Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Discover the truth about the world's most fascinating and magical creatures that have been featured in legends and tales for centuries. Includes maps and information boxes describing the background of the fiery creatures and their incredible stories. Features ancient legends, mythological dragons, and media dragons, all illustrated with stunning artwork.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Take a trip to the farmers' market in this playful story about spatial sense. Olivia is searching for something just the right size to fill her basket. The apple is so small that it rolls around. The zucchini is so long that it sticks out. What will fit just right?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This exhuberantly illustrated story about every kid’s favorite part of a Chinese meal also includes a brief history of the fortune cookie.

From the Publisher:

In this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two well-respected New Testament scholars interpret the Gospel of John in its historical and literary setting as well as in light of the Church's doctrinal, liturgical, and spiritual tradition. They unpack the wisdom of the Fourth Gospel for the intellectual and spiritual transformation of its readers and connect the Gospel with a range of witnesses throughout the whole history of Catholicism. This volume, like each in the series, is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

This inventive picture book relays the events of two hundred years from the unique perspective of a magnificent oak tree, showing how much the world can transform from a single vantage point. From 1775 to the present day, this fascinating framing device lets readers watch as human and animal populations shift and the landscape transitions from country to city. Methods of transportation, communication and energy use progress rapidly while other things hardly seem to change at all.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.

FROM SARAH:

A collection of short readings that will help attune your spirit to the season in a quiet, soulful way.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Ecumenical in scope, these fifty devotions invite the reader to contemplate the great themes of Christmas and the significance that the coming of Jesus has for each of us – not only during Advent, but every day. Whether dipped into at leisure or used on a daily basis, Watch for the Light gives the phrase “holiday preparations” new depth and meaning.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely reflection on God's greatest gift: Jesus. Excellent for an Advent/Christmas mama devotional, to read with the morning's first hot sip of coffee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Beginning with Jesse, the father of David, The Greatest Gift retraces the epic pageantry of mankind, from Adam to the Messiah, with each day’s reading pointing to the coming promise of Christ.

FROM SARAH:

A new favorite journal from one of my all-time favorite people. Tsh has given us a simple way to think about the things that matter and hold space to get quiet at the beginning and end of our days. This book is a beauty.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This easy-to-use journal encourages readers to bookend each day with short, personal reflections that bring insight and intentionality to their busy and unpredictable lives.

FROM SARAH:

A gorgeous Advent/Christmas devotional from one of my favorite artists. This book is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From the bestselling author and artist behind GraceLaced and Beholding and Becoming comes this gorgeous exploration of what it means to intimately experience God’s presence in our daily lives. Ruth Chou Simons welcomes you and your family to partake in a season of surrender as you discover the true miracle behind Christmas: that while we journey to grow in our relationships with Jesus, He has already come so He can be with us forever.

FROM SARAH:

A delightful and magical regency read from the author of Beyond Mulberry Glen, Millie Florence. You'll likely enjoy this one every bit as much as the kids!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ashton Harper has three problems and two of them are his sisters. First Drusilla, the oldest, who has decided that all she cares about is muslin and courtship. Second Zizi, the youngest, a stubborn optimist who is constantly pushing her brother outside his comfort zone. And third, their invitation to audition for a ballroom dancing scholarship at the prestigious Overmorrow Academy of Arts, which could be either a dream come true or a hope-crushing failure. As a proud, sarcastic realist, Ashton is betting on the latter.

A story of family and ambition, The Balter of Ashton Harper is woven with whimsy, hope, and Millie Florence’s signature light-hearted depth.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jamie Johnson is a seven-year-old girl with an annoying older sister, a short attention span, and an odd hobby of collecting paint sample cards.

Laren Lark is an almost thirteen-year-old girl with a love of books, a talent for poetry, and a past full of road school adventures.

This book is a whimsical story about what happened to them one fateful summer, with a pound of friendship, a gallon of family, and a ton of everyday joy.

FROM SARAH:

This Young Reader's Shakespeare series is a favorite.The series is out of print but still worth hunting down.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet a power hungry Scottish nobleman and his wife and learn the price they pay for violently seizing the Throne in Macbeth. A dark and brooding story filled with ghosts, witches, intrigue, and the decent into madness, Macbeth will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

FROM SARAH:

This Young Reader's Shakespeare series is a favorite.The series is out of print but still worth hunting down.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A young woman's elopement with a dark-skinned foreigner. An evil manipulator, dead set on bloody revenge. A noble warrior, fatally consumed by jealousy. Shakespeare's play about the Moor who "loved not wisely but too well," comes to life in this intensely thrilling and beautifully illustrated retelling. The enticing text, written by an outstanding scholar, draws young readers in with outstanding dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events.

