Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER

“Dream Variation,” one of Langston Hughes's most celebrated poems, about the dream of a world free of discrimination and racial prejudice, is now a picture book stunningly illustrated by Daniel Miyares, the acclaimed creator of Float.

FROM SARAH:

One of my all-time favorite summer picture books. This book makes me want to go to the beach! Illustrated by Marla Frazee, who illustrated The Seven Silly Eaters. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Having a little sister like four-year-old Ramona isn’t always easy for Beezus Quimby. With a wild imagination, disregard for order, and an appetite for chaos, Ramona makes it hard for Beezus to be the responsible older sister she knows she ought to be…especially when Ramona threatens to ruin Beezus’s birthday party.

FROM SARAH:

An homage to Martin Luther King, this picture book is longer than most and best for older kids. Gorgeous.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King's life--and of his assassination--through metaphor, spirituality, and multilayers of meaning.

From the publisher: A is for absolutely adorable! Beloved artist Gyo Fujikawa teaches toddlers their alphabet in a picture-packed A to Z. Each letter is illustrated by a multitude of marvelous things to help build a childs vocabulary, including chicks, chocolate cake, and cuckoo clock for C
and moon, mouse, and monkey for M.
As always, Fujikawa has created a charming collection of cute children and huggable animals of all kinds.

**Description from Amazon: A beautifully illustrated collection of more than 50 Bible stories.In the Random House Book of Bible Stories, more than 50 stories from the Old and New Testaments come to vivid life, ready to captivate readers and listeners of all ages. Each story is crafted for reading aloud, so the whole family ca...

FROM SARAH:

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who survived Hitler's concentration camps and became a heroine of the Resistance. A touching story worthy of many re-reads, I recommend this one for high schoolers and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.

FROM SARAH:

An unusual take on pumpkin growth-- this book will capture your little ones' attention while teaching you all quite a few things about pumpkin-growing in the process.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Dog is planting a garden, doing all he can to help his pumpkins grow: protecting them from snow, weeding and watering their patch, and keeping them safe from barnyard creatures who might eat the sprouts! But are Crow, Rabbit, Duck, and Goat really out to destroy the garden?

FROM SARAH:

I love this book in the Little House on the Prairie series so much, I dedicated an entire podcast episode to it! Best read as an audiobook (narrated by Cherry Jones).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The adventures of Laura Ingalls and her family continue as Pa, Ma, Laura, Mary, Carrie, and little Grace bravely face the hard winter of 1880-81 in their little house in the Dakota Territory. Blizzards cover the little town with snow, cutting off all supplies from the outside.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The late, beloved children's book writer and illustrator Tomie dePaola, presents his unique, imaginative artwork to bring new life to this beautiful retelling of a well-loved and inspiring Bible story.

FROM SARAH: 

Our beloved little Knight Owl is back with the second delightful story in this series! This time he's out to save the forest he loves, but not to worry... He's got a tiny feathered friend by his side!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. But there are strange happenings in the forest, and soon Knight Owl and Early Bird find themselves in the throes of danger. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe?

FROM SARAH:

A classic, and a sweet celebration of the bustling life of NYC as well as country life in Connecticut meadows.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Animal lovers especially will adore this sweet story about a musical cricket, and his pals -- a mouse and a cat, who share many adventures together including taking in the sights of old New York. A 1961 Newberry Honor book, it features illustrations by Garth Williams and is great for young readers because “intense” animal scenes are pretty minimal. (The first in a series.)

FROM SARAH:

Barbara Cooney's Caldecott Award-winning book. This Chaucer retelling is among my all-time favorite picture books. Perfect for a Middle Ages study, a farmyard study, or when you just want to snuggle in with a darn good story. This is an RAR Premium Family Book Club pick for spring 2024.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

King of the barnyard, Chanticleer struts about all day. When a fox bursts into his domain, dupes him into crowing, and then grabs him in a viselike grip, Chanticleer must do some quick thinking to save himself and his barnyard kingdom.

FROM SARAH:

It's possible these are best early readers on the list! I just can't get enough of Mr. Putter, Tabby, or any of their friends. I was always delighted when my kids chose these books to practice reading on. (I also just enjoyed reading them aloud!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The gentle, affecting first volume introduces elderly Mr. Putter, who decides that a cat will keep him from feeling lonely. Rylant’s texts reflect admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Profiles the childhood dreams and realities of the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal, achieved in the 10-meter platform diving event in 1948.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Lois Ehlert uses watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees.

