FROM SARAH:
After visiting India and encountering the Bengal tiger, Jan knew she had to make the stunning creature the focus of this lively story. She says, “I came across the Persian tale about the Abu Kassem's slippers cut into a wonderful novel, a story within a story. Fascinated by the timeless wisdom in the tale, how things in our past inform our present and future. I was inspired to retell the story and set it in the kaleidoscopic world of the Mughal courts.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Jan Brett reimagines a powerful Middle Eastern folk tale that celebrates hard work and appreciating your roots.

**Description from Amazon: Get the inside story on the famous fortress in the heart of Moscow that has withstood fires, invaders, and revolutions for almost seven hundred years.Lined by nineteen beautiful towers, the high walls of the Kremlin enclose colorful domed cathedrals, treasure-filled museums, and the Russian capitol....

FROM SARAH:

These Little House adaptations in picture book form are exquisitely done. I own every one of them and love them all.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This My First Little House book introduces Almanzo Wilder, the young boy from Farmer Boy who would one day marry Laura Ingalls. Winter has come to the Wilder family farm in upstate New York. Almanzo goes through his afternoon barn chores, and then sits down to eat a hearty farm supper with his family.

FROM SARAH:

I do love when a classic can be turned into a lovely graphic novel, and here's a great example! My boys, especially, loved this.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Green-growing secrets and powerful magic await you at Misselthwaite Manor, now reimagined in this bewitching graphic novel adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved tale. From Mariah Marsden, author of the critically acclaimed Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel, comes the second installment in this series of retold children's classics.

FROM SARAH:

The best Valentine's Day book on this list, easily. A funny and charming tale about what it means to love and be loved. Add it to your permanent collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. "Somebody loves you," the note says. "Somebody loves me!" Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room. "Somebody loves me!"

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel set in Puritanical Boston in the mid-17th century. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed and ostracized for having a child out of wedlock. Hester is forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her clothing to signify her status as an adulterer. As she struggles to survive in a Puritanical society that is unforgiving of her sins, Hester is eventually able to redeem herself through her strong will and determination. The novel examines themes of sin, guilt, and repentance in a powerful way. Throughout the novel, readers are able to explore the inner workings of Hester's mind and understand the consequences of her actions and how they affected those around her.

FROM SARAH:

An engaging and delightful story of a relatively unknown self-taught natural scientist.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

**Description from Amazon: Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, arrives in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina approaches and residents start to evacuate the city. Ranger meets Clare Porter, who is searching for her grandmother. Once Ranger helps Clare find Nana, he takes shelter with them...

NARRATED BY: Jason Alexander, David Hyde Pierce, Michael McKean, BEST FOR AGES: 2+

FROM SARAH:

This one comes up again and again in podcast episodes! The first in Ralph Moody’s autobiographical series, this is a wonderful father-son story. Note: Does contain a few mature words that begin with H and D.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A classic celebration of childhood, A. A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young is a collection of poems that have touched the hearts of readers for more than 90 years. His verses sing with a playful innocence, weaving together the worlds of reality and enchanting make-believe. Published two years before Winnie-the-Pooh, careful readers will also discover the very first appearance of the Best Bear in All the World. These treasured poems are perfectly matched by Ernest Shepard's whimsical illustrations, which have delighted countless readers.

FROM SARAH: 

Absolutely STUNNING illustrations bring life to one of the lesser-known Greek myths in this beautiful picture book. While this story holds all the drama, romance, and jealousy of the Ancient Greek myths, it's gentle enough for readers 4 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Perhaps the greatest love story of all, Cupid and Psyche is unsurpassed in its richness and drama. Marie Craft's lively, suspenseful retelling of this classic Greek myth will appeal to young and old alike. And these legendary lovers have inspired forty lush luminous paintings by award-winning artist Kinuko Craft.

FROM SARAH:

Do yourself a favor and add this whole collection of Little House picture book adaptations to your home library! The text is faithful to the original, and Renée Graef's illustrations are a perfect pairing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

With this illustrated adaptation from the beloved Little House series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved classics. Winter has come to the Big Woods! Laura and Mary help Ma with chores around the house. When the frost comes, they draw pictures in their windows. Renee Graef’s illustrations are based on Garth Williams’ classic artwork.

