Books

FROM SARAH:

An unusual story set in a lovely wordless picture book. Older kids may also enjoy this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jenn’s beloved dog was lost sometime ago. Long enough that she has given up the search. But she still misses her friend. One day she finds a lost dog. She takes him in and despite a rocky start, she grows to love him. Until she spots his picture on a missing poster.

**Description from the publisher: First published posthumously in 1817, “Northanger Abbey” was actually the first finished novel that Jane Austen wrote. It is the story of seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland, one of ten children of a country clergyman, who imagines life as living in one of the Gothic novels with which she is excessively fond of reading. When she is invited by her wealthy neighbors, the Fullertons, to accompany them to the spa town of Bath she experiences her first taste of the fashionable upper class society of England. While there she meets the clever young gentleman, Henry Tilney, his sister Eleanor, and their father, the imposing General Tilney. The Tilneys invite Catherine to come stay with them at their estate, the titular Northanger Abbey. Catherine’s naïve over-active imagination quickly leads to embarrassment when she infers some sinister circumstances regarding the lack of emotion that General Tilney shows for the loss of his deceased wife. Eventually she realizes that real life is not at all like that of a Gothic novel. Noted for the insight it gives to Austen’s one opinions of the literature of her day, “Northanger Abbey” is both a satirical parody of the gothic romance novel and the story of a young girl’s maturation into womanhood. This edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson.

From the publisher: A landmark achievement as expansive, erudite, and passionate as its renowned author, this book is the culmination of a lifetime of reading, writing about, and teaching Shakespeare.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love. Theseus and Hippolyta, about to marry, are figures from mythology. In the woods outside Theseus’s Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves out into couples—but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another.

Also in the woods, the king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy; Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, whose head is temporarily transformed into that of a donkey by a hobgoblin or “puck,” Robin Goodfellow. Finally, Bottom and his companions ineptly stage the tragedy of “Pyramus and Thisbe.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

They called her "Minty." When she grew up, she became Harriet Tubman, the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

FROM SARAH:

What could be worse than a creature who comes in the night and steals away. . . .your books? Sweet, funny, and perfect for book-lovers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A brilliantly written, laugh-out-loud rhyming text about books and the joy of reading in the vein of New York Times bestsellers It's a Book, How Rocket Learned to Read, and Dog Loves Books.

FROM SARAH:

I stumbled across this book in a bookstore and read it to myself, laughing aloud (and garnering the attention of the bookseller while I was at it). :) A delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . .

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Auggie and his magical companions are tending to the Fabled Stables when the building shakes and shudders to make room for a new arrival: the Tattle-Tail. Auggie assumes that the Tattle-Tail is in danger, but he learns that it's actually the town that needs rescuing . . . from an infestation of Tattle-Tails!

From the publisher: Teach a child letter sounds with Bob Books Set 1! With four letters in the first story, children can read a whole book. Consistent new sounds are added gradually, until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabet (except Q). Short vowels and three-letter words in simple sentences make Bob Books Set 1 a fun confidence builder. With little books, come big success. (TM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Lizzie's parents are granted their freedom from slavery, Mama says its time for Lizzie and her brother Paul to go to a real school—a new one, built just for them. Lizzie can't wait. The scraps of learning she has picked up here and there have just made her hungry for more.

The walk to school is long. Some days it's rainy, or windy, or freezing cold. Sometimes there are dangers lurking along the way, like angry white folks with rocks, or mysterious men on horseback. The schoolhouse is still unpainted, and its very plain, but Lizzie has never seen a prettier sight. Except for maybe the teacher, Mizz Howard, who has brown skin, just like her. They've finally made it to Freedom's School. But will it be strong enough to stand forever?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A window into a child's experience of the Great Migration from the award-winning creators of Before She Was Harriet and Finding Langston.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The National Football League is the most popular sports league in the United States. Its championship game, the Super Bowl, is watched by millions of people every year. But it wasn’t always like this. In the last one hundred years, football has changed from a poorly organized, often overlooked sport to America’s favorite pastime. Here are the stories of that remarkable transformation. The stories of the greatest players, the most successful coaches, the most memorable games—and the amazing plays that made us gasp as we watched them in stadiums and on televisions all over America.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every single morning, the overseer of the plantation rings the bell. Daddy gathers wood. Mama cooks. Ben and the other slaves go out to work. Each day is the same. Full of grueling work and sweltering heat. Every day, except one, when the bell rings and Ben is nowhere to be found. Because Ben ran. Yet, despite their fear and sadness, his family remains hopeful that maybe, just maybe, he made it North. That he is free.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