One New York Times bestselling author, four bestselling series starters. This boxed set includes the first books of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, The Candy Shop Wars, and Five Kingdoms series!It’s four fantastical worlds in one! Meet magical creatures in Fablehaven, become a hero in Beyonders, taste ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand!  Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom.  But is there room on the broom for so many friends?  And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?

**Description from Amazon: The New York Times bestselling account of a courageous eighteen-year-old from Nashville who gave up every comfort and convenience to become the adoptive mother to thirteen girls in Uganda.What would cause an eighteen-year-old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to ...

FROM SARAH:

This is a fascinating book that explores how Shakespeare was influenced by a variety of folk and fairy tales in his own playwriting. Each story begins with a author's note from Patrick Ryan on the history of these tales. Due to content, I would recommend for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Accompanied by lavish illustrations, this elegant collection of classic stories that inspired seven of Shakepeare's literary masterpieces is filled with adventure, love, destiny, and magic.

FROM SARAH:

Patricia Polacco’s heartfelt tribute to the teacher who helped her overcome dyslexia eminds us of the life-changing power of a good teacher and the courage it takes to keep going when something feels impossible.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize what was happening. The classic (and true!) story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail.

From the publisher: A group of clever animals find an unusual but warm and furry home during Alaska's long winter in Jan Brett's newest snowy adventure.

FROM SARAH:

The 1st book in Arnold Ytreeide's fantastic Advent series. This is one of my favorites. Preview for sensitive readers, as these stories get quite intense. They are also rich and beautiful and unforgettable.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this widely popular, exciting story for the advent season, readers follow ten-year-old Jotham across Israel as he searches for his family. Though he faces thieves, robbers, and kidnappers, Jotham also encounters the wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to the Savior born in Bethlehem.

**Description from Amazon: "Delivers an eloquent environmental message while demonstrating how kids can change the world through teamwork and perseverance." — School Library JournalA triumphant story of environmental activism, community, and friendship: Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkin...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The author of the Magic Tree House books has created an anthology of American Tall Tales that is not to miss! Read this with kids of every age. Perfect when you only have time for a quick story.

FROM SARAH:

A cute story about a mouse who loves winter so much, she finds a rather creative way to get her friends to join her outside in the cold. Darling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For most field mice, winter means burrowing down and snuggling in. But not for Lucy! She loves snow crunching under her paws and wearing a fluffy wool hat. And most of all, Lucy loves to skate, and she’s just ACHING to show off her new skill with her friends. After all, a winter wonderland is twice as nice when you have friends to enjoy it with. But the other mice just don’t understand—and after a disastrous indoor snowball fight, it looks as if they never will. Can Lucy find a way to make the other mice come out and “mice skate” too?

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Samantha is a wealthy orphan growing up in 1904. Her grandmother is raising her as a proper young lady with the best of everything. Still, Samantha is lonely. When her Uncle Gard comes to visit with his friend, Miss Cornelia Pitt, and a special gift for Samantha, it doesn’t go well. Even worse, Samantha isn’t allowed to play with Nellie, the girl next door, because Nellie is a servant. So Samantha decides to help Nellie learn to read. Through her forbidden friendship with Nellie, Samantha learns some important things, too—about truth, friendship, and family.

The true story of a boy who lost his way and then found it working undercover, smuggling Bibles behind the borders of closed nations. A page-turner!

FROM SARAH:

I love this whole series! This one was inspired by the author's visit to a national park, and would make a great read-aloud either before or after your own visit.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Weasel is ready for his dinner, and poor Mouse is it. Can Mouse stop Weasel from serving up mouse soup for supper? The clever mouse tells the weasel four stories to make the soup tasty—then manages to trick the weasel and get home safely.

FROM SARAH:

Filled with rhythm, rhyme and repetition, this story is perfect for early listeners and budding readers who are beginning to play with sounds. Check out RAR Podcast episode 35 for more tips on how to engage little learners in your read-alouds.

FROM PUBLISHER:

This tale of a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity and also teaches children about problem and resolution.This classic picture book will be appreciated as a birthday, baby shower, or graduation gift! It never fails to get preschoolers chanting along and giggling.

FROM SARAH:

This moving picture book biography tells of Harriet Tubman's distinct courage and zeal. Worth owning, and probably best for slightly older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

his poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman's strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, earned over and over the name Moses.

FROM SARAH:

Gorgeous details and rich imagery in the illustrations of this one! Award-winning for a reason. Your library likely has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Adult and child can delight together in the richness of color, gilt and detail...captured in such art. The story is plainly and gracefully told."--The New York Times Book Review"

**Description from Amazon: The toddler years are full of growth and smiles and sweetness—but also tantrums. With toddlers, yelling, screaming, wailing, and flailing are a normal part of life. Very young children don’t yet have the words to express strong feelings, and they’re still learning social skills. This board boo...

