Books

FROM SARAH:

Jerry Pinkney is one of my all-time favorite illustrators, and this rendering of Little Red Riding is just lovely.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this inspired rendering of the classic Grimm Brothers folktale, Caldecott Medal-winning artist Jerry Pinkney introduces two favorite children's characters to a new generation: the sly, scary wolf and the sweet little girl in her famous red hood. Readers will squeal with delight all over again during that most memorable scene when Little Red Riding Hood declares, "Oh, Grandmamma, what great teeth you have!"

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Don Quixote of La Mancha is a Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. It was originally published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615, but this edition brings both parts into a single book. Obsessed with chivalric tales, an aging nobleman named Alonso Quijano renames himself Don Quixote of La Mancha and sets off, delusional yet noble, to revive chivalry in a world that's forgotten it. With his trusty but weary steed Rocinante and his practical peasant squire Sancho Panza, Don Quixote charges windmills, knights barbers, and rescues damsels in distress (mostly farm girls). Hilarious chaos ensues as his delusions clash with reality, revealing both the beauty of idealism and the dangers of losing touch with the world. Through their adventures, Quixote and Sancho embark on a journey that explores sanity, madness, and the human spirit's capacity for hope, all woven into a timeless masterpiece of laughter and reflection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Joining Bruce Coville's earlier prose adaptations of Shakespeare's plays is this picture book treatment of the Bard's most popular work ever. The tender story of the young star-crossed lovers from warring families, Romeo and Juliet has moved audiences to tears for four hundred years.

**Description from Amazon: The government sends Brian back to the Canadian wilderness in this beloved follow-up to the award-winning classic Hatchet from three-time Newbery Honor-winning author Gary Paulsen!   Two years after Brian Robeson survived fifty-four days alone in the Canadian wilderness, the government wants him to...

FROM SARAH:

My twins absolutely loved this whole series from Grace Lin, both as read-alouds or to practice their developing reading skills on!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ling and Ting are two adorable identical twins, and they stick together, whether they are making dumplings, getting their hair cut, or practicing magic tricks. But looks are deceiving--people can be very different, even if they look exactly the same.

The charming adventures of Obadiah Starbuck have been beloved by children and adults alike since he first captured hearts in the story of his friendship with an injured seagull in Thy Friend, Obadiah, winner of the Caldecott Honor. The days of Clipper ships and Whalers in the quaint colonial village...

FROM SARAH:

The cool color palette in this book makes me want to sit on every page a little longer than necessary. If your library doesn't have this book, ask them to get it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A snow-day journey with Grandma highlights all of the beauty, magic, and fun of winter. With sparkling flakes calling from outside, this sister and brother bundle up for an outdoor adventure with Grandma. In the hushed woods, they see and hear wildlife thriving under a new blanket of snow.  In the bustle of town, they help their grateful Grandpa dig out. Then, it’s time to get sledding! Snowy scenes capture the beauty of freshly fallen snow, and the lyrical verse delights in the magic of playing in the snow and the warm comfort of family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Louisa May Alcott is known universally. Yet during Louisa's youth, the famous Alcott was her father, Bronson―an eminent teacher and a friend of Emerson and Thoreau. He desired perfection, for the world and from his family. Louisa challenged him with her mercurial moods and yearnings for money and fame. The other prize she deeply coveted―her father's understanding―seemed hardest to win.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely invitation to make space for beauty and Christmas traditions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Family traditions become established, sometimes quite by accident and sometimes because “we’ve always done it that way.” But the best family traditions are thoughtfully cultivated. With Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah, Cindy Rollins leads the way in building a rich Advent tradition for you and your family.

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

FROM SARAH:

Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit faster than this delightful, gentle tale of the Ingalls family at Christmastime. With Renée Graef’s charming illustrations, Christmas in the Big Woods brings the warmth and wonder of the holiday season to life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Christmas has come to the Big Woods of Wisconsin! Laura and her family are excited to celebrate. When Laura's cousins, aunt, and uncle arrive, they spend their time together eating sweets, playing in the snow, and reading. Their holiday celebrations are full of simple joys.

FROM SARAH:

Easily one of my favorite books of all time. Don't give up until you've read to at least through James's departure to the war. Even if greek gods and goddesses aren't your thing... keep reading! Especially wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

Recommended for mamas, and for teens 16+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A sweeping, multi-layered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates--and the hearts--of four mortals in their hands.