No one pitched like Leroy "Satchel" Paige. Fans packed the stands to see how many batters he could strike out in one game. He dazzled them with his unique pitching style, and he even gave nicknames to some of his trademark pitches -- there was the "hesitation," his magic slow ball, and the "bee ball," named because it would always "be" where he wanted it to be.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"This simply told story highlights such everyday events as eating oatmeal and walking to the store, aptly capturing a small child's sense of pleasure in imitating an older sibling...A universal story that features a warm and loving black family." - School Library Journal

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This treasure trove of lavishly illustrated stories comes from different regions in Africa. In "Anansi," an uproarious story from Ghana, the tables are turned on lazy Anansi. "The Boy Who Wanted the Moon," set in the Congo, explains why there are monkeys in the world. "Shansa Mutongo Shima," a thrilling story of the Tabura people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reveals the dangers of judging by appearances. In "The Roof of Leaves," from the Congo, a married couple learns a lesson about anger and forgiveness. "The Wedding Basket," set in Nigeria, is a cautionary tale about taboos. In "The Talking Skull," from Cameroon, a foolish man learns too late the wisdom of keeping his mouth shut.

FROM SARAH:

This book is balm for the homeschooling soul. It tells the story of a girl named Fred who attends a one-room schoolhouse in remote Alaska, 1948. We meet the new teacher, Miss Agnes, whose first order of business is to throw out the textbooks and lesson plans, and read aloud Robin Hood instead. ⁣It only gets better from there. 😉⁣

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ten-year-old Frederika (Fred for short) doesn't have much faith that the new teacher in town will last very long. After all, they never do. Most teachers who come to their one-room schoolhouse in remote, Alaska leave at the first smell of fish, claiming that life there is just too hard.

But Miss Agnes is different -- she doesn't get frustrated with her students, and she throws away old textbooks and reads Robin Hood instead! For the first time, Fred and her classmates begin to enjoy their lessons and learn to read and write -- but will Miss Agnes be like all the rest and leave as quickly as she came?

From the publisher: The art and writing of Gwen Frostic are well known in her home state of Michigan and around the world, but this picture book biography tells the story behind Gwen's famous work.

From the publisher: In this book from the best-selling Almost Everything series, kids will find hours of fun, independent drawing practice with tracing and easy steps to learn how to draw almost everything under the sun.

From the publisher: Not sure how to start your drawing of a flamingo or a flying squirrel? Businessman? Bat? Baobab tree? How to Draw Almost Everything is here to help!

From the publisher: The perfect book for budding artists, How to Draw Almost Every Day challenges and inspires you to draw one simple illustration each day of the year.

From the publisher: Pat-a-Cake,” “Simple Simon,” “Rock-a-bye, Baby:” these and the many other rhymes that make up Mother Goose have become almost as much a staple of child-rearing as the rattle and the bottle. Little ones love its mix of lullabies and limericks, humor and sing-song verse, and they learn from it too. Gyo Fujikawa brought her inimitable style to this version, which features a mix of enchanting line drawings and warm color pictures. Adorable mice, led by a duck in uniform, man the boat in “I Saw a Ship a-Sailing.” A multicultural group of children circle round “The Mulberry Bush.” And “The Three Kittens” have never been cuter. Fujikawa has succeeded in creating a truly magical world for kids to enter.

From the publisher: A charming first look at the soft and sweet world of babies.