From Sarah:

This Young Reader's Shakespeare series is a favorite.The series is out of print but still worth hunting down.

From the Publisher: 

Seamlessly blending Shakespeare’s beautiful lines with modern language, Adam McKeown eases children into the world of Imperial Rome. His well-chosen words, aided by Janet Hamlin’s striking and boldly colored paintings, introduce them to such unforgettable characters as the well-meaning Brutus and Cassius.

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.

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 three witches tell the ruthless warrior Macbeth that he is destined to be King of Scotland, it sparks off a series of tragic events... Spurred on by his devious wife, Macbeth sets out on a path of treachery and murder that will take him to the heights of power and the depths of despair. William Shakespeare’s saga of ruthless ambition is retold with simplified dialogue in this vividly illustrated version of one of his most powerful plays.

Age rec: 6+

From Sarah:

A collection with lots of cartoon illustrations. It's not as strong of a choice as others on our list of Shakespeare favorites, but your library might have it.

From the Publisher:

Get lost in Shakespeare’s most loved stories with this beautiful anthology of some of the most popular stories in the world. Introduce the children in your life to a collection of the most important stories every written, collected and retold by the much-loved author Angela McAllister. Featuring classics such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello, each story is rewritten in a comprehensive way that is accessible for children. This perfectly sized anthology is stunningly illustrated by collage artist Alice Lindstrom whose incredible artwork makes these stories dance to life before your very eyes.

FROM SARAH:

Funny graphic novel adaptations. Perfect for kids who think they aren't interested in Shakespeare.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo... until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails, in The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth.

FROM SARAH:

Funny graphic novel adaptations. Perfect for kids who think they aren't interested in Shakespeare.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo . . . until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails.

FROM SARAH:

It's easy to forget that Shakespeare's plays aren't just stories--they're poetry! This collection includes favorite poetic collections from several plays.

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This wonderful, fully illustrated book introduces children to the Bard and more than thirty of his most famous and accessible verses, sonnets, and speeches. From “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” to “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!” and “All the world’s a stage,” the words and poetry of the greatest playwright and poet spring to life on the page.

FROM SARAH:

An activity book that will extend your exploration of the bard with hands-on experiences. Handy for co-ops or groups.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Kids can experience William Shakespeare’s England and get their first taste of the Bard’s sublime craft with this lively biography and activity book. Staging swordplay, learning to juggle, and creating authentic costumes like a flamboyant shirt with slashed sleeves or a lady’s lace-trimmed glove bring the theater arts to life. Making a quill pen and using it to write a story, binding a simple book by hand, creating a fragrant pomander ball and a dish of stewed apples show what daily life was like in Elizabethan times.

FROM SARAH:

Widely used and read in homeschool circles, but I tend to prefer other retellings. This'll do if you're in a pinch, though, as it's widely available. We recommend skipping the biographical section.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At the heart of any great work of literature is a story. William Shakespeare's plays are no exception. They tell the stories of kings and queens, of ghosts and witches, of romance and passion. But to get to the stories at the heart of the Bard's plays, the reader must first work through Shakespeare's language, a task often too demanding for younger readers. This new paperback edition brings ten of Shakespeare's greatest plays to life. E. Nesbit, the classic British children's author tells the stories at the core of the plays with a generous sprinkle of wit and humor. Her graceful, vivid retellings, written in highly accessible and lucid prose, are the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's work.

FROM SARAH:

I love these homeschool guides from the folks at Simply Charlotte Mason. They include a retelling from Edith Nesbit or Charles & Mary Lamb, scene-by-scene summaries that are useful, and the actual Shakespeare play that your students can follow along with while you listen to an audio production. Highly recommended. Check out the complete list of Shakespearian guides offered by Simply Charlotte Mason linked here.

Recommended for Mamas.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An enjoyable and simple approach to some of the greatest literature ever written—the plays of William Shakespeare! Help your students become familiar with Shakespeare's imaginative stories, memorable characters, and brilliant lines in three simple steps: 1. Read the story. 2. Hear the script. 3. Watch the play.

