Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With their usual pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation's birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Katherine Rundell - Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and prize-winning author of five novels for children - explores how children's books ignite, and can re-ignite, the imagination; how children's fiction, with its unabashed emotion and playfulness, can awaken old hungers and create new perspectives on the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is the most influential business book of the twentieth century.

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful celebration of the life, illustrated by one of my favorite artists. Highly recommended. (This makes a sweet baby shower gift, or gift for new siblings!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In its mother's womb, a baby grows, explores the waters, and talks with the angel who is there. The gentle illustrations tell the story of that baby and angel, delighting young children because the journey from conception to birth is their story, too.

FROM SARAH:

Who knew a book about the life and times of corn could be so interesting?! But... it is! See if your library has this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

As the New York times Book Review said, “Micucci knows how to grab his audience” and is “canny about organizing his material.” Building upon his successful series of creative science for the younger grades, the author-illustrator of the LIFE AND TIMES series focuses on the science, uses and history of American’s most prevalent crop.

**Description from Amazon: In an ancient Arab nation, one woman dares to be different.Buran cannot -- Buran will not-sit quietly at home and wait to be married to the man her father chooses. Determined to use her skills and earn a fortune, she instead disguises herself as a boy and travels by camel caravan to a distant city. ...

FROM SARAH:

A 1963 Caldecott Medal-winner, The Snowy Day is simple and beautiful. Explore the city as it is blanketed in snow. Perfect for winter, of course.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keats’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk's life's passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ease the transition time from evening activities to bedtime with this warm and cozy get-ready-for-bed book. Aided by Mom and Dad, a sister and brother enjoy a little snack, relaxing baths, time for brushing teeth, stories, lullabies, back rubs, and hugs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Christopher Bing's magnificent version of this immortal ballad of the flailing 19th-century baseball star is rendered as though it had been newly discovered in a hundred-year-old scrapbook.

**Description from Amazon: In the tradition of American Girl, each book in this series is a clever mix of past and present that brings a different era to life through a story told from the perspective of a beloved doll.Sisters Lila and Rose, ages 8 and 10, are spending the year with their eccentric grandmother (who runs a dol...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Yuriko hates her name when the children make fun of it and call her "Eureka!" Though she is half Japanese, the teasing makes her want to hide, to retreat even from the art projects she used to love. Fortunately she has a patient, kind father who finds gentle ways of drawing her out and reminding Yuriko of the traditions they share that have always brought her joy: walks in lovely Golden Gate Park, lunch at their favorite sushi restaurant, watching the fog blow in off the bay. It's enough... it's more than enough to face down her challenges with confidence.From the incomparable Allen Say comes another moving story taken from his personal experience and translated to the universal.

FROM SARAH:

A good collection of famous poems if you'd like to read-aloud some classic poetry with your kids, but don't know where to start.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Fully indexed by title, author, and first line, this much-loved collection, in print since 1916, is a wide-ranging collection of the best-known English language poets, from William Shakespeare Robert Frost, from Percy Bysshe Shelley to Edna St. Vincent Millay.

FROM SARAH:

There's a reason this book won all the awards it could possibly win! A picture book biography told in MLK's own words.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life.

FROM SARAH:

I find the cadence of the Jesse Bear books to be quite irresistible to read aloud. :) This one is especially charming.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jesse Bear is admonished not to get wet under a variety of tantalizing circumstances, until finally he receives permission in his own wading pool.

FROM SARAH:

You’ll feel empowered and encouraged after reading Laura’s work, equipped with practical tools to help you make intentional choices about how you spend your time. It reminded me that time is not a thief, but a landscape, and we have the opportunity to shape it in ways that bless us and those we love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's an unquestioned truth of modern life: we are starved for time. We tell ourselves we'd like to read more, get to the gym regularly, try new hobbies, and accomplish all kinds of goals. But then we give up because there just aren't enough hours to do it all. Or if we don't make excuses, we make sacrifices- taking time out from other things in order to fit it all in. There has to be a better way...and Laura Vanderkam has found one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A story of dark love and passionate obsession that was considered "too sensational" to be published in the authors lifetime, A Long Fatal Love Chase was written for magazine serialization in 1866, two years before the publication of Little Women.

NARRATED BY: Mark Linn-Baker

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 14 min

Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty 12 miles from home. She is very homesick but keeps at it so that she can help pay for her sister Mary's tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations Laura has fun with her singin...

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Queen Esther, the wife of King Ahasuerus of Persia, bravely risked her life to prevent the killing of all the Jews in Persia. Colorful, delicate, and inspiring, Tomie dePaola's artwork brings to life his beautiful telling of this unique and important Bible story.

FROM SARAH:

I have fond memories of reading this entire series aloud with my oldest kids when we first started homeschooling! They're a little slow, but we enjoyed them as short stories.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is a collection of 6 short books featuring animal characters like Danny Meadow Mouse and Reddy Fox.

FROM SARAH:

Demi's light-filled illustration style is perfect for stories of the saints, and this book about St. Francis looks like it could have been taken straight from a stained glass window.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved and inspirational figures in the history of Christianity. The stunning illustrations of award-winning author, Demi, bring to life the story of this son of a rich merchant, who abandoned all his worldly goods in order to follow the teachings of Jesus.