From the publisher: I’m up! I’m up! It’s going to be a busy day . . .What a special treat! Gyo Fujikawa has concocted a big, beautiful book that goes from morning till night, completely capturing a child’s world along the way.

Filled with silly jingles and fun rhymes; imaginative ideas for games; things for a daydreaming child to think about, and gentle little lessons on kindness and friendship, it will hold kids’ attention for hours. And, as always, Fujikawa’s sweet and appealing art features a diverse group of youngsters and a menagerie of delightful animals.

From the publisher: A is for absolutely adorable! Beloved artist Gyo Fujikawa teaches toddlers their alphabet in a picture-packed A to Z. Each letter is illustrated by a multitude of marvelous things to help build a childs vocabulary, including chicks, chocolate cake, and cuckoo clock for C
and moon, mouse, and monkey for M.
As always, Fujikawa has created a charming collection of cute children and huggable animals of all kinds.

From the publisher: Chubby puppies, furry kittens, fuzzy chicks, downy ducklings: Gyo Fujikawa’s lovable baby animals will captivate children. They’re big (elephants) and small (mice), plump (piglets), and playful (lambs). With each picture, kids learn a little bit about the animal—the sound it makes, how soft it might feel, and what it can do. Plus, they’ll discover something else very important: that very young creatures have to be petted, snuggled, and hugged very gently…just like the children themselves.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely collection of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry, illustrated by the remarkable Gyo Fujikawa. (Don't miss the picture book biography all about Gyo—it would a perfect pairing with this book!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Originally published in 1885, A Child’s Garden of Verses has served as a wonderful introduction to poetry for each new generation. Stevenson’s beloved poems celebrate childhood in all its complexity and joy, from the sunny pleasures of “At the Seaside,” to the imaginative musings of “Foreign Lands” to the playful, ever-popular “My Shadow.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Before becoming one of the greatest violinists of all time, Itzhak Perlman was simply a boy who loved music. Raised by a poor immigrant family in a tiny Tel Aviv apartment, baby Itzhak was transformed by the sounds from his family’s kitchen radio—graceful classical symphonies, lively klezmer tunes, and soulful cantorial chants. The rich melodies and vibrant rhythms spoke to him like magic, filling his mind with vivid rainbows of color.

After begging his parents for an instrument, Itzhak threw his heart and soul into playing the violin. Despite enormous obstacles—including a near-fatal bout of polio that left him disabled for life—Itzhak persevered, honing his extraordinary gift. When he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show at only 13, audiences around the world were mesmerized by the warmth, joy, and passion in every note.

FROM SARAH:

I adore these! They are such a lovely introduction to to our beloved Anne. There are illustrations (done by the talented Abigail Halpin) on every page with lots of white space around the text, making them inviting for developing readers. These books were featured on a Book of the Week.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
The charming first book in a new early-reader series, starring the spirited -- and outspoken -- Anne Shirley as she first arrives at Green Gables.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert need help on their farm, so they've adopted what they hope will be a sturdy, helpful boy. Instead, Matthew finds Anne awaiting him at the train station -- imaginative, brash, redheaded Anne-with-an-e. With her place at the Cuthberts' at risk -- particularly if nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde has anything to say about it -- Anne will have to learn patience, understanding and what it takes to make Green Gables her true home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Giving her baby brother a kiss, brave little Miriam places Moses's basket into the river. With one quick push, she sends him into the water, hoping her wish will come true and her brother will be saved from Pharaoh's orders. But will Pharaoh's daughter arrive in time to rescue him?

From the publisher: A picture-book biography of celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize

A 2021 Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Honor Book
A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book
A 2021 Association of Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book

From the publisher: The Caldecott Honor-winning true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who in the midst of the Syrian Civil War courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo's abandoned cats.

From the publisher: Fans of clever poetry and numbers rejoice! Nine is a book of nine-line poems called nonets, all about the number nine!

