Books

FROM SARAH:

I'm a big fan of this whole series of picture books, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series. This set is worth owning for your permanent collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s an exciting day for Almanzo as the Wilder family visits the county fair in this second My First Little House Book adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Farmer Boy.

#1 New York Times bestseller Brandon Mull launches Scholastic's wildly popular multiplatform phenomenon.Four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual, watched by cloaked strangers. Four flashes of light erupt, and from them emerge the unmistakable shapes of incredible beasts ...

FROM SARAH:

When it comes to Mercy Watson, I am a fan. I laugh every time I read them aloud!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the Watsons decide to zip their porcine wonder into a formfitting princess dress for Halloween – complete with tiara – they are certain that Mercy will be beautiful beyond compare.

FROM SARAH:

We're big fans of Barb Rosenstock's picture book biographies around here! This one tells the incredible story of  Nek Chand Saini nad his secret labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns. A feast for the eyes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The incredible story of the world’s largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.

This is Lola Dutch, a delightfully creative girl who loves her friends SO much. When they're having a bad day, Lola knows just what to do to make each of them feel better: She sews cozy pajamas for Gator, constructs the perfect reading nook for Crane, and takes Pig to the park!Lola loves showing her fr...

FROM SARAH:

I love an informative picture book with a recipe at the end, and this one delivers! Pair this with Cranberry Thanksgiving by Harry and Wende Devlin and you've got a pretty perfect read-aloud day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the vines hang heavy with berries that the autumn winds have turned deep red, it's time for cranberries, and Sam is finally old enough to help with the harvest! This charming, lyrical picture book follows Sam and his family as they raise the water in the bog, pick the cranberries, and gather the fruit for processing. It's a story of modern family farming in action, showing readers where their food comes from but mostly delighting them along the way.

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

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

**Description from Amazon: In the 1840s, there was a real volunteer firefighter named Mose Humphreys whose bravery was reknown throughout New York City. Plays about him began being performed on Broadway in 1848 and over the years his strength and heroics took on larger-than-life proportions, much like those of Paul Bunyan. Mar...

**Description from Amazon: From critically acclaimed author Patricia Polacco comes a heartwarming story about a girl named Annie, her lucky Thursdays, and a special cat who comes into her life just in time to make everything right.Thursdays have always been lucky for Annie Fetlock. She was born on a Thursday. She won her firs...

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.

From the Publisher:

In 1941 England, when all hope was threatened by the inhumanity of war, C. S. Lewis was invited to give a series of radio lectures addressing the central issues of Christianity. More than half a century later, these talks continue to retain their poignancy. First heard as informal radio broadcasts on the BBC, the lectures were published as three books and subsequently combined as Mere Christianity. C. S. Lewis proves that "at the center of each there is something, or a Someone, who against all divergences of belief, all differences of temperament, all memories of mutual persecution, speaks with the same voice," rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations. This twentieth century masterpiece provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Penderwick sisters are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure! But the adventure they get isn't quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick's sister has decided it's time for him to start dating--and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The unbeatable team of Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome present a riveting brick-by-brick account of how one of the most amazing accomplishments in American architecture came to be.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lauded by critics as a worthy heir to such greats as Silverstein, Seuss, Nash and Lear, Harris's hilarious debut molds wit and wordplay, nonsense and oxymoron, and visual and verbal sleight-of-hand in masterful ways that make you look at the world in a whole new wonderfully upside-down way.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited adaptation.

If Odysseus ever wants to see his family again, he will have to face hungry cannibals, outwit a beautiful witch, and sail past a six-headed serpent in an epic journey of endurance and courage. Read this one with a wide range of ages to help your kids fall in love with Homer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beguiling, witty, and gently comedic, The Enchanted April tells the tale of four very different women who escape dreary London for an Italian castle in Portofino, shortly after World War I. Elizabeth von Arnim’s ageless novel compellingly responds to the eternal question of how to achieve happiness in life. An immediate best seller upon its first publication, the story of unlikely female friendship, newfound empowerment, rekindled love, and unexpected romance has been adapted for stage and screen. This much-beloved book appeals to anyone who appreciates the sly charm of Downton Abbey and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Since 1994, Educating the WholeHearted Child has been a trusted guide for thousands of homeschooling families. This extensively revised and expanded third edition provides a solid biblical foundation for educating and nurturing your children's hearts, minds, and souls.

The lovable cat who first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party now has his very own book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you give a cat a cupcake, he'll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cle...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A new edition of a beloved book on Brother Francis of Assisi by internationally acclaimed illustrator and author of children's books, Tomie dePaola.

**Description from Amazon: In the opening pages of Jamie Ford’s stunning debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry Lee comes upon a crowd gathered outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle’s Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has made an incredible discovery:...

FROM SARAH:

A book for the ages. I talked all about the making of this book on this special edition of the RAR podcast! Truly, this book is perfect in every way. Make sure you own a copy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Another classic from Robert McCloskey! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are searching for the perfect place to raise their family. Will they find a place to call home?