**Description from Amazon: Abigail Thaddeus is aware of her borderline geek status--which only keeps her secretly yearning for a life of fame and adventure. But as an eighth-grader in the tiny town of Westbrook, tucked away in her grandparents' ramshackle old mansion, her chances for glory are slim. That is, until she discove...

**Description from Amazon: The first comprehensive collection of the beloved and bestselling Peanuts’ 70+ characters. The Complete Peanuts Family Album covers the Peanuts universe of characters and icons.People around the world recognize Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. And Peanuts enthusiasts know Peggy Jean, Roy, and Spik...

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful, nearly wordless book that follows a family of bears through the coldest season of the year. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This charming and highly original story reveals what happens at a vacation cottage once the summer visitors have left for the winter. With fewer than two dozen words, the story is told primarily in pictures. Children and adults will revel in the activities of a family of bears that takes up residence in the empty camp.

FROM SARAH:

This may be the book that is most recommended to homeschoolers, set in the middle ages... and for good reason! It's the story of a young boy's life during the middle ages after he loses the use of his legs. The language can be slightly hard to keep up with, so I tend to recommend it for ages 8+. The audiobook narrated by Roger Rees is especially well done!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone.

A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.”

Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

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

FROM SARAH:

Both my boys and my girls have loved this short historical novel about a young girl's yearning to settle into her new home on the frontier.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ann Hamilton's family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This giftable box set contains paperback editions of the Newbery Honor-winning Charlotte's Web, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal-winning Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan—three beloved, timeless classics by E. B. White, with black-and-white illustrations by Garth Williams and Fred Marcellino.

**Description from Amazon: FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. On Christmas Eve, Jack and Annie's tree house transports them to King Arthur's castle at Camelot, where they undertake a quest to the castle of the Otherworld.

FROM SARAH:

Maybe it's my deep love for roller coasters that makes this book so much fun, but I bet it has more to do with Marla Frazee's hysterical illustrations. A fun and delightful book. Who in the roller coaster is most like YOU?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Clickity, clackity.
Clickity, clackity.

The roller coaster car is going up, up, up to the highest spot. And at least one of the people in the car has never ridden on a roller coaster before . . . ever. Wheeeeeeee!

FROM SARAH:

If you're looking for a cozy tale to whisk you away to a small village full of tea, freshly baked cakes, and stacks of books, this is it. It's a quiet story, not a page-turner. Perfect for cold winter days, I think.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Prudencia Prim is a young woman of intelligence and achievement, with a deep knowledge of literature and several letters after her name. But when she accepts the post of private librarian in the village of San Ireneo de Arnois, she is unprepared for what she encounters there.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Told in her own words, My Own Two Feet is Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary’s second heartfelt and relatable memoir.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In this amazing new book, Peter Sís employs the artist's lens to give us an extraordinary view of the life of Galileo Galilei. Sís tells his story in language as simple as a fairy tale, in pictures as rich and tightly woven as a tapestry, and in Galileo's own words, written more than 350 years ago and still resonant with truth. This title has Common Core connections.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

We all experience anxiety, but we don’t have to let worry and fear control our lives. Anxious for Nothing, from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for coping with and healing from anxiety. Complete with Lucado’s signature storytelling and relatable anecdotes, Anxious for Nothing invites you to study Philippians 4:6-7—the most highlighted passage of the Bible and any book on the planet according to Amazon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sit back and travel the universe through the imagination of Walt Whitman. From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of the cosmos, from the songs of America’s workers to the plight of America’s slaves, you’re about to embark on an experience you’ll never forget!

FROM SARAH:

This was the first book I wrote—and I wrote it because I needed it myself. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or out of your depth in homeschooling (or parenting), I hope you'll read it. The audiobook is an especially good price.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for them and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home. Yet so many parents (mainly mothers) who have taken up this challenge find the enterprise often full of stress, worry, and anxiety. In this practical and faith-based book, Sarah Mackenzie addresses the possibility of teaching from rest and taking hold of the peace that transcends all understanding.

FROM SARAH:

Ezra Jack Keats, who brought us Peter from The Snowy Day, takes us on another ordinary, yet magical, adventure through the eyes of a young boy who wants to learn to whistle for his dog. The vibrant illustrations and relatable story are just timeless!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The (wonderful) author of The Snowy Day. Oh, how Peter wished he could whistle! Then he could whistle for his dog, Willie, and Willie could come running.