FROM SARAH:

I'm not usually a big graphic novel reader, but this one is a perfect exception. And you know what? I think it's even better on audio. One of the best audiobook experiences I've ever had, in fact! It's an immersive dip into Omar Mohamed's true story of being a Somali refugee that will capture your heart. The publisher recommends this one for ages 8-12, but I think it's probably better for ages 12+. Or just listen to it yourself. You'll be glad you did! (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

From the publisher: This beautifully illustrated, oversized guide to the people and technology of the moon landing by award-winning author/illustrator John Rocco (illustrator of the Percy Jackson series) is a must-have for space fans, classrooms, and tech geeks.

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FINALIST • A ROBERT F. SIBERT HONOR BOOK

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Explore the known Universe and consider its mind-boggling scale in this crisply illustrated, well-researched picture book from Caldecott honoree Jason Chin.

FROM SARAH:

A father and son travel all day to find what they need. This very short chapter book pairs well with Ox-Cart Man and can be read with kids of all ages.

Recommended for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.

From the publisher: In the previous book, The Year of Miss Agnes, it’s 1948 and a new teacher comes to teach in the tiny Athabascan village on the Koyukuk River in Alaska. Ten-year-old Fred tells why Miss Agnes is the best teacher they’ve ever had in their one-room school, and different in every way. ln the sequel, Miss Agnes and the Ginger Tom, their wonderful teacher is back. And she’s brought a cat, the first they’ve ever seen. But how long will she stay? Miss Agnes has arranged for her extraordinarily gifted student, Jimmy Sam, to go away to a college prep school “outside.” If he can pass the test. Miss Agnes starts Jimmy on a rigorous program of study for the test and Fred and the others learn right along with him. The whole village is part of Miss Agnes’ school. She’s brought boxes of books and soon everyone in town is reading something from the school bookshelves. And she’s brought a movie projector so the village people can see movies for the first time. The village’s anxiety increases as the school year goes on, waiting for Jimmy’s test. Grandma says it’s hutlaanee, bad luck, to talk about the test, but they can’t help it. If Jimmy doesn’t pass it he will have to leave school next year to do a man’s work with his father and brother, all his dreams of being a scientist come to nothing.

From the publisher: A little Inuit boy discovers there's room for himself and his baby sister on their mother's lap.

FROM SARAH:

This version, by Roger Lancyelyn Green, may be easier to read aloud than the original, by Howard Pyle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The classic story of social justice and outrageous cunning. Robin Hood, champion of the poor and oppressed, stands against the cruel power of Prince John and the brutal Sheriff of Nottingham. Taking refuge in the vast Sherwood Forest with his band of men, he remains determined to outwit his enemies.

An abridged version of Howard Pyle's Robin Hood. Well done, and fairly short.

From the publisher: A group of clever animals find an unusual but warm and furry home during Alaska's long winter in Jan Brett's newest snowy adventure.

FROM SARAH:

No matter the weather, there is always fun to be had outdoors! Read this one when you want to inspire a bit of outdoor play in your kiddos.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Celebrate the four seasons of the year and all of the fun that comes with them with this lyrical, rhyming picture book from the author of I Heart You.

FROM SARAH:

Not the book you are expecting! Check this one out from the library and watch your kids be delighted.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s springtime, and the pond is bursting with new life. There are beaver pups, heron hatchlings, and lots and lots of ducklings. Everyone is out and about, swimming, flapping, chirping, and quacking—except for one family of geese. When, oh when, will their last little one break on out and join the waiting world?

FROM SARAH:

For when you're looking for a fresh look at an old story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A cumulative story that begins with the stone in front of the tomb and ends with a new beginning -- the Resurrection of Christ.

FROM SARAH:

Funny and sweet. Get this one from your local library!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Minerva Louise is enjoying springtime on the farm . . . until she finds some very peculiar eggs. Blue eggs, pink eggs, striped and spotted eggs. And they’re in the strangest places—which hen is laying her eggs on top of fence posts and under the picnic table? Minerva Louise solves the mystery, and fans will delight in the hilarious and triumphant return of their favorite daffy chicken.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely story worth checking out from your library. Be ready to take your kids out for puddle-jumping afterward!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Sarah and her younger brother Charlie go to stay with their grandparents, it rains for days. At first, they have fun exploring inside the big, old house, but eventually they want to explore outside, too. When the storm passes, Sarah, Big T., Charlie and Keeper the dog go exploring. They jump in puddles, draw a puddle map and finally find the biggest puddle in the world.