FROM SARAH:

All of the Ramona Quimby books are worth reading again and again. We love the audiobooks narrated by Stockard Channing. (My daughter, Clara, has memorized large passages by listening to these over and over.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Oh Ramona! There’s so much to learn, and it seems that often, she has to learn it the hard way. These tales about her family are funny and sweet. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a Newberry Honor Book. (We recommend the entire series!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When it’s time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it’s important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths so good listening can begin. Tips for parents and caregivers included.

*Description from Amazon: This volume about the Globe Theatre in London is a history both of how it was used in Shakespeare's time, and of its rebuilding over the past 15 years. One artist, June Everett, has recorded the rebuilding of the theatre from the beginning in a series of watercolours. They record the detail as well ...

FROM THE PIUBLISHER

Langston Hughes has long been acknowledged as the voice, and his poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, the song, of the Harlem Renaissance.  Although he was only seventeen when he composed it, Hughes already had the insight to capture in words the strength and courage of black people in America.

**Description from Amazon: A 2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor BookA dog with a ball is one of the most relentlessly hopeful creatures on Earth. After his best little-girl pal leaves for school, this dog hits up yoga mom, baby, and even the angry cat for a quick throw. No luck. Forced to go solo, the dog begins a hilarious one-...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every Tuesday, Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don't have to be quiet all the time. The nice librarian tells stories. There is a big machine that buzzes Lola's books in and out, and she can take any books she wants home with her. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library.

** Description from Amazon: "One of the best mysteries of all time" (The New York Times)—Josephine Tey recreates one of history’s most famous—and vicious—crimes in her classic bestselling novel, a must read for connoisseurs of fiction, now with a new introduction by Robert Barnard.Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard,...

FROM SARAH:

Some kids just can't get enough stories about cars and trucks nad things that go...and if you've got one of those kiddos yourself, you're always on the hunt for a new one! The Small Walt books by Elizabeth Verdick are worth adding to your collection or borrowing from the library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Small Walt befriends a tow truck when he comes across a car in need of help in this irresistible companion to Small Walt, which Kirkus Reviews called “charming and endearing” in a starred review. A bitter blizzard. A snowbound town. When a car skids off the road, Small Walt and Gus might not have what it takes to save the day on their own. But who does? Mo the Tow to the rescue! Text filled with onomatopoeia and Walt’s affirming chants make this story about friendship and accepting help from others a real winner.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
When Condé Nast offered Ruth Reichl the top position at America’s oldest epicurean magazine, she declined. She was a writer, not a manager, and had no inclination to be anyone’s boss. Yet Reichl had been reading Gourmet since she was eight; it had inspired her career. How could she say no?

FROM SARAH:

This book is so much fun! Much of our modern-day language comes from William Shakespeare, and Jane Sutcliffe takes us on a delightful journey to find out what those words are and where they came from.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Bard of Avon is responsible for such familiar phrases as "what's done is done" and "too much of a good thing." He even helped turn "household words" into household words. As readers will discover, "the long and the short of it" is this: Will changed the English language forever. Will's words pop up all over the place!

**Description from Amazon: A Newbery Medal WinnerProfessor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic ...

FROM SARAH:

I lost track of how many times my daughter Clara listened to the stories of Clementine on audiobook when she was 8 and 9. She loved them! Excellent for fans of Ramona Quimby.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Clementine is not having a great week. On Monday, she's sent to the principal's office for cutting off Margaret's hair. Things only get worse from here. This week? It's turning out to be a disaster. (If you loved Ramona Quimby growing up, don't miss the whole series about Clementine!)

The adventures of Laura Ingalls and her family continue as they move from their little house on the banks of Plum Creek to the wilderness of the unsettled Dakota Territory. Here Pa works on the new railroad until he finds a homestead claim that is perfect for their new little house. Laura takes her ...

FROM SARAH:

Grown-ups always know best. Or do they? This classic handles courage and coming into one's own in a lovely, inspiring, respectful way. My boys especially loved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jonathan sets out to get a large pot from his aunt for a family Christening celebration, trekking over Hemlock Mountain. At least he won’t encounter any bears … right?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Compact Classics Volume II

FROM SARAH:

This book might just inspire your young readers to make their own leaf pictures.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one's quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man's got to go where the wind blows.

Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms—come and claim it with the first three books in the “fanciful, action-packed” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series.Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time w...

FROM SARAH:

My first picture book biography! This one tells the story of one of the world's greatest picture book illustrators, Barbara Cooney, and is illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen. Order now wherever books are sold!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Legendary picture book creator Barbara Cooney once noticed that the library in her little town by the sea needed attention. A library, she knew, should be a kind of paradise. And because Barbara did whatever she set her mind to, she made it one.

Follow Barbara from New York to Maine, from the shores of Greece to the mountains of Appalachia, as she captures their beauty and creates some of the most magnificent books for children ever published.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

By the Kate Greenaway MedalistDeep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt.

