifully in this lush picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about the spot where the ocean meets the sky.

**Description from Amazon: Christy's mother always tells her to be good to Eddie Lee, a neighborhood child with Down's Syndrome. But Christy wants to run and play -- and not worry about Eddie Lee tagging along. One hot summer day, though, Eddie Lee takes Christy to a secret place in the woods and teaches her that beautiful th...

**Description from Amazon: As selected by the author, Opened Ground includes the essential work from Heaney's twelve previous books of poetry, as well as new sequences drawn from two of his landmark translations, The Cure at Troy and Sweeney Astray, and several previously uncollected poems. Heaney's voice is like no other--"b...

FROM SARAH:

This is one of the books by Madeleine L'Engle that I haven't yet read! It's on my TBR, and Sarah Arthur (author of A Light So Lovely and Once a Queen) assures me it's a must.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Story captures our hearts and feeds our imaginations. It reminds us who we are and where we came from. Story gives meaning and direction to our lives as we learn to see it as an affirmation of God’s love and truth–an acknowledgment of our longing for a rock in the midst of life’s wilderness.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Spare, poetic words sit as lightly as snowflakes."--Wall Street Journal"An enchanting glimpse of a dancer whose name has come to be synonymous with her most famous role."--School Library Journal, starred reviewOne night, young Anna's mother takes her to the ballet, and everything is changed. So beg...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through gently humorous text and charming illustrations, Alice and Martin Provensen capture one year at their beloved Maple Hill Farm in a way sure to delight city slickers and country folk alike.

**Description from Amazon: Castle Glower has been acting weird, so it's no surprise when two towers transport Celie and her siblings to an unknown land. When they realize that no one from home is coming to get them, the kids--along with Celie's pet griffin Rufus--set out through the forest to figure out where they are and what's happened to their beloved Castle. Instead, they discover two wizards and an entire lost people, the oldest inhabitants of Castle Glower. And it seems they may know more of the Castle's secrets than Celie. But do they know how to get her back home?

This bestselling series continues with the story of the origin of Castle Glower. Readers who've been enchanted by the Castle's moving walls will be delighted by the Castle's rich and magical history.

**Description from Amazon: Two girls struggle with their dark family heritage in this fantasy perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Kendare Blake.

FROM SARAH: 

This classic story of found family reminds us that even the coldest days can be warmed by kindness. A perfect winter family read-aloud, I'd recommend this one for ages 8 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Armand likes his life as a Hobo living under the bridges of Paris, and the last thing he needs is anything remotely connected to responsibility. So when a family moves under the bridge with him and threatens to steal his heart, how will Armand handle it? Excellent for all ages.

**Description from Amazon: Loving the Little Years is a bestselling book of thoughts for mothering young children. It's written by a mom, for you moms -- for when you are motivated, for when you are discouraged, for the times when discipline seems fruitless, and for when you are just plain old tired. When you're a mom, the op...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beginning in the dark hours of morning, an Amish girl, along with two adult companions, sets off for the big city for the first time. The reader receives nightly reports through young Hannah's diary, in which, with tireless awe, she relates the significant events of the day. Each experience is decidedly new to Hannah -- a trip to the top of a skyscraper, a visit to the aquarium -- yet in each she finds some universal element that reminds her of home. Though she loves the city, a trip to the art museum on the final day of her visit clinches Hannah's longing for family and familiarity; fortunately, the bus is ready to take her back to the place she loves most.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This 112-page activity book features mazes, dot-to-dot, counting, matching, coloring, crafts, telling time, and other activities familiar to preschool and early elementary children. Shown within the context of common deployment and reunion topics, the activities reinforce concepts young children are already learning and offer children the opportunity to ask questions, talk about their feelings, and feel connected to their deployed parent. This version is specific to a dad's deployment.

**Description from Amazon: A stunning repackage of a companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, with cover art by two-time Caldecott Honor Award winner Kadir Nelson!It is a frightening and turbulent time for the Logan family. First, their friend T.J. must go on trial for murder--and confront an all-white...

**Description from Amazon: Both children and adults will enjoy this beautiful collection of over 100 saint biographies. The Loyola Treasury of Saints by David Self contains vibrant stories, illustrations, and photographs that detail the lives of saints from the time of Jesus to today. Many of the saint biographies are accom...