FROM SARAH:

"School" can mean many different things, and nobody knows his better than a homeschooling family! In this book set in Chad, Africa, the children build a school as their first "lesson." Lovely, inspiring, a joy to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It is the first day of school in Chad, Africa. Children are filling the road. "Will they give us a notebook?" Thomas asks. "Will they give us a pencil? Will I learn to read?" But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson."

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for poetry lovers who are weary of winter and ready for the green promise of spring.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color. Ivy In Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

FROM SARAH:

This one is just fun. :) See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Spring calls in this classic Broadway number, brought to life in a beautiful picture book―perfect for sharing! Jump in puddles, raise umbrellas, and dance with joy through the pages of this visual story. With colorful, springy scenes and the familiar lyrics, this is a beautiful, gift-worthy, feel-good read-aloud.

FROM SARAH: 

Easily one of my top favorite picture book biographies! Barb's masterful, lyrical text and Mary's lush illustrations make this an inspiration and delight to share with young readers. RAR Premium members, don't miss our Family Book Club Guide for this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists--and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any art: a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dyslexia 101 will guide parents as they seek to provide the very best education alternatives for their children; finding effective help and cultivating the many little-known strengths of the dyslexic learner.Marianne Sunderland is a frequent speaker at homeschool conventions, women's groups and schools.

FROM SARAH: 

My top recommendation if you suspect that one (or more) of your children are dyslexic. A quick read that will help you get your head around what dyslexia is, what to do next, and give you hope for your child's future.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From one of the world's preeminent experts on reading and dyslexia, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book available on identifying, understanding, and overcoming reading problems--now revised to reflect the latest research and evidence-based approaches.

FROM SARAH:

I recommend this book for those who have read Dyslexia 101 by Marianne Sunderland, and want to dive deeper.

Katie desperately wants to win the art competition at the gallery. She just has to create a painting in the style of Monet. That should be easy . . . right?
This first introduction to Monet features five of his most magical paintings: The Waterlily Pond, In the Woods at Giverny, Bathers at La Grenouillére, Path Through the Poppies and The Rue Montorguiel, Paris.

This book provides an entertaining and humorous introduction to the famous artist, Claude Monet. Full-color reproductions of the actual paintings are enhanced by Venezia's clever illustrations and story line. With primary sources, maps, timelines, photos and illustrations, this engaging content helps students learn about notable artists of the past

When a young girl meets the famous Claude Monet in his garden at Giverny, she learns the importance of staying true to your own vision. As Ella sketches, Monet talks about his life, career, and his technique. And he explains the idea of Impressionism in a way that will make children not only understand the genre, but also want to imitate it themselves.

In November 1885, impressionist painter Claude Monet vacationed in Étretat, France, where he spent his days outside, painting scenes of the seaside village. One morning he rose early and carried all of his supplies and half-finished paintings out to the cliffs and rocky beach, finally stopping to paint the arch called Manneporte. Eager to capture the scene before him, and aware that he must work quickly to catch the light, Monet became so engrossed in his work that he forgot to watch the incoming tide

Linnea has been in Paris. And she has visited the painter Claude Monet's garden! She even stood on the same little Japanese bridge that Monet painted so often in his pictures. In Paris, Linnea got to see many of the real paintings. Now she can understand what it means to be called an Impressionist, and she knows a lot about Monet's life in the pink house where he lived with his eight children.

Based on the beloved series of water lily paintings by Claude Monet, this children's book draws readers into the atmosphere and colors of Monet's garden at Giverny, where a lovely but vain frog tries to insert herself into the artist's work. When Antoinette, a comely young frog, learns that a famous artist is searching for beautiful flowers to paint, she is determined to get in the picture.