FROM SARAH:

Widely used and read in homeschool circles, though I tend to prefer other books on this list. Still, these stories are retold well, and some good audiobook versions are available.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover Shakespeare's best-loved plays! These tales are the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's greatest plays. Charles and Mary Lamb vividly bring to life the power of Hamlet and Othello, the fun of As You Like It and the drama of Pericles. They never lose the feel of his beautiful language and humanity and convey all of his wit and wisdom. These tales are classic literature in their own right.

FROM SARAH:

I really wanted to like this (and the companion to it, The Tempest) more than I did. The story itself left a lot to be desired--so many missed opportunities to use Shakespeare's real text! The illustrations, however, are quite lovely. This isn't a top recommendation from me, but we're lacking in great picture book versions of Shakespeare's tales, so if your library has it, you can check it out to see what you think.

Recommended for ages 4-8.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Retold for a picture book audience, the Bard’s mischievous take on love run amok in fairyland meets its match in luminous illustrations by Jane Ray.

FROM SARAH:

I really wanted to like this (and the companion to it, A Midsummer NIght's Dream) more than I did. The story itself left a lot to be desired--so many missed opportunities to use Shakespeare's real text! The illustrations, however, are quite lovely. This isn't a top recommendation from me, but we're lacking in great picture book versions of Shakespeare's tales, so if your library has it, you can check it out to see what you think.

Recommended for ages 4-8.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover the Bard’s dazzling play about magic, revenge, and forgiveness, reimagined by Shakespeare’s Globe as a gorgeously illustrated picture book for children.

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare's most famous play is one of the greatest stories in the literature of the world.

Distressed by his father's death and his mother's over-hasty remarriage, Hamlet, prince of Denmark is faced by a specter from beyond the grave bearing a grim message of murder and revenge. The young prince is driven to the edge of madness by his struggle to understand the situation he finds himself in and to do his duty. Many others, including Hamlet's beloved, the innocent Ophelia, are swept up in his tragedy.

Age rec: 7+

From Sarah:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

From the Publisher:

At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty.

Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world.

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites.

When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy that can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young Claudio has fallen for the lovely heiress Hero, who also loves him. Their path to the altar looks smooth, until the evil Don John intervenes.

All ends happily, thanks to his incompetent assassins and the lucky discoveries of the bungling constable Dogberry. Central to the play, one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies, are Beatrice and Benedick, masters of wit and sworn foes to marriage - until a plot is hatched to bring them together.

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Love and wit conquer all in Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of self-delusion and disguise.

Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca.

FROM SARAH:

There are many wonderful audio productions of Shakespeare's plays. Those done by Arkangel are reliably well done.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This pastoral comedy is one of Shakespeare's best loved, owing to its delightful heroine - the wise, witty, and virtuous Rosalind.

Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke Senior, is exiled from the court by her wicked uncle. Disguising herself as a young man and accompanied by her cousin Celia, she takes refuge in the Forest of Arden. In the forest Rosalind meets Orlando with whom she is in love, but her male disguise complicates matters, especially when Rosalind finds she has unwittingly attracted the shepherdess Phebe. But out of the confusion comes reconciliation and forgiveness, and all ends happily.

From the Publisher:

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.

From the Publisher:

Desperate to rescue Claire and the fractured Lost Boys, Peter must unravel what truly tore his dreamland apart. But with each step, he is haunted by more of his own broken memories. Not even Pan himself is what he seems.

Claire Kenton is chained to a pirate ship, watching the wreckage of Neverland rocked by tempests. When she finally finds her brother, Connor is every bit as shattered as the island. Claire may have pixie dust flowing in her veins—but the light of Neverland is flickering dangerously close to going out forever.

To rescue Neverland from the inescapable shadow, the boy who never grew up and the girl who grew up too fast will have to sacrifice the only thing they have left: each other.

From the Publisher:

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, Alex and Brett Harris weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely picture book by my all-time favorite: Tomie dePaola. It is said that singing is praying twice. What a beautiful prayer this one is!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The simple strains of this old Christmas melody are superbly reflected in the graceful, delicate, yet strong images that dePaola brings to the page....A Christmas remembrance to be long treasured." -- Booklist (starred review)

FROM SARAH:

Nobody does Christmas picture books better than Tomie dePaola. This gorgeous rendering of the visit of the Three Wise Kings deserves a place in your permanent home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

FROM SARAH:

I love this reverent picture book with lush illustrations by Susan Jeffers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Full-color illustrations of the Nativity--the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of the Christ child, and the homage of the shepherds and the Magi--bring to life the wonder and joy of the traditional Christmas carol, in this holiday gift edition.