They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. Their story, as told by the goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of Love

FROM SARAH:

What a fun read-aloud! S.D. Schindler is one of my favorite illustrators, and his pictures in this story do not disappoint. Be ready to read it again and again!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Have you heard the one about Grandpa walking through three feet of snow—uphill both ways—just to get home when he was a kid? Well, you haven't heard it like this! During one sudden and relentless blizzard, lively Walt gets stuck for days in a barn by himself. "Awful!" Meanwhile, shy Fred is trapped in an inn full of people. "Horrible!" They both have to dig their way out. "The worst." "You said it." What a terrible storm! But what a terrific—and funny—story!

FROM SARAH:

An informative book with lots of photographs of The Great Depression. Best for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The Great Depression for Kids provides a balanced and realistic picture of an era rife with suffering but also deep-rooted with hope and generosity. Beginning with a full chapter on the 1920s, the book provides important background knowledge to help set the stage for an in-depth look at the decline of the economy and attempts at recovery over the next decade.

The adventures of Laura Ingalls and her family continue as they leave their little house on the prairie and travel in their covered wagon to Minnesota. Here they settle in a little house made of sod beside the banks of beautiful Plum Creek. Soon Pa builds a wonderful new little house with real glass...

FROM SARAH:

An all-time favorite read-aloud in our house, and a perennial favorite for my boys! Short and delightful. A great choice especially for one of your first read-aloud novels.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s a dream come true for Ralph S. Mouse when he get his own set of wheels: a red motorcycle. But when Ralph drives straight into trouble, it’s his human friend Keith who helps him. A Beverly Cleary classic, and the first in a 3-part series!

**Description from Amazon: These contemporary “fables” are instructive, hilarious, and now in paperback!The fourth graders at Aesop Elementary are, well, unusual. There’s Calvin Tallywong, who wants to go back to kindergarten. But when he actually gets the chance, he’s forced to do the squirrel dance and wear a yello...

**Description from Amazon: ‘Thirty-five imaginative and humorous poems for an adult and a child to read aloud together. . . . The entertaining verses are varied as to length, rhythm, and subject and are illustrated with harmoniously amusing drawings.’ —BL.

FROM SARAH:

My very first picture book, inspired by something Jeanne Birdsall (yes, THAT Jeanne Birdsall) said to me during a walk through her neighborhood in Northampton. Hear about the making of this book here and here!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sly as a fox and swift as a bird, Lou Alice is determined to leave each day a little more beautiful than she found it. But when she moves away from her little house, no one in town notices she's gone. No one, that is, except a little girl, who sets out to carry on Lou Alice's work. But doing so is not enough. Can the girl find a way of her own to make the world a little more beautiful?

FROM SARAH:

I just adore this book. It's a feast for the eyes (and that pun is most definitely intended). One of the top recommendations on this list, for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The king is coming to visit! The lord and lady of Camdenton Manor must work quickly to prepare fo his arrival. It will take weeks to ready rooms, set up tents, and prepare the feast itself. Everyone is busy hunting and hawking, brewing and churning. This will be a feast to remember!

**Description from Amazon: In the winter of 1846, the Donner Party was stranded by heavy snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The pioneers endured bitter hardships and many of them died. But some survived, including eight-year-old Patty Reed, a girl filled with dignity and determination in the face of mortal danger. This is ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this unexpected story of a jack-o-lantern through the seasons.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The first pumpkin Tim ever carved was fierce and funny, and he named it Jack. When Halloween was over and the pumpkin was beginning to rot, Tim set it out in the garden and throughout the weeks he watched it change.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

We can be sure of this: It's a circle without end. It's pumpkin seeds to pumpkins to pumpkin seeds again This treat of a picture book comes cloaked in the colors of fall.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Who said picture books are just for little kids? Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is—nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. In an act of utter bravery, Henry mails himself to the North. This true, dramatic story of Henry Brown should not be missed.

FROM SARAH:

Oh gosh, I laughed so hard the first time I read this! A comic delight, and charming.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The New York Times bestselling Cat is back just in time for Valentine’s Day—but he’s not interested in giving a valentine to any old dog.

**Description from Amazon: The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! Beware of avalanches! When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back in time to the highest pass in the Swiss Alps, they discover an ancient monastery filled with mon...

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

FROM SARAH:

The fictional setting of Point Mouette is based on Ocean Point, near Booth Bay Harbor, in Maine. You'll probably enjoy the Penderwicks series best if you start from the beginning, but this book in particular will make you feel like you're in Maine!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind . . . and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey.