FROM SARAH:

This is easily one of the most enjoyable retellings to read aloud. I love how Garfield weaves his own strong storytelling into the dialogue which is all (or almost all!) pulled directly from Shakespeare. Heads-up for one illustration we don’t love (you’ll know which one), but it would be easy to read this aloud without sharing that small spot illustration. 

Best for kids age 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here twenty-one of the Bard’s plays are refashioned into stories that are true to the wit, the humor, the wisdom, the sublime heights, the terrifying depths, and above all the poetry of their great originals. Throughout, Garfield skillfully weaves in Shakespeare’s own words, accustoming young readers to language and lines that might at first seem forbiddingly unfamiliar. Leon Garfield’s Shakespeare Stories is an essential distillation—a truly Shakespearean tribute to Shakespeare’s genius and a delight for children and parents alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Whitman's wise words are beautifully recast by New York Times #1 best-selling illustrator Loren Long to tell the story of a boy's fascination with the heavens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Only Amber Brown can handle her best friend moving away with such honesty, humor, and heart.Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They've known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever hear of Charlie Parker? The great jazz saxophone player? If you have or if you haven't, it's okay. Look at this board book and you'll hear Charlie Parker; you'll hear music in your mind. "Be bop. Fisk, fisk. Lollipop. Boomba, boomba." Look. That's Charlie swinging and spinning all over the pages. And that's Charlie's cat, waiting, waiting for him to come home...

FROM SARAH:

Best for those who love quiet books that stay with you long after you read them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One sunny day Samson, a large and friendly woolly mammoth, encounters a little red bird who is looking for yellow flowers for her mouse friend (whose favorite color is yellow). As she flies off with the flowers, Samson wonders what it must be like to have a friend. He wonders this for so long, in fact, that he falls asleep and wakes up to a world covered in snow. In the midst of a blizzard, Samson finds and shelters the little red bird and flower-loving mouse in a tender tale of kindness and unexpected friendship.

FROM SARAH:

Eric Carle's vibrant illustrations and gentle storytelling make this tale of Hermit Crab's quest for a new home a charming and read.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hermit Crab seeks the perfect home—and learns to appreciate change—in this Ready-to-Read edition of Eric Carle’s beloved story.In this classic story from Eric Carle, Hermit Crab grows out of one house after another as he searches for the perfect home.

**Description from Amazon: From the bestselling author of 100 Cupboards comes the second book in a one-of-a-kind middle grade time travel series that is perfect for fans of Soman Chainani's School for Good and Evil books.Sam Miracle never thought that his future could lie in the past. But after leaping through centuries at...

**Description from Amazon: NYT Bestselling series! Harlem’s favorite family returns in the third installment in the Vanderbeerkers series, wherein the Vanderbeeker kids find themselves racing to save their mother’s baking business from city closure. Illustrated with delightful black and white illustrations.For the Vanderb...

FROM SARAH:

I learned so much about mushrooms from this book, and I bet you and your kids will too! Delightful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What can smell like bubble gum, glow neon green at night, be poisonous and yet still eaten by humans, and even help create rain? The answer is mushrooms! From their hidden networks underground to the fruiting body above, mushrooms can do incredible things. But don't call them plants--mushrooms are fungi. They're more closely related to animals like you!

The little settlement that weathered the long, hard winter of 1880-81 is now a growing town. Laura is growing up, and she goes to her first evening social. Mary is at last able to go to a college for the blind. Best of all, Almanzo Wilder asks permission to walk home from church with Laura. And Laur...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A retelling of the Old Testament story of David the shepherd boy whose faith in God helped him overcome the Philistine giant Goliath.

FROM SARAH:

For the reader who wants to see the spiritual implications tucked into Narnia that may not be immediately known. Dig in a little deeper with the help of RAR favorite, Jonathan Rogers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The World According to Narnia is a journey further up and further into the imaginative world of C.S. Lewis. Along the way, Jonathan Rogers makes the case that this world-the one where we actually live-is a place no less wondrous than Narnia itself.

FROM SARAH:

An exquisite story. In fact, there are five books in the series and they just keep getting better and better! This is storytelling at its best. I highly recommend the audio versions, which are narrated by actress Glenn Close. Get the Family Book Club Guide for the whole series in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the late 1800s, Anna’s father advertises for a wife and mother for Anna and her brother Caleb. Sarah answers the ad describing herself as “plain and tall,” but of course, she is so much more. Great for fans of Little House on the Prairie!