**Description from Amazon: Freshman Daniel Pratzer gets a chance to prove himself when the chess team invites him and his father to a weekend-long parent-child tournament. Daniel, thinking that his father is a novice, can't understand why his teammates want so badly for them to participate. Then he finds out the truth: as a t...

**Description from Amazon: A little girl and her favorite dress dream of an extraordinary life. They enjoy simple pleasures together on a beautiful Greek island. They watch the sunset, do chores, and pick wildflowers on the way home. One day, the dress and the girl must leave the island and immigrate to the United States. Upo...

FROM SARAH:

Tired of wasting Saturdays doing nothing, the four Melendy children start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club (I.S.A.A.C.). If they pool their resources and take turns spending the whole amount, they can each have at least one memorable Saturday afternoon of their own. Before long, and every Saturday is definitely one to remember. I love this kind of classic big-family tale!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the Melendys, an unforgettable family that lives with their beloved housekeeper in New York City. The Melendy kids are tired of wasting Saturdays, so they start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club. And just what will happen on those Saturdays, I wonder?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On November 21, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons set sail from a small northern Michigan town across Lake Michigan. Affectionately dubbed the "Christmas Tree Ship," this was an annual trek for the Rouse Simmons. With its cargo of Christmas trees, the ship was bound for Chicago. There Captain Herman Scheunemann would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. But the schooner never makes its destination. The Rouse Simmons, with all hands and cargo, disappears into the cold waters. The ship's wreckage is not found until 1971.

FROM SARAH:

This Young Reader's Shakespeare series is a favorite.The series is out of print but still worth hunting down.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet a power hungry Scottish nobleman and his wife and learn the price they pay for violently seizing the Throne in Macbeth. A dark and brooding story filled with ghosts, witches, intrigue, and the decent into madness, Macbeth will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

FROM SARAH:

A quiet celebration of a family farm, settling down for winter. I love how it highlights both the work and the rest that comes with life on a farm. Lovely.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A captivating exploration of how a family gets a farm ready for the snow of winter, Sleep Tight Farm lyrically connects each growing season to the preparations at the very end of the farm year. This beautiful and informative book paints a fascinating picture of what winter means to the farm year and to the family that shares its seasons, from spring's new growth, summer's heat, and fall's bounty to winter's well-earned rest.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Follow a wonder-struck bear cub on a day of adventure, which includes dancing in the rain, gazing at gophers, and attempting handstands on the forest floor. Every page of this heartwarming gratitude book is an invitation to slow down, look around, and fully appreciate each tiny, miraculous moment. With magical simplicity, it's filled with timeless life lessons to hold close during any season.

NARRATED BY: Avery Brooks, BEST FOR AGES: 11+

**Description from Amazon: Blobfish lives at the bottom of the ocean with no lights, no friends, and no delicious treats. The only two ways he can think to change this would be to 1) throw a party, or 2) save the world in true hero style. He decides to do the first one.

FROM SARAH:

All of the historical American Girl books are excellent on audio (yep, even my boys enjoy them, and we all learn a whole lot while listening). Highly recommend! Available on (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When her cousin Ana’s family needs money to leave Russia, Rebecca puts on a sidewalk show, but all she earns is a scolding. Once Ana arrives in New York, Rebecca shares her room and her clothes and helps her cousin learn English. But when Ana is assigned to sing with her in a school program, Rebecca’s heart sinks. Ana’s Russian accent will ruin the show! Rebecca realizes her performance is one thing she does not want to share with her cousin. But how can she explain that to Ana?

**Description from Amazon: Fridays at Castle Glower are about to get interesting! With newborn griffins hatching left and right, new Castle passageways to explore, and an out-of-the-blue wedding to plan, life is as exciting as ever for Celie, Lilah, and Rolf. But when the dangerous, ancient wizard Arkwright escapes from the dungeon, no one can rest until he is found. Celie has an idea of where he may be hiding, but the only way to stop him could be to erase parts of the Castle for good. With danger lurking behind every tapestry and under every trapdoor, can Celie outsmart Arkwright fast enough to save her family and Castle Glower?