FROM SARAH:

This inspiring true story shows how a love of reading can change the world. I love how it highlights the power of perseverance—reminding us that the stories we read shape the way we see history and ourselves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen. So Carter read the newspaper to him every day. When he was still a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

in 50 years of publication, the book has never been illustrated. In the graphic novel, Hope Larson takes the classic story to a new level with her vividly imagined interpretations of tessering and favorite characters, like the Happy Medium and Aunt Beast. Perfect for delighting old fans and winning over new ones, this graphic novel adaptation is a must-read.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Randy Riley loves two things: science and baseball. When it comes to the solar system, the constellations, and all things robot, Randy is a genius. But on the baseball diamond? Not so much. He tries . . . but whiffs every time. Then, one night, Randy sees something shocking through his Space Boy telescope: it’s a fireball, and it’s headed right for his town! Randy does the math, summons all of his science smarts, and devises a plan that will save the day in a spectacular way.

Also available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The story of Anne Shirley has endured generation after generation and catapulted L.M. Montgomery into the ethos of literature. Here, Dreamscape presents a collection of holiday stories featuring Anne and other characters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Arthur and his sister, Violet, are selling all their old toys in a tag sale. Even Arthur's Honey Bear! But Arthur finds there's more than one way to say good-bye to an old friend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Sally and Nathan as they share their stories from a personal perspective as mother and son. If you are in need of help and hope in your own journey with an outside-the-box child, or if you’re an adult trying to make sense of your differences, you’ll find deep insight, resonance, and encouragement in the pages of this book. Dare to love and nurture the “different” one in your life.

FROM SARAH:

Many years ago, an apple fell from a tree right in front of Isaac Newton's eyes. The rest? Well, it's history, as they say. And this book makes it oh-so-interesting to read about.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From rocketing into space to adorning the queen's carriage, the Gravity Tree's unexpectedly remarkable and true life story is a tale for the ages.

This is the first book starring Pig in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it. You'll give her some of your favorite maple syrup, and she'll probably get all sticky, so she'll want to take a bath. She'll ask ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this updated anthology Ethel Pochocki (author of Once Upon a Time Saints books) has selected a mixture for older youth of "soldiers and sailors, kings and queens, doctors, lawyers, beggars, thieves, poets, diplomats, fools and cranks," and she has told their stories in her characteristic lively style.

FROM SARAH:

I love these early reader collections that give you a lot of bang for your buck, and of course this one is fabulous because it's written and illustrated by none other than Tomie dePaola.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Together for the first time in a collectable hardcover boxed set, join Andy & Sandy for four easy-to-read picture book adventures, from legendary author/illustrator Tomie dePaola and longtime Henson scribe Jim Lewis!

FROM SARAH:

Everything Jane Yolen writes has a touch of magic to it, including this simple story about a girl and her father going “owling.” A beautiful tale to warm your winter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In pursuit of his lost shadow, a young boy named Peter Pan dashes into the bedroom of three children named Wendy, Michael, and John. After much blundering about, Wendy manages to reattach Peter's frenetic shadow, and in return, Peter propositions the three siblings to accompany him back to his home in a place he calls Neverland.

**Description from Amazon: An epic adventure and one of the most enduring fables in Western literatureEdmond Dantés has a life that any man would envy. A promising young sailor about to be made a captain, he has come home to Marseille to marry his beautiful fiancée, Mercédès. But on the eve of his wedding, Dantés is betr...

FROM SARAH:

A picture book biography that is especially good for older kids. There's a lot of text here, but it's very well done and not to miss. Spread out your reading over several days so you can enjoy the whole thing! Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

William Shakespeare was the son of a glovemaker, a small-town boy with a grammar school education. Yet he grew up to become the greatest English-speaking playwright in the world. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare is both his story and that of a great art rediscovered in the modern world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jane Yolen's lilting verses and Lisel Jane Ashlock's sensitive portraits convey the cyclical nature of the seasons in this poetic tribute to the characteristics of the four periods of the year.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A collection of verses about animals from the barnyard to the aquarium and the haunts of the lion and rhinoceros also includes verses about mythical animals

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There is nothing like the first experience of having a child, a life-changing experience that completely transforms the meaning of love. While all babies in the family are special, a new sibling can be an especially challenging emotional transition for the firstborn, and this unique story addresses those insecurities head-on in a most gentle and lyrical way. You Were the First is also a touching tribute to any baby's early milestones--those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here's a loving ode to every child's--and parent's--momentous "firsts."

