Books

FROM SARAH:

This is one of the first board books that I never got tired of reading and re-reading. I remember all those years ago wondering what made it different from the other board books in our family collection. Now I know it's the lyrical prose, beautiful illustrations, and and timeless message that captured my heart. Perfect for a baby shower gift.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mama, do you love me? Yes I do, Dear One. How much? In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The story is made all the more captivating by its unusual Arctic setting. The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries of time and place. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations that are filled with such exciting animals as whales, wolves, puffins, and sled dogs, and a carefully researched glossary provides additional information on Arctic life. This tender and reassuring book is one that both parents and children will turn to again and again.

** Description from Amazon: Little Tim lived in a house by the sea. He wanted very much to be a sailor, but his parents said he was much too young and must wait for years and years, until he was grown up. So when Tim got a chance to stow away on a steamer, of course he jumped at it, little expecting the hard work, the stormy s...

**Description from Amazon: The Wheel of Time ® is a PBS Great American Read Selection! Now in development for TV! Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters.The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and g...

FROM SARAH:

In this book we encounter the story of Joe Rantz, a boy who suffered mightily during childhood but rose up to grab life by its horns anyway. This is a true story teen athletes will especially enjoy. I recommend the Young Reader's Adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It's time for turkey! The parade is about to start. The pumpkin pie is in the oven. The whole family is gathered around the table. And everybody wants to pull the wishbone! From Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky comes a scrumptious helping of twelve Thanksgiving poems to enjoy every day of the year!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lonely Hannah is delighted to discover a warm black boot as she gathers kindling in the forest. A poor woman, she doesn't have proper shoes on her cold feet. "Glory be! I only wish I had your mate," she says to the boot, and the next morning, to her great surprise, there is not just one boot but two sitting by her bed! More wishes bring even better gifts—but the best is still to come: A visitor arrives at her door—a man with a big white beard, wearing a red suit and only one boot. Who could this magical visitor be? Santa Claus, of course! And he has one more surprise in store for Hannah: She wakes up the next morning to find a new puppy waiting for her!

FROM SARAH:

Takes a loving look at knees from the vantage point of a mother's lap.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A vibrant, playful verse that celebrates a beautiful brown baby's sweet little knees, for fans of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

FROM SARAH:

This one is bound to be a Christmas classic for the ages. There is so much to love about the story and the lush, rich illustrations by P.J. Lynch. Full of symbolism and Christmas imagery. I own multiple copies of this book and won't let a Christmas pass without reading it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle.

FROM SARAH:

My favorite book on habits or goals. Accessible, encouraging, and full of practical tips. Available on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

**Description from Amazon: Early one morning when the sun came out, Six woolly wombats went walkabout.

This whimsical counting poem follows six brave little wombats on walkabout in the Australian outback. But the wilderness is bound to bring more excitement than an innocent counting game. Soon enough, the curious wombats learn to beware the hungry dingo!

FROM SARAH:

A listener to the podcast told us that this illustrated version of The Hobbit turned her kids into J.R.R. Tolkien enthusiasts! Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A beautiful gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting tale, fully illustrated by Jemima Catlin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Patricia is thrilled when her father decides that she's finally old enough to learn to ride. But her dreams of having a beautiful horse of her own are dashed when he takes her to a stable in Dogpatch, the rundown section of town. Patricia is sure that she'll never learn anything in a place like that. But it's in Dogpatch that Patricia meets two individuals--kind, patient Mrs. Mack and a glorious chestnut mare named Penny--who help her overcome her fears, and change her life forever. Powerfully written, beautifully told, and brought to life with rich watercolor illustrations, this is a story that will touch the heart of everyone who reads it.

FROM SARAH:

Motherhood isn't just a role, it's a calling, a ministry, a vocation. In this inspiring book, Sally Clarkson kindles your own enthusiasm for the tremendous impact we have on our children as mothers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Using biblical wisdom and practical teachings, Sally Clarkson shows how you can make a lasting difference in your child’s life by following the pattern Christ set with his own disciples–a model that will inspire and equip you to intentionally embrace the rewarding, desperately needed, and immeasurably valuable Ministry of Motherhood.