**Description from Amazon: Another book in the Nancy Drew series featuring a teen-age girl as a mystery solver.

FROM SARAH

I once asked Newbery-Award winning author Kate DiCamillo which famous book character she would have dinner with, if she could, and do you know what she said? Yep. Ribsy. I bet you'll understand why when you read this tale of America's favorite dog!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, center stage in this dog's eye view of the adventure of a lifetime. This classic story about a dog and his boy is as fresh and funny as ever!

FROM SARAH:

If you enjoy miniatures, you will really love this book. Photographs of Rebecca Dudley's carefully crafted miniature dioramas tell a heartwarming story (and just may set your kids on a miniature creative quest of their own).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

While walking through the woods, Hank finds an egg all alone on the forest floor. Spotting its home high up in a tree, Hank diligently tries to return the egg to its nest, but is met with failure each time. After keeping the egg warm overnight, he returns to the scene the next morning. To his surprise, he is met by another forest creature. Will they find a way together to see the egg safely home?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Earl the Squirrel’s mom wants him to learn how to find his own acorns. But Earl doesn’t even know where to begin. He is determined, though, to show his mother that he can find them. With the help of his red scarf—and a few animals along the way—Earl embarks on an all-night search. But will he ever be able to locate an acorn?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The celebrated author of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny joins forces with the Caldecott Medalist of Smoky Night to tell this tender story about loving and enduring family relationships.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament.

FROM SARAH:

We love Gyo Fujikawa around here (check out the picture book biography about her, It Began With a Page, which we featured as our Family Book Club choice in RAR Premium.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gyo Fujikawa creates magic with this enchanting collection of fairy tales and fables. These are the stories that all children should experience, that will nourish their young minds and imaginations: Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, The Hare and the Tortoise, The Little Red Hen, The Three Little Pigs, and many more. Some are well known and beloved; others are unfamiliar, but they’re all beautifully written and illustrated.

NARRATED BY: Laural Merlington, BEST FOR AGES: 9+

FROM SARAH:

A longer picture book (best for older kids) that will tug your heartstrings while teaching you about the struggles and triumphs of an Irish family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An Irish family stays together with the help of Fiona’s talent for making one-of-a-kind lace in this heartwarming immigration story from the New York Times creator, Patricia Polacco.

FROM SARAH:

The 3rd 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:

Following in the footsteps of the immensely popular Jotham’s Journey and Bartholomew’s Passage, this captivating story will take families through Advent to Christmas as they share in Tabitha’s adventures.

Curious, competent, and courageous Tabitha is the daughter of a shepherd who is taking his family on caravan to his birthplace. Along the way, she meets and becomes friends with Jotham and Bartholomew, watches as Romans take her father prisoner, spends time with Zechariah and Elizabeth, helps Mary and Joseph just before Christ’s birth, and ends her travels at the stable in Bethlehem.

**Description from Amazon: When the Nazis invaded Denmark on Tuesday, April 9, 1940, the people of this tiny country to the north of Germany awoke to a devastating surprise. The government of Denmark surrendered quietly, and the Danes were ordered to go about their daily lives as if nothing had changed. But everything had cha...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday, they had lots of questions. What was it like to live in colonial times? Why did the stamp Act make the colonists so angry? Who were the Minutemen? What happened at the Boston Tea Party? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

FROM SARAH:

The world is wintry outside, and a young girl and her mother plan an herb garden in the windowsill. Lovely, all the way through. There are even instructions in the back for starting a windowsill garden.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With a little bit of love and care, a few seeds nestled in pots, and a good windowsill, there’s no better time to make an herb garden with mom than in the dead of winter. Together, a young girl and her mother can grow everything you find in a spring herb garden, from oregano to parsley and baby greens, carefully tending their plants to watch them thrive, all while frigid snow falls just outside the window. The multiple harvests of fresh greens are just what they need to stay warm through the coldest and darkest season. When Spring finally arrives, there’s one thing on the girl’s mind: more seeds!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Foiling a robber, driving a car, squeezing into a tutu—is there anything the porcine wonder won’t do in her single-minded pursuit of treats, buttered toast, or just a rollicking fun time? And who knows what other adventures twinkle in her mischievous eyes? Here, for Mercy Watson’s loyal fans and new friends, comes a big fat paperback collection of pig tales that will have readers squealing with delight.

NARRATED BY: Kathy Hseih, BEST FOR AGES: 8+

FROM SARAH:

A sweet early reader in the spirit of Frog and Toad.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book It is a blustery spring day, and Mouse and Mole are very excited. They are going to go bird watching! They are planning to make bird books! Mouse and Mole pack paper and crayons and hurry outside. It turns out, birds are not so easy to watch.

FROM SARAH:

‘What will you wear in the morning?’ asks Jesse’s mama. Enjoy the sweet verse while teaching little ones about daily rhythms!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What does a little bear wear while he romps through a bright and sunny day? In the morning, his pants that dance, a rose between his toes, and the sun on his legs that run. At lunchtime, an apple to bite and a moustache of white, and juice from a pear and rice in his hair. And at night, his pjs with feet and face on the seat, and sleep in his eyes and stars in the skies, as he dreams of the fun he’ll have tomorrow.