FROM SARAH:

Can a pig go Christmas caroling? If any pig can, it's Mercy! This book will delight all Mercy fans.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Stella gets the sudden idea to go caroling, she has a little trouble getting someone to join her. Her brother, Frank, is not good at spontaneity. The Watsons are very involved in a precarious fruitcake attempt (but happy to send their pig, Mercy, out for the occasion). Eugenia Lincoln declines, a bit rudely, to accompany on her accordion, and Horace Broom is too busy studying planetary movement. Will Stella need to sing by herself—with enthusiastic contributions from the pig, the cat, and the horse she picks up on the way? Or does the evening hold a miracle Stella hadn’t expected?

FROM SARAH:

We're big on Jolabokalfod here at RAR... and this book is just one more reason why! "Reading is magic—when you have the right book." We couldn't say it better ourselves. Learn more about the tradition of Jolabokaflod in RAR episode #218: Jolabokaflod - How to Have a Christmas Book Flood

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As northern lights dance and snow blankets the ground, a young girl searches for the perfect book to give her loved ones for their annual book exchange on Christmas Eve. When December 24th finally arrives, they gather together to share magical stories, curl up by the fire, and read all night long―so the Book Flood begins!

FROM SARAH:

A lovely collection of classic short stories perfect for family read-alouds around the fire ot dinner table. We're featuring three stories from this collection at Christmas School 2023.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
Home for Christmas includes twenty time-honored tales. Several are by world-famous authors; others are little-known treasures translated from other languages. Selected for their literary quality and spiritual integrity, they will resonate with readers of all ages, year after year.

FROM SARAH:

A wonderful picture book for older children. This one has longer text and a storyline you won't soon forget.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl - before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas."

FROM SARAH:

This short, true story is heartfelt and relatable. An excellent choice for kids who love historical books. I especially loved the author's note at the end.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice—until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes.

Now there are laws saying Jewish children can’t go to school, Jews can’t work, or go on vacation. It’s difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city.

As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be “just a girl” again?

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:

See Wilson Bentley's real photographs up close in this collection! Excellent for older kids and teens, especially in tandem with Snowflake Bentley. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

An inexhaustible source of design inspiration for artists, designers, and craftspeople, these graceful patterns are ideal for use in textile and wallpaper design, as well as a host of other creative projects. These images will also appeal to anyone intrigued by the intricacy and beauty of design in the natural world.

FROM SARAH:

If you're looking for a cozy tale to whisk you away to a small village full of tea, freshly baked cakes, and stacks of books, this is it. It's a quiet story, not a page-turner. Perfect for cold winter days, I think.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Prudencia Prim is a young woman of intelligence and achievement, with a deep knowledge of literature and several letters after her name. But when she accepts the post of private librarian in the village of San Ireneo de Arnois, she is unprepared for what she encounters there.

FROM SARAH:

Haley is a delightful person, and I don't know too many people who are as well acquainted with Jane Austen as she is! Haley insists there's not better life coach than Jane herself, and she makes her case in this book. (This book is distinctly Catholic ✝️ )

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

In this uniquely Catholic take, Stewart reveals Austen’s thoughtful, deeply personal exploration of human relationships—including with God—through her six novels. Stewart’s insights take you on a journey that is both literary and spiritual, revealing how Austen’s characters and themes can lead to you to discover and become the person God has called you to be.

FROM SARAH:

An owl bent on becoming a heroic knight shows whether he has what it takes to be as valiant as he imagines. This is laugh-out-loud funny and has gorgeous illustrations. Worth adding to your permanent collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. 

Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.

FROM SARAH:

My boys loved everything about this illustrated chapter book. It's a bit ridiculous and perfectly tuned to a young boy's sense of humor. ;) Makes for a great read-aloud for ages 4-12.

Recommended for ages 4+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This heavily illustrated middle grade novel from award-winning author and artist Matt Phelan is a hilarious, rip-roaring tale of derring-do perfect for reluctant readers and fans of How to Train Your Dragon and The Terrible Two.