**Description from Amazon: The first time that ken McLaughlin sees Flicka galloping past him on his family's Wyoming horse ranch, he knows she's the yearling he's been longing for. But Flicka comes from a long line of wild horses, and taming her will take more than Ken could ever have imagined. Soon, Ken is faced with an impo...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This board book tells the story of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, the Lord's Supper, and the crucifixion and resurrection. Illustrations show Jesus as a friend to children while the story, based on the Gospels, simply and gently explains Jesus' death as the means of salvation for mankind.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this luminously illustrated and poetic picture book, a little girl and her father and mother journey by foot and by boat together through the fairy tale wonders of the world they share.

**Description from Amazon: Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL.Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong!BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by s...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Where's Will? Can you spot him? Look carefully, and you'll find him hiding amongst colourful scenes from some of his best-loved plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Twelfth Night. In addition to Will, there are a number of other characters for you to find from each of the ten featured plays.

Each play is summarized so that, as well as having fun, you can become a mini-expert on the world's greatest playwright and some of his finest works.

** 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...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bill Monroe loved many things: playing music, his big family, and his home in the bluegrass state of Kentucky. Even though his eyes were crossed and didn't work right, Bill's ears worked hard, picking out all sorts of sounds around his treasured home: rushing streams, wailing winds, and sundown jamborees with his family.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely collection of thoughts from Madeleine L'Engle, especially poignant for mothers and/or writers. If blogs had been a thing during Madeleine's time, this would have been a blog.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The beloved author of A Wrinkle in Time takes an introspective look at her life and muses on creativity in this memoir, the first of her Crosswicks Journals.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

While the rest of her classmates were making pastries in cooking classes, Mary Nohl was making art—anything she fancied out of anything she could find. Inspiration struck Mary even when she wasn’t looking for it. Mary used common objects to make uncommon art. And one day, her garden was a galler...

FROM SARAH:

Beautifully illustrated and so very nostalgic, this timeless Christmas story reminds us that even when something we love is lost, it remains part of our hearts forever! It's the perfect read-aloud for snuggling under your own tree.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A heartwarming, nostalgic Christmas classic to be shared across generations

The old apple tree that stands near the Ansterburgs’ barn house is an important part of their lives. Its sweet, juicy apples go into pies, applesauce, lunch pails, and even decorate their annual Christmas tree. It’s also a favorite place for Katrina. There’s a special branch where she can sit and draw and dream. The branch is her studio.

But then an ice storm brings down the old tree, splitting it down the middle. There’s nothing left to do but chop it up for firewood. As Katrina listens to her father sawing at the tree, she’s angry and resentful. Doesn’t her father know she can’t draw without her beloved tree? Not even the upcoming Christmas holiday can cheer Katrina. Can anything make her feel better?

Inspired by the author’s childhood memories, this tender story reveals the joy of a very special gift and the love between a daughter and father.

FROM SARAH:

We loved the story of this quirky homeschool and the boy who desperately needs it! (Heads-up that there is an adult side-character who reads cards.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jake Semple is notorious. Rumor has it he managed to get kicked out of every school in Rhode Island, and actually burned the last one down to the ground. Only one place will take him now, and that's a homeschool run by the Applewhites, a chaotic and hilarious family of artists: poet Lucille, theater director Randolph, dancer Cordelia, and dreamy Destiny. The only one who doesn't fit the Applewhite mold is E.D.—a smart, sensible girl who immediately clashes with the defiant Jake.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This gripping story, written in sparse first-person, free-verse poems, is the compelling tale of Billie Jo's struggle to survive during the dust bowl years of the Depression. With stoic courage, she learns to cope with the loss of her mother and her grieving father's slow deterioration.

**Description from Amazon: From the beloved husband-and-wife team of The Gardener, a Caldecott Honor BookAnnabelle Bernadette Clementine DoddWas a good little girl, though decidedly odd.Belle lived every day as if she were grown --She thought she could do everything all on her own.Lucky for Belle, she has a friend at home, a ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bravery has many meanings. Jerome's mom is a sailor. When her ship is in home port, she and Jerome bake cookies, read books together, and take their dog, Duffy, for walks. When his mom's ship goes to sea, she gives Jerome a hug and says, "Be brave, Jerome. I'll be back as soon as I can." Jerome doesn't feel brave at all. But he does what he needs to do every day—goes to school, helps his dad with chores, and takes care of Duffy. Then one day he learns that bravery means something very different than he thought it did.