FROM SARAH:

When Paddington Bear moves in with the Browns, life changes forever. This classic series of tales about a well-intentioned bear who finds himself in many unfortunate predicaments delights young readers. Especially wonderful if you can read it with a British accent. ;) Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.

FROM SARAH:

Make time to read this one aloud with all of your kids! Old and young will find much to love in the gorgeous storytelling and Trina Schart Hyman's iconic and inimitable illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread.

Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To heal the hurt pride of Thomas Jefferson as Congress makes changes to his Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin tells his friend the story of a hatmaker and his sign.

**Description from Amazon: In her own singularly beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, prou...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A magical retelling of Hermia, Helen, Demetrius and Lysander's classic story - and of the impish fairy Puck, who meddles in their tangled web of love with hilarious consequences ... With notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, and Love and Magic in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

**Description from Amazon: Travel with Jack and Annie to the deep, dark ocean to encounter the stealthiest of underwater predators: the shark!   Jack and Annie are going on vacation! Or so they think. Teddy, the young sorcerer, has promised them a relaxing time off the coast of Mexico. The magic tree house whisks them away t...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare’s rousing tale of war and peace between England and France during the reign of Henry V springs to life in this unabridged, full-color graphic adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In If I Built a Car, imaginative Jack dreamed up a whimsical fantasy ride that could do just about anything. Now he's back and ready to build the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. Jack's limitless creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors to imagine their own fantastical design

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.

FROM SARAH:

These pencil sketch illustrations by Henry Cole will keep you looking for a long time! You and your kids will learn many things about beavers while enjoying this beautiful book. Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
With stunning line art and a limited color palette, this simple text follows a family of beavers as they do what beavers do best: build! Two beavers find a stream, build a dam, and raise a family in their new lodge. When the dam is threatened by storms, the beavers work hard to rebuild it. Building is what beavers do best.

Moose makes his debut in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series! If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he...

**Description from Amazon: Readers today are still fascinated by “Nat,? an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor?s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn?t promise to have the makings of a sailo...

FROM SARAH:

Another winning series from master author Cynthia Rylant. The Henry and Mudge books delighted my twin boys, especially. We couldn't get enough of them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.

FROM SARAH:

A tribute to our messy and marvelous homeschools, this picture book makes us feel seen and celebrated as we move throughout our days. Just watch out for that "crabby cafeteria lady"!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A must-have for all homeschooling families, this charming and funny picture book explores the special rhythms and routines of home education, inspired by award-winning author-illustrator Jonathan Bean’s own childhood.

For young Jonathan and his sisters, home and school are one of the same. Mom is their teacher, and Dad is the best substitute a kid could ask for. From math, science, and field trips, to recess, show-and-tell, and art, an average school day with this lively, loving family is both completely familiar and totally unique. This Is My Home, This Is My School draws inspiration from Jonathan Bean’s own homeschooling experiences and includes a note from the author as well as a selection of real-life family photographs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Newbery Award-winning author Richard Peck is at his very best in this fast-paced mystery adventure. Fans of The Tale of Desperaux, A Little Princess, and Stuart Little will all be captivated by this memorable story of a lovable orphan mouse on an amazing quest.

**Description from Amazon: The fairies of Pixie Hollow celebrate the birth of a new fairy--Tinker Bell! Tink quickly discovers her talent for tinkering--but that's no fun. She'd rather do something else! Read all about Tinker Bell's first lesson on being a fairy in this illustrated leveled reader storybook.Passport to Reading...

FROM SARAH:
This is one of my favorite picture book retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It has everything going for it — clear and excellent storytelling, plenty of use of Shakespeare’s original language, great illustrations (though they are a bit darker in nature than the other illustrated versions on this list), and easy read-aloud-ability.

You can also check out the fantastic audio versions (BBC Radio I Folger Library).