**Description from Amazon: “The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory.” —The New York Times Book Review Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the y...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home?

**Description from Amazon: Anne Miranda’s inventive twist on a classic rhyme tells what happens after a shopper goes “to market, to market, to buy a fat pig.” Back home the pig promptly escapes, and soon the pig’s in the kitchen, the lamb’s on the bed, the cow’s on the couch--and the rest of the animals are wreaki...

FROM SARAH:

Some of us are more enthusiastic about starting than we are about finishing. 🙋🏼‍♀️ If that's you, read this book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

If you’re tired of being a chronic starter and want to become a consistent finisher, you have two options: You can continue to beat yourself up and try harder, since this time that will work. Or you can give yourself the gift of done.

**Description from Amazon: Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson brings her signature action-packed narrative style to one of the most crucial battles of WWII.The WWII invasion known as D-Day was the largest military endeavor in history. By June 6, 1944, Hitler and his allies had a strong grip on the European continent, where...

FROM SARAH:

Here's what I know: if Cynthia Rylant wrote it, then I want to read it. This is a lovely poetic tribute to snow, perfect for a cozy winter read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Cynthia Rylant’s lyrical descriptions of the sights and feelings evoked by falling snow blend gorgeously with the rich and beautiful world created by Lauren Stringer’s illustrations, in which a young girl, her friend, and her grandmother enjoy the many things a snowy day has to offer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of Northern Britain―and they were never seen again. Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It's a mystery that's never been solved, until now . . .

Marcus Aquila has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Madeline Finn is training her dog Star to become a therapy dog. Will they pass the test? A beautiful story of empathy, perseverance, and community from Lisa Papp.

FROM SARAH:

A small, sweet tale, worth seeking out at your library for Valentine's Day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Step out into a snowy Valentine’s Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

FROM SARAH:

A collection of fables first told by the Greek slave & philosopher Aesop, combined with lush, rich illustrations by Jerry Pinkney.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this elegantly designed volume, more than sixty of Aesop's timeless fables have been carefully selected, humorously retold, and brought gloriously to life by four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Jerry Pinkney.

FROM SARAH:
There is nothing more cozy and comforting than curling up with James Herriot’s stories of the animals in the Yorkshire countryside. This is a forever-favorite and deserves a spot on everyone’s shelf.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot's marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every patient that came his way from smallest to largest, and observing animals and humans alike with his keen, loving eye.

**Description from Amazon: The Professor and the Madman, masterfully researched and eloquently written, is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary -- and literary history. The compilation of the OED began in 1857, it ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

One special day is Almanzo's birthday. He gets to stay home from school, and even better, Father gives him a yoke for his calves, Star and Bright, and a beautiful hand-sled. Almanzo spends the morning learning how to break the calves, and then he spends the afternoon flying down the hill in his brand-new sled.

FROM SARAH:

A story reminiscent of novels such as Number the Stars and Snow Treasure, this story unfolds in the German-occupied Netherlands during World War II. Piet dreams of completing the same skating race as his hero, Pim Mulier, who was the first to skate the Elfstedentocht (a famous race that goes through eleven towns along frozen canals). Piet is now called upon to undertake the race of his life–rescuing two children in dangerous circumstances. A longer picture book for multiple sittings, this is an inspiring story of courage!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1941 Piet, a young Dutch boy from Sluis, gets the assignment of a lifetime: He must skate along the frozen canals of the Netherlands and across the Belgian border, in order to guide two neighborhood children to their aunt's house in Brugge, where the children will remain for the duration of World War II. Their father has been taken by German soldiers, and the children are no longer safe in Sluis -- but the journey with Piet, past soldiers and enemies, is fraught with danger.

FROM SARAH:

Will Hillenbrand's illustrations would have been my favorite, if I had seen them as a child. This snowy story is a cozy read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One wintry day, a hat lands on the head of a newly made snowman and brings him to life. Hiding inside the hat is a rabbit, who listens to the snowman read a story to some animal friends. When the snowman falls asleep, the rabbit hops away with the book. But the snowman isn't about to let his story—or the mischievous rabbit—get away. The chase is on!

**Description from Amazon: The big hand of the clock is at 12.The little hand is at 7.It is seven o' clock.It is bedtime for Frances.It may be bedtime for Frances, but before Frances can sleep, she needs a glass of milk, a kiss from Father, one from Mother, her teddy bear, her doll, another kiss from Father, and another one f...