**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...

**Description from Amazon: Hard Times by Charles Dickens

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this collection of eleven essays, Berry confronts head-on the necessity of clear thinking and direct action. Never one to ignore the present challenge, he understands that only clearly stated questions support the understanding their answers require. For more than fifty years we've had no better spokesman and no more eloquent advocate for the planet, for our families, and for the future of our children and ourselves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Angelina Ballerina is the picture book that first introduced Angelina to her adoring fans. This tiny dancer has proved to have enormous staying power—she has been a hugely popular character for more than twenty years.

**Description from Amazon: "[In this] story of a young Ojibwa girl, Omakayas, living on an island in Lake Superior around 1847, Louise Erdrich is reversing the narrative perspective used in most children's stories about nineteenth-century Native Americans. Instead of looking out at 'them' as dangers or curiosities, Erdrich, d...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After helping baby decorate the family tree, Carl and his charge share an adventure-filled Christmas Eve complete with window shopping, giving to the needy, and a visit with Santa Claus.

FROM SARAH:

I love this whole series from Kenard Pak! Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creeps across windows, everyone knows―winter is on its way! Join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Describes life in a big city and on a farm near a village.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What is muchness? And how do you find it? Muchness is the full-hearted abundance of hope, joy, and imagination that each of us has when we come into this world. Over time, as we take on more responsibilities and worries, our doubts and fears have a way of growing with us. And because of this, we can lose much of our muchness. This little book is about finding it again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing.

But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again...

Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves

**Description from Amazon: If your hands can mix and mash, what job might you have? What if your hands reach, wrench, yank, and crank? The hands in this book―and the people attached to them―do all sorts of helpful work.

**Description from Amazon: There is never a dull moment for Celie and her family in Castle Glower--even when they're not in the Castle itself! After traveling to the seaside kingdom of Lilah's betrothed prince, Lulath, Celie and her companions are busy training griffins, enjoying wedding festivities, and finishing construction of a grand ship built from parts of the Castle. But on their maiden voyage, the Ship steers them far off course into uncharted waters. Celie and Lilah hope that the Ship is taking them to the ancient island where unicorns once roamed, but as the journey grows longer and supplies run low, they are in trouble. Celie, Lilah, and Rolf know they must trust the Ship as they trust the Castle, but what if they never reach land again?

FROM SARAH:

I don't know what I was expecting when I read aloud this book for the first time, but I laughed the whole way through!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Once upon a time a poor unfortunate man lived with his mother, his wife, and his six children in a one-room hut.Because they were so crowded, the children often fought and the man and his wife argued. . .

FROM SARAH:

One of Patricia Polacco's best (and that's saying something!). Perfect for an Easter read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Old Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket...

FROM SARAH:

Lovely illustrations that make you pine for the ocean. Don't miss my conversation with author, Max Lucado, on the podcast - RAR #240: Nourishing a Child's Heart with Books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Best-selling author Max Lucado helps young children grasp the unending love of God in this beautifully illustrated story of discovery and wonder in exploring the amazing world that God has made.

**Description from Amazon: Early one morning, a young boy wakes to the light of his alarm clock. He puts on his hearing aids and clothes, then goes to wake his father. Together they brave the cold as they walk down the dirt road that leads to the beach. Lakin’s understated story reminds readers that sometimes the best way t...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How did a poor boy named Edson—who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags—go on to become the greatest soccer player of all time? Here is the story of the boy who with great determination, lightning speed, and amazing skill overcame tremendous odds to become the world champion soccer star Pelé. Talented author/illustrator team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome bring his inspirational story vibrantly to life.

Narnia...where the owls speak, where evil weaves a spell, where sorcery enslaves the land.
Narnia is in peril, and only Eustace and Jill can help. Along with Puddlegum, a gloomy but valiant Marsh-wiggle, they are sent by the mighty lion Aslan to find Prince Rilian, heir to the throne. Their quest l...

FROM THE RAR TEAM:

A beautifully told picture book biography that introduces us to C. S. “Jack” Lewis as a child. We see glimpses of some of his dearest memories and most really difficult moments throughout life. A wonderful addition to your home library for any Narnia fan!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lyrical nonfiction picture book about the inspired life of C. S. Lewis, the beloved author of the Chronicles of Narnia—from Free as a Bird author-illustrator Lina Maslo. Perfect for fans of The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown and Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White.

FROM SARAH:

A Goldilocks story, but under the sea off the coast of Okinawa, illustrated as only Jan Brett can.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.