FROM SARAH:

A sweet book that your library likely has. I love Holly Hobbie's illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The creator of the Toot & Puddle series brings us Elmore--the warmhearted porcupine sure to steal the hearts of a new generation of Holly Hobbie fans!.

FROM SARAH:

The story of the pilgrims, told in verse with truly lovely illustrations. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Pilgrims embarked on their legendary Mayflower voyage in 1620 in search of religious freedom and a better life. The settlers were unprepared for the hardships they would face at the end of their journey, but with the help of their neighbor Indians, the Pilgrims survived the first year in their new world. Then, when their fall harvest was plentiful, the Pilgrims and the Indians joined together in a three-day celebration, the first Thanksgiving.

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

FROM SARAH:

I recommend the whole series, but this one, book #4, is a masterpiece! RAR Families tell me the Penderwicks series remains a family favorite for all ages. And nope, it's not just for girls. My boys loved it every bit as much as their sisters. Ages 6-14 will probably enjoy them most. (Audible | LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family.
Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty’s new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's Christmas and the little Mouse is looking forward to opening the presents around the tree. But what about the Big Hungry Bear who lives on top of the hill? The little Mouse's brave and generous spirit reminds us that Christmas is for everyone, not just ourselves. The little Mouse and the big, hungry Bear are known and loved by millions of children around the world. Published in 1984, The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear has been a perennial bestseller for over twenty years in countries and languages too numerous to mention.

**Description from Amazon: Inspired by the life of pioneering female baseball player Alta Weiss, and dramatized by Terry Widener’s bold illustrations, Girl Wonder tells the unforgettable story of a true American original.Alta Weiss was born to play baseball, simple as that. From the age of two, when she hurls a corncob at a...

FROM SARAH:

Think of Cilla Lee-Jenkins as a kind of modern Ramona Quimby. I'm a fan of this one, as well as the lovely author, Susan Tan.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Priscilla Cilla Lee-Jenkins is on a tight deadline. Her baby sister is about to be born, and Cilla needs to become a bestselling author before her family forgets all about her. So she writes about what she knows best--herself!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drawing on the unique historical sites, archives, expertise, and unquestioned authority of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling authors Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón have created the first authorized and exhaustive graphic biography of Anne Frank.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Triangle. He is going to play a sneaky trick on his friend, Square. Or so Triangle thinks. . . . With this first tale in a new trilogy, partners in crime Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen will have readers wondering just who they can trust in a richly imagined world of shapes. Visually stunning and full of wry humor, here is a perfectly paced treat that could come only from the minds of two of today’s most irreverent — and talented — picture book creators.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Little explorers can travel the world thanks to Richard Scarry! With 33 stories featuring fun-filled stops in New York, Paris, Tokyo, Egypt, Australia, and more, this worldwide adventure of discovery will have children ready to pack their bags and visit those international Busytowns!

FROM SARAH:

We're big fans of Sally Clarkson around here! This book is a particularly lovely invitation to creating a haven at home, where everyone feels seen and loved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There is good news waiting for you in the pages of The Lifegiving Home. Every day of your family’s life can be as special and important to you as it already is to God. In this unique book designed to help your family enjoy and celebrate every month of the year together, you’ll discover the secrets of a life-giving home from a mother who created one and her daughter who was raised in it: popular authors Sally and Sarah Clarkson.

FROM SARAH:

This book tells the story of American settlers killing the buffalo in the Great Plains (which led to the Dust Bowl), and their efforts to restore the land and bring them back. We recommend it for older kids as there are heavy topics addressed (conflict between settlers and Native Americans, and of course, the buffalo dying).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The buffalo, an American icon once nearly extinct, has made a comeback. This stirring picture book tells the dramatic story, following bison from the Plains Indians to the cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt to the Dust Bowl, and from the brink of extinction to the majestic herds that now roam our national parks. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire a new generation to understand and protect nature’s delicate balance.

FROM SARAH:

I love an origin story, and this adorable picture book does not disappoint. It’s a joy to read aloud and will keep even your littlest listeners begging you to open it again and again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? A New York Times bestselling duo brings us this freshly imagined origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends. Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham. 

There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn’t like animals. Then, one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six.

Well, maybe this one animal could stay.

Next came a dog . . .

This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.

**Description from Amazon: Generations of children have fallen in love with Horton the elephant!  “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. . . . An elephant’s faithful, one hundred per cent!” Horton is kind and trustworthy, but unfortunately, the lazy bird Mayzie takes advantage of his good nature when she leaves...

FROM SARAH:

By the same author/illustrator who gave us Frog and Toad. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that—he tells seven stories, one for each boy!This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

FROM SARAH:

Want to get your kids to play outside? Just read this book—don't say anything else! 😉 (Also: the illustrations by the incomparable Barbara Cooney are perfect.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Illustrated by Barbara Cooney (Miss Rumphius), Roxaboxen is a special place where games like playing house magically come to life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired and respected women of all time, they were also good friends. Illuminated here for the first time in picture book form is the true story of a thrilling night when they made history together!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down.