Knights vs. Dinosaurs is a highly illustrated, fast-paced adventure full of uproarious knightly hijinks, surprising secrets, and terrifying dinosaurs. With art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene depicted in several graphic-novel style spreads, this engaging story is Monty Python for young middle school readers.

FROM SARAH:

What a joy-filled book! I loved everything about this funny, endearing story with simple text, bright pictures, and so much heart.

Recommended for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a little boy wakes up to see a blanket of snow covering the world outside, there’s only one thing to do: make a snowman, and not just any snowman—he wants the best snowman ever. But when his perfectly packed and powdery dreams clash with cold, slushy reality, he realizes the best snowman ever may be out of reach…but he can make his best snowman yet.

FROM SARAH:

Best for your very youngest kids, this is a book in Grace Lin's colorful Storytelling Math series.

Recommended for ages 0-6.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Olivia and Mei jump in the snow all the way to the tall tree. Mei takes a few big leaps like a deer. Olivia makes lots of smaller hops like a bunny. Each jumps “more” in a different way. A playful exploration of measurement, proportion, and friendship.

FROM SARAH:

This gorgeous book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. writing his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Best suited to older kids due to longer text and mention of violence. An inspiring and worthy book to add to your reading.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. "It's terrible to be circling up there without a place to land."

Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

FROM SARAH:

A simple and profound story of the cart and donkeys that were a part of MLK's funeral procession. Includes back matter and a photo of the cart. Lyrical prose and lovely illustrations. Can be read with a variety of ages.

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Eve Bunting focuses on the funeral procession of Dr. King, beginning with the two men who found the cart to carry him through the streets of Atlanta. After painting it green, two mules named Belle and Ada are hitched to the cart where Dr. King’s coffin is placed. Tens of thousands of mourners gather as the cart makes its way to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and then past the Georgia state capitol to Morehouse College. All the while, crowds of people pay their respects by singing songs of hope.

FROM SARAH:

Beatrix Potter, need I say more? ❤️

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is an original classic by Beatrix Potter. Poor Jemima. All she wants to do is lay her eggs in peace, and be allowed to hatch them herself. At last she flies off and finds the perfect place. Little does the silly duck realize that the charming gentleman who has lent her his woodshed is busily planning a delicious meal of . . . roast duck!

FROM SARAH:

Marguerite Henry is one of the best of the best! This novel is narrated by a proud fox who lives on the grounds of George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Cinnabar is a fox. He lives in a den with his family, Vicky and four little cubs. He’s a hardworking fox who does everything he can to ensure that his family has what they need. But during fox hunting season, he likes to have a little fun: Every hunt day, promptly at one o’clock, Cinnabar shows up and runs until nightfall. Can the huntsmen ever catch this clever fox?

FROM SARAH:

A delightful and enchanting tale that will make you want to re-read your childhood fantasy favorites. Especially excellent for teen girls and mamas. The first in a new series from Read-Aloud Revival favorite, Sarah Arthur!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When fourteen-year-old American Eva Joyce unexpectedly finds herself spending the summer at the mysterious manor house of the English grandmother she’s never met, she soon discovers that her family, the manor staff, and even the house itself are hiding secrets.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the author of Miles to Go before I Sleep comes I, Julian, the account of a medieval woman who dares to tell her own story, battling grief, plague, the church and societal expectations to do so. Compelled by the powerful visions she had when close to death, Julian finds a way to live a life of freedom - as an anchoress, bricked up in a small room on the side of a church - and to write of what she has seen. The result, passed from hand to hand, is the first book to be written by a woman in English.

Tender, luminous, meditative and powerful, Julian writes of her love for God, and God's love for the whole of creation. "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To Tantamount, great-great-grandfather's folly--"a mass of fantastic turrets and buttresses and battlements"--come the Richleighs: Edwin, sixteen, heir to the family's enormous wealth, Angeline, Sebastian, and the baby, eight-year-old Maud. Mama and Papa have gone abroad; New Nurse has declined to journey to the remote west of England; tutor and governess soon leave, and servants too. The children are alone in the moldy halls. The children are free of rules, free of formalities, free to be themselves. To show them how to manage they have neighbors, Nancy and her younger brother Dick. The six stay together, playing on the beach, catching and cooking fish, picking berries, until the Richleighs' past life fades in a succession of strange and lovely days. But Tantamount remains: they have given it their allegiance, it has disclosed its terrible past (and present) as a smuggler's den and worse.