FROM SARAH:

Saint books are what Demi does best, I think, and this gorgeous picture book about St. Joan of Arc is worth spending time poring over. Inspiring.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a young girl in a small village in France, Joan prayed daily that France would be delivered from the English and Burgundian invaders who were ravishing the country. When Joan was thirteen, she had a life-changing experience.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend.Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this book! A trading-up story. Longer text, so it's a great fit for a wide range of ages, or for older kids. I wonder if your kids will want to write their own trading-up apple cake story after reading this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An old woman wants to bake an apple cake. She has everything she needs, except apples. So she sets off to market, taking a basket of plums to trade along the way, just in case...

This is a classic story of sharing, trading and caring. Children will love guessing what the woman will acquire next, and how, and seeing how her journey brings her a full circle as her kindness is repaid.

FROM SARAH:

An exciting, page-turning read! One of my twins names this as his all-time favorite book, which is saying something! The many references to Van Gogh's artwork make it an ideal companion to picture study, but it's also just a great adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

After an experience he’d rather forget, Vincent is determined to be done with art. So when he and his little sister, Lili, spend spring break with their art conservator great-uncle, Vincent’s plan is to stay glued to his phone.

That is, until Lili disappears into one of the world’s most famous paintings and Vincent learns his parents have been hiding something from him: Their family is the last of The Restorationists, a secret society with the power to travel through paintings—and a duty to protect them from evil forces.

With Lili’s safety on the line, leaving art behind is no longer an option. Vincent must team up with his know-it-all second-cousin Georgia, wrestle with why his parents lied to him, and confront both his past and a future he never wanted. Young readers are invited into a captivating universe where paintings become a portal—and adventure and danger lurk beyond every canvas.

FROM SARAH:

One of my new favorite picture books. This is three stories in one—of the past, the present and, the future. You'll never look at a pecan tree the same way again. I love this book so much, we chose it as our Family Book Club pick at RAR Premium in the fall of 2023.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl’s careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. For Earth Day and every day! Perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Oge Mora.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A little girl chases her giant pumpkin all over town with some help along the way. It’s the perfect bedtime story to read with your little pumpkin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

May Alcott, the youngest of the four Alcott sisters, is best known to readers as ""Amy"" in the beloved classic ""Little Women,"" written by her sister Louisa May Alcott. Caroline Ticknor's 1928 memoir describes May as the vibrant artist of the family (as was the semi-fictional Amy), with an enthusiasm for beauty, people, and life.

**Description from Amazon: How do you hold on to hope when you don’t get the ending you asked for?When Katie Davis Majors moved to Uganda, accidentally founded a booming organization, and later became the mother of thirteen girls through the miracle of adoption, she determined to weave her life together with the people sh...

FROM SARAH:

A sweet and funny story. We just thoroughly enjoyed this one as a read-aloud. Ask your library to buy it, if it's not available!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Although Mel and his family have lived in America for several years, they have never celebrated Thanksgiving, just the Jewish holidays. But this year, after Papa wins a live turkey at work and brings it home on the subway, Mama invites all their relatives to their Brooklyn tenement for dinner. There's just one thing―Mel has a soft spot for the turkey!

FROM SARAH:

The 2nd book in Arnold Ytreeide's fantastic Advent series. This is one of Sarah's favorites. Preview for sensitive readers, as these stories get quite intense. They are also rich and beautiful and unforgettable.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bartholomew's Passage is an engaging story that guides families through the Advent season. Young Bartholomew's adventures start when Roman soldiers destroy his village and disperse his family, continue through his enslavement to a tyrannical master and his escape with his new friend Nathan, and end with a reunion with his family in Bethlehem. Along the way Bartholomew makes a new friend, a young boy named Jotham!

FROM SARAH:

My twins love these graphic novel versions of a couple of Shakespeare's tragedies. Heads-up for blood and gore—these are dark stories, both!

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Hamlet receives a visitation from the ghost of his late father, he uncovers a plot that will lead him on a journey of vengeance and self destruction.

**Description from Amazon: Missouri, 1847When James first started school, his sister practically had to drag him there. The classroom was dark and dreary, and James knew everything outside was more exciting than anything he'd find inside.But his teacher taught him otherwise. "We make our own light here," Reverend Meachum told...

**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! Meet Jack and Annie! Jack and his younger sister, Annie, are just regular kids. But when they discover a tree house in the woods, something magical happens. Jack an...