Great for ages 4+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A simplified prose retelling of Shakespeare's play about the strange events that take place in a forest inhabited by fairies who magically transform the romantic fate of two young couples.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A girl writes a poem to a tree, but then is surprised when the tree writes back in this wondrous and warm picture book about friendship, nature, and the power of poetry.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This follow-up to the best-selling Mama, Do You Love Me? (over one million copies sold in 15 languages!) captures the universal love between a father and child. Set in Africa and featuring the Maasai culture, the beautiful watercolor illustrations, lyrical text, and enduring message are sure to make this another instant classic.

** Description from Amazon: Celebrate the timeless warmth of a mother's love with the very first ever I Can Read book. Meet Little Bear, a friend to millions of children. And meet Mother Bear, who is there whenever Little Bear needs her. When it is cold and snowy outside, she finds just the right outfit for Little Bear to play...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Madeleine B. Stern, one of the world's leading Alcott scholars, shows how the breadth of Alcott's work, ranging from Little Women to sensational thrillers and war stories, serves as a reflection of a fascinating and complicated life dotted with poverty and riches alike, hard menial work, physical suffering relieved by opiates, and the acclaim of literary success.

FROM SARAH:

The first in a series about a family during the fall of Imperial Russia. I would never have picked this book up based on the cover, but once I did, I swallowed the whole series up... then pressed the books into my teens' hands to read, as well! Gloria Whelan is one of my favorite authors for kids and teens, and this one is the best kind of compelling historical fiction.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The daughter of a lady in waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses, and the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution.

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: 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 SARAH:

This is a UK version, and there is some use of language in this version of the book that keep it from being widely recommended at RAR. It is, however, one of my own favorite reads! You can easily edit the language on the fly if you read it aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

1944, and London is under attack. Young mouse Pip Hanway's safe and quiet world is turned upside down when her home, umbrella shop James Smith & Sons, is destroyed by a bomb. Orphaned and alone, she must begin a perilous quest to find a new home.

But the only way to get there is by joining Noah’s Ark, a secret gang of animals fighting with the resistance in France, operating beneath the feet of the human soldiers. Danger is everywhere and as the enemy closes in, Pip must risk everything to save her new friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Laura Ingalls and her family are heading to Kansas! Leaving behind their home in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, they travel by covered wagon until they find the perfect spot to build a little house on the prairie. Laura and her sister Mary love exploring the rolling hills around their new home, but the family must soon get to work, farming and hunting and gathering food for themselves and for their livestock. Just when the Ingalls family starts to settle into their new home, they find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict. Will they have to move again?

FROM SARAH:

I haven't read this one yet, but it's come highly recommended by several friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A guilt-free guide that strips away the myths you've believed about motherhood and offers you a new way to think--about your kids, yourself, and being the mom you've always wanted to be.

FROM SARAH:

The literary masterpiece. (I talk more about Charlotte's Web and why it has to be as sad as it is in RAR #202: For Kids Who Don't Like Sad Books.) The audiobook is narrated by the author and is just fabulous.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, among many other books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From the acclaimed author of The Great and Only Barnum—as well as The Lincolns, Our Eleanor, and Ben Franklin's Almanac—comes the thrilling story of America's most celebrated flyer, Amelia Earhart.

FROM SARAH:

Would you believe that I never read any Jane Austen until my 30s? And now I can't get enough! If you're having a hard time figuring out why everyone loves Austen so, I suggest watching the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, and *then* start reading it for yourself. Just don't blame me when you start neglecting the laundry and housework so you can read a little more. 😉  Especially wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Pride and Prejudice is a novel of manners by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the British Regency.

**Description from Amazon: Dr. Michael Gurian has studied and served children for thirty years. In The Wonder of Girls (2002), he presented a science-based approach to raising healthy and successful daughters. In the Minds of Girls, he pioneers new and intuitive approaches to health and wellness in all three important areas o...