FROM SARAH:

This charming retelling of The Princess of the Pea is so much fun! I love Juana Martinez-Neal's illustrations, and there is Spanish sprinkled throughout.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming retelling with Spanish sprinkled throughout, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sometimes it’s fun to share, and sometimes it’s hard. This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult. Little ones learn that sharing can mean double the fun—and sharing a while can make someone smile!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Showing the strong bond of love between mother and child, within nature and throughout life, Cummings’ heartfelt words expressed through McDonough’s lovely illustrations combine to create a fresh, yet classic, portrayal of love.

**Description from Amazon: In 1900, Mandie is searching her dead uncle's mansion for a missing will when she finds a secret tunnel and strangers who claim to be her relatives

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Too early to go to bed, and with only flashes of lightning to see by, Thomas and his grandfather happily find themselves rediscovering the half-forgotten scents and sounds of their world. They have a wonderful time learning important new things about each other in a spirited conversation

FROM SARAH:

When Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney pair up, I always pay attention. This is an especially good book to read with older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

FROM SARAH:

This is a fantastic follow-up to Laura’s book, 168 Hours, filled with her natural optimism, practicality, and gentle guidance about how to make the most of the abundant time we have been given. Instead of focusing on the hours in a week, Laura zooms out and invites readers to consider the year as a whole. Both books are incredible tools for time management, filled with wisdom, encouragement and a variety of tactics for implementing her ideas into your everyday life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
By turns surprising, thought-provoking, and encouraging, Big Time shows readers that the daily experience of time can be quite spacious―and that, managed well, each day’s hours can be a source of happiness and satisfaction.

FROM SARAH:

Jan Brett, need I say more? A summer tale from the author/illustrator we all know and love for her wintery stories!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Bo spots what he thinks is a "rip-roaring', routine'-tootin', shiny red armadillo," he knows what he has to do. Follow that armadillo!

**Description from Amazon: The Blythes Are Quoted is the last work of fiction by the internationally celebrated author of Anne of Green Gables. Intended by L.M. Montgomery to be the ninth volume in her bestselling series featuring her beloved heroine Anne – and delivered to her publisher on the very day she died – it has ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Charles Dickens is not only the author of some of the best-loved stories in the English language, but also the creator of some of its most memorable characters. Meet them all between the pages of this splendid book, which retells, in lively comicstrip style, five of Dickens' most popular stories: "Oliver Twist", "Great Expectations", "A Tale of Two Cities", "David Copperfield" and "A Christmas Carol".

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One morning Grasshopper finds a lovely road to follow. Off he goes on his journey, past plenty of busy characters. They wonder why Grasshopper isn’t as busy as they are. But Grasshopper - well, he is happy just walking down the road.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

New York Times best-selling author, speaker, visionary, and founder of Living Proof Ministries Beth Moore has devoted her whole life to helping women across the globe come to know the transforming power of Jesus. An established writer of many acclaimed books and Bible studies for women on spiritual growth and personal development, Beth now unveils her own story in a much-anticipated debut memoir.

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful and informative book about the world's largest tree. I love the illustrations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From tiny seed to world's largest tree, the giant sequoia is a living wonder of nature. This ancient and tremendous species grows naturally only on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada. Each sequoia begins life as a seed no larger than an oatmeal flake—yet can grow as tall as three blue whales stacked chin to tale. The oldest sequoias have lived as long as forty human lifetimes. The largest are so enormous, twenty children holding hands can’t wrap their arms around the trunks!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One stormy night at sea, a wayward man named John Newton feared for his life. In his darkest hour he fell to his knees and prayed--and somehow the battered ship survived the storm.

**Description from Amazon: The tales and travels of the Sugar Creek Gang have passed the test of time, delighting young readers for more than fifty years.Great mysteries with a message for kids, The Sugar Creek Gang series chronicles the faith-building adventures of a group of fun-loving, courageous Christian boys. Your ...

** Description from Amazon: This poignant and hilarious story of loss and redemption “explores the process of grief, second chances, and even the meaning of life” (Kirkus Reviews).In the remarkable, bizarre, and heart-wrenching summer before Cullen Witter’s senior year of high school, he is forced to examine everything h...

FROM SARAH:

The story of MLK from a perspective we don't always think about: his son's. Truly wonderful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

FROM SARAH:

A delightful cumulative tale. Is there room on the crowded bus in Zanzibar? You bet there is! Your kids will have fun looking for the chickens. Brilliantly designed by the same book designer who made A Little More Beautiful, While Everyone is Sleeping, and Because Barbara. This book is featured in our RAR Premium Family Book Club for 2023-2024.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young boy on a crowded bus discovers that, after some wiggles and giggles, there’s room for everyone in this lighthearted rhyming picture book set in Zanzibar.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The doctrine of adoption—God’s decision to adopt sinful men and women into his family—stands at the heart of Christianity. In light of this, Christians’ efforts to adopt beautifully illustrate the truth of the gospel.