**Description from Amazon: With his German family, Eli crosses the Atlantic on The Charming Nancy. From Philadelphia, oxen pull their wagon into Penn's Woods, where they make their new home in the Skippack area. Eli loves outdoor work and play, but Mom says he must go to school. Though Eli expects the teacher to be cross, Mas...

Available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Tree-ear is fascinated by the celedon ware created in the village of Ch’ulp’o. He is determined to prove himself to the master potter, Min—even if it means making a solitary journey to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission...or arriving at the royal court with nothing but a single celadon shard.

FROM SARAH:

We can't get enough of Mercy Watson around here, and these chapter books from Kate DiCamillo take the Deckawoo delights to a whole 'nother level! These make for fun read-alouds or audiobooks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The first three tales of Kate DiCamillo’s hilarious and heartfelt Deckawoo Drive series are collected in a convenient, affordable bind-up. Dive into a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A beautifully restrained tribute to trust and tenderness shared by siblings; an entrepreneurship how-to that celebrates the thrill of the marketplace without shying away from its cold realities; and a parable about persistence. --Publishers Weekly

FROM SARAH:

This whole series sparks a lot of imaginative play. It's short and easy to read, but it also makes for a good read-alone for kids who are just getting fluent in their reading skills! I often read the first one aloud and then the kids want to read the rest on their own.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Introduce a new generation of readers to the Boxcar Children® chapter books with this classic boxed set, featuring the first four books in the series. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden are four brave siblings who were searching for a home when they discovered a life of mystery and adventure!

FROM SARAH:

his beautifully poetic exploration of nature encourages young readers to discover the wild in unexpected places. I'm a *major* fan of Abigail Halpin's art.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lovely, lyrical picture book with gorgeous illustrations that explores the ways the wild makes itself known to us and how much closer it is than we think.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A masterful, new translation of a perennial classic, now available in pocket size! The Confessions of Saint Augustine is considered the all time number one Christian classic. Augustine undertook his greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The Confessions are, in fact, an extended poetic, passionate, intimate prayer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Trying something new is never easy. Like walking, for instance. But aren't you sick of sitting on your bottom day in and day out? Hasn't lying around all the time become a little bit boring? This handy guide, both practical and inspirational, is here to help.

FROM SARAH:

Haley is a delightful person, and I don't know too many people who are as well acquainted with Jane Austen as she is! Haley insists there's not better life coach than Jane herself, and she makes her case in this book. (This book is distinctly Catholic ✝️ )

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In this uniquely Catholic take, Stewart reveals Austen’s thoughtful, deeply personal exploration of human relationships—including with God—through her six novels. Stewart’s insights take you on a journey that is both literary and spiritual, revealing how Austen’s characters and themes can lead to you to discover and become the person God has called you to be.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Florida Everglades are made up of nine different ecosystems supporting an astonishing variety of wildlife―panthers, manatees, snails, frogs, and a rainbow of bird species. But for years, the Everglades were threatened. They needed a voice to speak up for them. Marjory Stoneman Douglas became that voice.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bébinn is raised alongside her white half sister—until her father suddenly dies. His vindictive wife refuses twelve-year-old Jeannette her inheritance and sells her into slavery.

Now on her own, Jeannette must fight the injustices she faces because of her mixed race. She escapes enslavement and travels from Mississippi to Philadelphia to New York to Ohio, all while searching for purpose, love, and her place in a country torn asunder by the burgeoning Civil War.

Everything seems to fall into place when she meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves where Jeannette teaches. But despite their instant connection, Jeannette isn’t convinced she belongs in his circle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Boston's Little House GirlMeet Charlotte Tucker, the little girl who would grow up to be Laura Ingalls Wilder's grandmother.Winter is coming, and Charlotte's days are filled with cornhusking and candle dipping and helping Mama mind baby Mary.

NARRATED BY: Virginia Leishman, DIRECTIONS: "Buy" the Kindle version for free, then select "Add Audible narration for .99" BEST FOR AGES: 6+

FROM SARAH:

The book that turned me into reader in the 3rd grade. I love this book! The audiobook is also especially well done, as is the movie.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a menacing, kid-hating headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!