FROM SARAH:

A delightful book for kids who love stories about tractors or construction vehicles. The color palette is especially dazzling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Small Walt and his driver, Gus, take on a blizzard! All the bigger snowplows doubt that Walt has what it takes to plow the roads in the storm, but Walt is determined to prove them wrong. Brimming with onomatopoeia and Walt’s affirming chants, this sweet picture book shows that when it comes to strength, size doesn’t matter. Bestselling illustrator Marc Rosenthal’s wintry scenes make this book the perfect cozy read-aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a world of perpetual shadow, a boy is born wielding remarkable power over fire. Amos is seven when he kills a Shadow Wolf and becomes a legend in Shiloh. Everyone is amazed by him ... and afraid that his father may be a madman. His father tells stories about a world beyond the Shadow, a time before the Shadow. People who tell those stories usually come to unfortunate ends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

On a clear December morning in 1937, at the famous gold clock in Grand Central Terminal, Joe Reynolds, a hardworking railroad man from Queens, meets a vibrant young woman who seems mysteriously out of place. Nora Lansing is a Manhattan socialite and an aspiring artist whose flapper clothing, pearl earrings, and talk of the Roaring Twenties don’t seem to match the bleak mood of Depression-era New York. Captivated by Nora from her first electric touch, Joe despairs when he tries to walk her home and she disappears. Finding her again - and again - will become the focus of his love and his life.

FROM SARAH:

For anyone wondering just how the tradition of the Christmas tree became so widespread... wonder no longer. A darling picture book, worth getting your hands on!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition.

FROM SARAH:

This delightful Christmas story is just as charming as it is meaningful. You’re going to want to make room on your shelf and in your heart for this little mouse and the joy he’s sure to bring your family this season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's Christmastime, and Mortimer Mouse, unhappy in his cramped, cold hole, goes in search of a new home. He spies a nativity scene that looks just right for him, so he moves the statues out and settles himself into the manger! But when he hears the Christmas story being told and realises that the statues are of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, he understands that the crèche is meant for them and returns everything to its rightful place. Then, suddenly, a Christmas miracle occurs and Mortimer discovers a new home, at last!

FROM SARAH:

Joe Sutphin's most impressive work yet. This gorgeous graphic novel breathes new life into an epic classic. Highly recommend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A beautiful and faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’s beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home.

FROM SARAH:

This book is beautiful and full of delicious words! It's also designed by an Art Director we know and love, Cara Llewellyn. Worth owning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this outstanding picture book collection of poems by Newbery Honor-winning poet, Joyce Sidman (Song of the Water Boatman, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night), discover how animals stay alive in the wintertime and learn about their secret lives happening under the snow. Paired with stunning linoleum print illustrations by Rick Allen, that celebrate nature's beauty and power.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

If the viral Buzzfeed-style personality quizzes are any indication, we are collectively obsessed with the idea of defining and knowing ourselves and our unique place in the world. But what we're finding is this: knowing which Harry Potter character you are is easy, but actually knowing yourself isn't as simple as just checking a few boxes on an online quiz.

FROM SARAH:

I read this book early in my marriage and it has had a profound impact on me! It's so helpful to know and understand how you best give/receive love, and how your husband does, too. There is a great version about love languages of kids, as well.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the #1 New York Times international bestseller The 5 Love Languages®, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today.

FROM SARAH:

This is always my first chapter book read-aloud (or at least, it was with all six of my own kids!), but it's also a perfect choice for a developing reader. It tells the story of a young boy who saves a baby dragon, has adventures after their escape, and reunites the dragon with its family. I've yet to meet a kid who doesn't love this story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Elmer Elevator tells a stray cat about his dream of being able to fly, he learns of a captive dragon on Wild Island. The dragon has been forced by the jungle residents to serve as their shuttle across a wide river—and anyone who rescues the dragon from its cruel captors might be entitled to a free ride.

FROM SARAH:

Oh my, what a visual treat this book is. This story is clever, funny, and lavishly illustrated by one of my favorites, S.D. Schindler.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A clever tale that will charm book lovers Brother Hugo can't return his library book -- the letters of St. Augustine -- because, it turns out, the precious book has been devoured by a bear! Instructed by the abbot to borrow another monastery's copy and create a replacement, the hapless monk painstak...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It was the time of the French Revolution — a time of great change and great danger. It was a time when injustice was met by a lust for vengeance, and rarely was a distinction made between the innocent and the guilty. Against this tumultuous historical backdrop, Dickens' great story of unsurpassed ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back. When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

FROM SARAH:

I love the way the illustrator incorporated real pressed leaves into the illustrations, and the endpapers are swoon-worthy. I think this one is worth owning!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every year, gusts of wind blow colorful autumn leaves to the ground. Some leaves make a crunch under foot, and others are so beautiful they deserve to be saved.

In this story a young artist draws inspiration from the leaves she collects and every leaf sparks a new idea. She imagines turning a Japanese Zelkova leaf into a boat to sail far away, a Honey Locust leaf into a swing to sway in the gentle breeze, and an American Basswood leaf into a hot air balloon to float high above the trees.