Books

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:

An ideal springtime wordless story, especially for dog-lovers

Recommended for ages 3-10.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Across the barnyard, Pip the chick spots a new friend to play with―Pup! But Pup isn't sure he likes how Pip plays―too rough. These two friends will weather the storm though. A bright, fun celebration of spring and friendship!

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.

From the publisher:

Learn to make art like the masters with art masterclass! In each book, undertake 12 lessons including drawing, coloring, and sketching activities that are designed to show you how the artist worked. Like Monet, you'll use dabs and strokes to show light, do a painting outside, and use bright colors to show different times of day. Then you can use everything you’ve learnt to create your masterpiece on the pull-out poster at the back using the sticker sheet.

What can you find in a poem about a robin's nest? Irene Latham masterfully discovers "nestlings" or smaller poems about an astonishing variety of subjects--emotions, wild animals, natural landmarks on all seven continents, even planets and constellations.

Wild Peace follows a girl whose imagination helps her escape her frenzied home and discover the joys of nature. After enjoying the serenity of the forest, she is finally ready to return to her family, where peace welcomes all that is wild, and kisses the forehead of every child.

Real pet dogs are a thing of the past: after they were found to be carriers of a sickness the government ordered them all killed. But one day an incredible antique shows up at the farm: a D-39 robodog, "Real as a dog can be!" Klynt is overjoyed, but the good luck doesn't last.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frank has always been obsessed with elephants. He loves their hosepipe trunks, tree stump feet, and swish-swish tails. So when Miss Fancy, the elephant, retires from the circus and moves two blocks from his house to Avondale Park, he's over the moon! Frank really wants to pet her.

Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don't know each other . . . and they're not sure they want to.

Spend a day at a water hole on the African grasslands. From dawn to nightfall, animals come and go. Giraffes gulp, wildebeest graze, impalas leap, vultures squabble, and elephants wallow.

Experience summer like you've never experienced it before by traveling to Antarctica with evocative poetry. The sun rises, ice melts, grass grows, seals squabble, whales sing, and young penguins slide, glide, and belly flop.

FROM SARAH:

The truth of the matter is that if Eliza Wheeler illustrated it, then I adore it and want to add it to my home collection. 😍 This one is perfect for a baby shower gift or a toddler's birthday.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With a loving mama, a trumpeting herd, curious cousins, and even some dancing peacocks heralding this little one’s arrival, it is apparent that the joy and wonder a new baby brings is shared by all!

FROM SARAH:

A perfect picture book to pair with your World War II studies!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

World War II is in full force across the seas. It's 1943, President Roosevelt is in office, and Diana's father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief advisor. And Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some well-intentioned missteps, the President requests her help with his newest plan for the country's survival: Victory Gardens!

FROM SARAH:

I loved this one! It's the best kind of book about a nonfiction topic—lovely illustrations, wonderful storytelling, and worthy of a good rainy afternoon's reading.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A farmer and her son carefully plant seeds in their garden. In the wild garden, many seeds are planted too, but not by farmers’ hands. Different kinds of animals transport seeds, often without knowing it. Sometimes rain washes seeds away to a new location. And sometimes something extraordinary occurs.

FROM SARAH: 

A beautiful gardening book that is unique and heartwarming. I love multigenerational stories like this.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every summer, Mayumi visits her grandfather in Japan, and they tend the garden together. Raking the gravel is her favorite part. Afterward, the two of them sit on a bench and enjoy the results of their efforts in happy silence. But then one summer, everything changes.

FROM SARAH:

A sweet book, especially for any cat-lovers in your family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Two cats lead the way as young readers learn how to choose seeds, dig holes, and water their plants to create their own peaceful garden. From carrots and lettuce to sunflowers and daisies, this is a garden that children will be eager to plant and tend.

Illustrated in full color. The animals on this farm have nothing to fear from the blizzard--they're snugly nestled away in their barn. With a soothing, rhymed text reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown, here's a cozy tour through a wintertime haven that will lull little ones off to dreamland.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse--Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him.

Science is everywhere, in everything we do, see, and read. Books-all books-offer possibilities for talk about science in the illustrations and text once you know how to look for them.

Young naturalists explore a variety of birds, their habitats, and how their beaks help them build, eat, and survive.  From the twisted beak of a crossbill to the color changing bill of a seagull, readers will learn fun facts about how beaks are designed and used as tools by birds of all shapes and sizes.

Children are invited to feast their eyes on bridges from around the world that carried llamas loaded with firewood, let people dance over lazy rivers, and some that were for defending castles.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This beautifully designed book aimed at Kindergarten to Fifth Grade teachers highlights seventeen works of children’s literature, both fiction and non-fiction, that provide a springboard into biological concepts such as seed dispersal, soil composition, and the interrelationships of animals and plants. Published under the auspices of the National Gardening Association, Books in Bloom is a model of how connections between content areas can and should be developed. Full colored and accurate illustrations by Suzanne LeGault give the book immediate eye- appeal inviting teachers, parents, and children into indoor and outdoor adventures in literature and science.

FROM SARAH:

I met the author of these books at a conference years ago. I love that they are like Bob Books, but with better illustrations (in full color!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

10 Books plus a Parent Guide Book. Phonics based lesson page in each book followed by a 10 page story your child will love. 

FROM SARAH:

Tim Egan's charming tales of Dodsworth around the world are worth adding to your collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dodsworth and his duck have just arrived in London via hot air balloon. There is so much to see!

FROM SARAH:

Tim Egan's charming tales of Dodsworth around the world are worth adding to your collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dodsworth wanted adventure. He wanted to see the world. He especially wanted to visit New York City. What he didn’t want was to be joined by a duck. A crazy duck. A duck that misbehaves.

FROM SARAH:

Oh, how I *laughed* my way through this book the first time my kids read it to me! Bound to be a classic. Hilarious.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a trio of stories for beginning readers, author David LaRochelle introduces the excitable Max, who lets the book know in irresistibly emphatic dialogue that the text is not to his liking.

FROM SARAH:

Oh my goodness, these books are *so* funny. My boys especially loved them. (Note: the humor in these books is definitely geared toward 5-year-old boys, so don't be too surprised if your kids like them more than you do!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A perfect read-aloud with snappy, rhythmic text, this series will bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books and fill the Elephant-and-Piggie-shaped hole in young readers' hearts.