FROM SARAH:

My now-grown daughter pored over these fairy books by Cecily Mary Barker when she was younger. In fact, her copies were so tattered, she replaced them in her 20's! This collection of autumn fairies is especially sweet.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This new edition of Cicely Mary Barker's classic Flower Fairy title features a beautiful and catwalk-inspired cover. Intricate and reminiscent of lace, the new cover pays homage to the delicate beauty of Cicely's original illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It may be round like a pumpkin and even orange like a pumpkin, but this is NOT a pumpkin! If it's not a pumpkin, then what is it? Preschoolers and toddlers will love knowing the answer and enjoy the fun, "unexpected" ending!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned over 100 million books and caused fearful citizens to hide or destroy many more. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops and gathered 20 million hardcover donations.

**Description from Amazon: Jack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House!The show must go on!That's what Jack and Annie learn when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to Elizabethan England. There they meet William Shakespeare himself—one of the gre...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An inspiring tale of creativity and determination on the Underground Railroad from Coretta Scott King Award winner James Ransome and acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson.Clara, a slave and seamstress on Home Plantation, dreams of freedom—not just for herself, but for her family and friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Placed on countless reading lists, translated into more than forty languages, and made into a feature film, The Giver is the first book in The Giver Quartet that also includes Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. In this new graphic novel edition, readers experience the haunting story of twelve-year-old Jonas and his seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment, through the brilliant art of P. Craig Russell that truly brings The Giver to life.

FROM SARAH:

The story of a mischief of mice who have disappeared...to hibernate! You'll find groups of animals (with all of their interesting names) in this delightful book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A mischief of mice has gone missing on a blustery fall day. Now a scurry of squirrels is scared, while a band of coyotes howls nearby. Did an unkindness of ravens do something mean? Could a prickle of porcupines possibly help? Luckily, a sleuth of bears comes along to help solve the mystery.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Arthur thinks his pen pal is more fun than his little sister. Little sisters don't do things like karate and wrestling -- or do they? It takes a surprise letter to show Arthur that sometimes there's more to sisters -- and pen pals -- than meets the eye!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In August 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton boarded the Endurance and set sail for Antarctica, where he planned to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, after battling its way through a thousand miles of pack ice and only a day's sail short of its destination, the Endurance became locked in an island of ice. Thus began the legendary ordeal of Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men. When their ship was finally crushed between two ice floes, they attempted a near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic's heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization.

FROM SARAH:

I read this book for the first time right before visiting Walden Pond and my, did it enrich that experience! The fascinating story of ice, one man's ingenuity, and another man's love of nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Celebrated author Lesa Cline-Ransome takes her magnificent talent for research and detail to plumb the depths of these two history-makers. The graceful text is paired with Ashley Benham-Yazdani’s period accurate watercolor and pencil artwork. In winter, readers see Tudor’s men sawing through the ice, the workhorses dragging the ice, and Thoreau observing it all; in spring, summer, and fall, the ice continues its journey across the globe with Thoreau and Tudor writing and reflecting in their respective diaries.

The exuberant dog who first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party now stars in his very own book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you give a dog a donut, he’ll ask for some apple juice to go with it. When you give him the juice, he’ll drink it all up. Then, b...

FROM SARAH:

First read A Wrinkle in Time. Then read this one. They aren't the same at all, but you'll understand once you do it! :) Best for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shortly after a fall-out with her best friend, sixth grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes. It would be easy to ignore the strange messages, except that whoever is leaving them has an uncanny ability to predict the future. If that is the case, then Miranda has a big problem—because the notes tell her that someone is going to die...

FROM SARAH:

I just love all the Poppleton books (and, in fact, every single early reader written by Cynthia Rylant). Delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poppleton the pig makes a friend, reads a library book about adventure, and helps a sick friend get better.

FROM SARAH:

My all-time favorite picture book. This one is perfection in every way! Even though the audio version is only twelve minutes, it's worth the purchase! Read by Claire Danes and set to beautiful sound design. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

The story of little Alice, whose grandfather invites her to travel the globe, come home to the salty sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. Listen to my special edition podcast episode about the author.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation.