Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Henry V is Shakespeare’s most famous “war play”; it includes the storied English victory over the French at Agincourt. Some of it glorifies war, especially the choruses and Henry’s speeches urging his troops into battle. But we also hear bishops conniving for war to postpone a bill that would tax the church, and soldiers expecting to reap profits from the conflict. Even in the speeches of Henry and his nobles, there are many chilling references to the human cost of war.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Family relationships are at the center of Henry IV, Part 1. King Henry IV and Prince Hal form one major father-son pair, with Henry in despair because Hal lives a dissolute life. The father-son pair of Hotspur (Lord Henry Percy) and his father, the Earl of Northumberland, is in seeming contrast; the king envies Northumberland “his Harry,” wishing he could claim the gallant Hotspur as his own. Meanwhile, Hal has entered into a quasi-father-son relationship with a disreputable but amusing knight, Sir John Falstaff.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Henry IV, Part 2 is the only Shakespeare play that is a “sequel,” in the modern sense, to an earlier play of his. Like most sequels, it repeats many elements from the previous work, Henry IV, Part 1. This play again puts on stage Henry IV’s son, Prince Hal, who continues to conceal his potential greatness by consorting with tavern dwellers, including the witty Sir John Falstaff.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sent to court to learn to be “perfect gentlemen,” Valentine and Proteus are derailed by their attraction to Sylvia, the ruler’s daughter. Valentine’s mental denseness does not deter Sylvia from returning his love, but he is caught, and banished, when he tries to elope with her. Proteus’s desire for Sylvia wipes out his former love, leading him into despicable acts that win scorn from Sylvia and wound Julia, who has pursued him disguised as a boy.

When Sylvia follows Valentine into banishment, Proteus follows Sylvia, and Julia follows Proteus, the stage is set for a disturbing ending. But the stage is also set for the “gentlemen” to take small steps toward maturity.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since she was a little girl, Cora has dreamed of designing truly fantastical things, awe-inspiring structures that everyone recognizes as world wonders…and that’s exactly what she does!

As Cora ages and her accomplishments and acclaim grow, she returns to her hometown to fulfill her childhood dream—to transform the house on top of the hill into a true world wonder. In the process, Cora learns that living a meaningful life isn’t all about amazing achievements or always making bigger and better things, but about building community, giving generously of your time and talents, and loving others along the way.

FROM SARAH:

How have I missed this book from E. Nesbit, when I love her others so much? I haven't yet read this, but it comes highly recommended from Sarah Arthur, author of Once a Queen.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Journey to the roots of Narnia. C.S. Lewis enjoyed the writings of E. Nesbit from the time he was a child. And the story of Amabel and her journey through a mahogany wardrobe so struck him, that he later created his whimsical masterpiece, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Discover the tale that inspired the great C.S. Lewis, and journey to a world of fantasy and forgiveness. Available in audio only.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Vicky Austin is filled with strong feelings as she stands near Commander Rodney's grave while her grandfather, who himself is dying of cancer, recites the funeral service. Watching his condition deteriorate as the summer passes on beautiful Seven Bay Island is almost more than Vicky can bear. To complicate things, she finds herself the center of attention for three very different boys: Leo is an old friend wanting comfort and longing for romance; Zachary, whose attempted suicide inadvertently caused the Commander's death, is attractive and sophisticated but desperately troubled; and Adam, her older brother's friend, offers her a wonderful chance to assist in his experiments with dophins but treats her as a young girl just when she's ready to feel most grown-up.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely memoir of motherhood ready by a homeschooling mother of nine.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Beyond Mere Motherhood, Cindy Rollins shows moms how they can develop their own personhood—how they can keep thinking, growing, and playing. She casts a vision for them to cultivate beauty and wisdom in themselves, even as they faithfully—and busily—mother their children. Cindy shows moms how to pursue their ideal in the midst of reality.

FROM SARAH:

Motherhood isn't just a role, it's a calling, a ministry, a vocation. In this inspiring book, Sally Clarkson kindles your own enthusiasm for the tremendous impact we have on our children as mothers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Using biblical wisdom and practical teachings, Sally Clarkson shows how you can make a lasting difference in your child’s life by following the pattern Christ set with his own disciples–a model that will inspire and equip you to intentionally embrace the rewarding, desperately needed, and immeasurably valuable Ministry of Motherhood.

FROM SARAH:

I haven't read this one yet, but it's come highly recommended by several friends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A guilt-free guide that strips away the myths you've believed about motherhood and offers you a new way to think--about your kids, yourself, and being the mom you've always wanted to be.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

We're big fans of books by the Provensens around here! You probably know them from The Glorious Flight or The Maple Hill Farm books. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Alice and Martin Provensen were one of the most talented husband-and-wife author-illustrator teams of the twentieth century. A long-out-of-print cult classic first published 50 years ago, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a treasury of their illustrations accompanied by fairy tales from authors such as A. A. Milne, Hans Christian Andersen, and Oscar Wilde. Full of magic, ingenuity, and humor, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a witty modern descendant of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and a classic in its own right, sure to be beloved by a new generation.

FROM SARAH:

This is a pricier collection, but the illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger are gorgeous. Includes 11 fairy tales.

Recommended for ages 5+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This handsome edition from the well-known collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm contains 11 popular stories. Old favorites such as “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Bremen Town Musicians” are included as are some lesser-known stories such as “The Seven Ravens” and “Hans My Hedgehog.” Lisbeth Zwerger’s evocative and exquisite illustrations perfectly capture the mood of these enduring tales.

FROM SARAH:

Here's the deal: if it's illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, I'm probably going to love it! I think this collection might be the best place to start. You can move on to Zwerger's collection of Grimm fairy tales afterward.

Recommended for ages 4+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Lisbeth Zwerger is one of the world’s preeminent children’s book artists, and one of the most original interpreters of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytales. This handsome collection, originally published in 1991 now returns in celebration of Hans Christian Andersen’s 200th birthday. It includes eleven favorite stories, such as "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Emperor’s New Clothes," as well as lesser-known but equally wonderful stories, all featuring Ms. Zwerger’s distinctively elegant, witty illustrations. This superb anthology is bound to become a treasured part of every child’s library.

FROM SARAH:

This is a continuation of fairy and folk tales, as good as the first one! From Sarah: A continuation of fairy tales and folk tales, and just as good as the first one!

Recommended for ages 4-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A book that even adults will enjoy reading aloud again and again, Classic Bedtime Stories will keep youngsters of all ages engaged for hours. Gustafson’s unique style makes this a volume to be cherished by children, parents, and grandparents for generations to come.

FROM SARAH:

A continuation of fairy tales and folk tales, and just as good as the first one!

Recommended for ages 4+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Children and adults alike will delight in reading aloud these enduring and enchantingly told stories, richly illustrated and fabulously reimagined by award-winning artist Scott Gustafson. Stories include “The Little Red Hen,” “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Ugly Duckling,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

FROM SARAH:

I have yet to read this one, but it has come highly recommended to me by several people I trust! This is a beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's on my own TBR this summer!

Recommended for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Three sisters’ wealthy father loses all his money when his merchant fleet is drowned in a storm, and the family moves to a village far away. Then the old merchant hears what proves to be a false report that one of his ships had made it safe to harbor at last, and on his sad, disappointed way home again he becomes lost deep in the forest and has a terrifying encounter with a fierce Beast, who walks like a man and lives in a castle. The merchant’s life is forfeit, says the Beast, for trespass and the theft of a rose—but he will spare the old man’s life if he sends one of his daughters: “Your daughter would take no harm from me, nor from anything that lives in my lands.” When Beauty hears this story—for her father had picked the rose to bring to her—her sense of honor demands that she take up the Beast’s offer, for “cannot a Beast be tamed?”

FROM SARAH:

This book comes from the author of Tuesdays at the Castle and the Castle Glower series. A delightful retelling of The 12 Dancing Princesses.

Recommended for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George's take on the Grimms' tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

FROM SARAH:

A Goldilocks story, but under the sea off the coast of Okinawa, illustrated as only Jan Brett can.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Vibrant, intricate scenes of an underwater paradise transport this classic fairy tale to a magical setting inspired by the seas off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Along with fun details that enrich the storytelling in Jan Brett's trademark borders, this visual treat will enchant readers of all ages.

FROM SARAH:

One of Jan Brett's best books. It's the Cinderella story, of course, but Cinderellla is a hen and Prince Cockarel is the handsome rooster. Jan Brett's travels to Russia influenced this stunning book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One magical night, Cinders, the most picked upon hen in the flock, becomes the most loved by Prince Cockerel when she arrives at his ball looking so beautiful that even her bossy sisters don't recognize her.

FROM SARAH:

The familiar story is illustrated by none other than the glorious Jan Brett. Gorgeous.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Exquisite illustrations of Beauty and her mysterious suitor, the Beast, are set in a magical castle where animals dressed in period costumes serve them. Woven into glorious tapestries throughout are hidden clues hinting at the Beast's secrets, setting Brett's version apart from others.

FROM SARAH:

This is such a stunning version, and the winner of a Caldecott Honor. The 40th Anniversary edition with a foreword from Jason Chin (another RAR favorite!). Trina Schart Hyman has authored/illustrated several of Grimms' fairy tales that are out of print but worth adding to your collection if you can find them, including The Water of Life, Snow White, and The Sleeping Beauty.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone—until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path.

Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth.

FROM SARAH:

Absolutely stunning, with gorgeous watercolors full of nature details. You won't be disappointed in this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From best-selling artist Sylvia Long comes an exquisite version of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale about a thumb-size girl and her larger-than-life adventures. Jewel-toned paintings depict the story's settings from light and airy meadows to Mole's dark and dismal underground homewhile whimsical details bring the classic cast of characters to life and make this storytime favorite a visual feast.

FROM SARAH:

I think this is Margaret Hodges and Trina Schart Hyman's very best book, and that's saying something! I'd skip the library and just buy a copy of this one for your permanent collection. Older kids enjoy it, too.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This breathtakingly illustrated adaptation of a classic story is a must-have addition to any collection of folklore and fairy tales. Saint George and the Dragon dramatically retells the epic episode from Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene "in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings joy to the land.

FROM SARAH:

Make time to read this one aloud with all of your kids! Old and young will find much to love in the gorgeous storytelling and Trina Schart Hyman's iconic and inimitable illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread.

Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM 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"

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 SARAH:

Shirley Climo has several multicultural Cinderella retellings that are fantastic, even though several of them are out of print and a little harder to find. Reading various Cinderella tales from around the world and then discussing their similarities and differences is loads of fun, and quite worthwhile!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like the tree planted to honor her birth, Pear Blossom is beautiful, and the pride of her elderly mother and father. But then her mother dies, and her father remarries. Pear Blossom’s stepmother resents her new daughter’s beauty. Out of jealousy, she makes Pear Blossom perform impossible chores while her own daughter, Peony, watches idly. But fortunately, Pear Blossom is not alone. With the help of magical creatures—togkabis—she can accomplish each task, and triumph over her stepmother’s cruelty.

FROM SARAH:

A Mexican Cinderella, told by none other than Tomie dePaola. Delightful, start to finish.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.

FROM SARAH:

A Mediterranean Cinderella featuring Brian Pinkney's distinctive illustrations. Vibrant.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

You may think you already know this story about a beautiful servant girl, a cruel stepmother, a magnificent ball, and a lost slipper. But you’ve never heard it for true. Now you can hear the tale from someone who was there: a poor washerwoman from the island of Martinique. She has just one thing in the world to love, her goddaughter Cendrillon. When she finds Cendrillon heartsick over a rich man’s son, at first she doesn’t know what to do. But she has sharp wits, a strong will, and the magic wand her mother left her—and soon she has a plan to give her dear Cendrillon the gift of a love that will change her life.

FROM SARAH:

This picture book version of Cinderella won a Caldecott Medal. The illustrations speak for themselves!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Even in rags, Cinderella is a hundred times more beautiful than her cruel stepsisters. And how she wishes to go to the prince’s ball! But her sisters delight in telling her that people would only laugh at her at the palace. Fortunately, Cinderella is blessed with a fairy godmother who can turn pumpkins into golden coaches, lizards into footmen, and rags into riches. At the ball, Cinderella will have the most thrilling night of her life—until the stroke of midnight!

FROM SARAH:

Truly gorgeous, and oh my, the redemptive nature of this fairy tale remains intact here, for sure! Winner of a Caldecott Honor.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Each spread brings to life a world as rich and real as our own—detailed, colorful, sensual—yet filled with the unearthly shadowed magic of the Hansel and Gretel folktale. Whether portraying the fear and anguish of children abandoned by their parents, the delicious sumptuousness of a candy house, or the joy of being reunited with one's family, the artist captures the subtle nuances of emotion and the tactile quality of the physical world with exquisite accuracy and elegance.The hauntingly spare retelling of this perennial favorite by the poet Rika Lesser perfectly complements the vivid storytelling of Zelinsky's artwork. Once again this gifted artist gives us a unique interpretation of a beloved fairy tale, allowing us to both see it anew and rediscover its eternal truths.

FROM SARAH:

Some of my all-time favorites. I own every single one in this series and won't be parted from them! Truly, anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All three pigs set out to seek their fortune, but two of them come to a sorry end.

FROM SARAH:

Some of my all-time favorites. I own every single one in this series and won't be parted from them! Truly, anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

“Galdone has already proven many times over that he is perfectly at home with those traditional nursery tales that are still preschoolers’ favorites, and his expressive, unassuming style just right for their very young audience. . . . Children will follow along breathlessly . . . right up to that last snip snap snip when the Gingerbread Boy goes ‘the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven.’”—Kirkus Reviews

FROM SARAH:

Some of my all-time favorites. I own every single one in this series and won't be parted from them! Truly, anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Paul Galdone’s masterful storytelling brings new life to this familiar high-stakes tale of a mysterious little man who makes a devastating deal with the miller’s daughter. Sold to a king who expects her to spin straw into gold, she promises Rumpelstilstkin the most valuable thing of all in exchange for his help, and she must outwit him when he comes to claim his due.

FROM SARAH:

Some of my all-time favorites. I own every single one in this series and won't be parted from them! Truly, anything by Paul Galdone is worth adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Paul Galdone’s version of the classic fairy talestands above the rest. His gentle retelling is resplendent with lush artwork and storytelling that weaves the magical tale of a princess both beautiful and kind. This lovely story is now a Folk Tale Classic, with gold foil stamping on the cover and saturated, full-color illustrations throughout. A beautiful and value-priced edition of a classic, this book deserves a place in every child's library

FROM SARAH:

A beautiful collection of fairy tales from George Macdonald, the "father of fantasy." Includes The Golden Key, The Light Princess, and Little Daylight. This lovely collection is worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This beautiful collection includes MacDonald’s stories “The Golden Key,” “The Light Princess,” and “Little Daylight,” as well as stunning full-color illustrations by Anastasia Nesterova and an introduction for the young reader by children’s book author and Editor of Word on Fire Spark Haley Stewart. It is sure to spark the imagination of any reader.

FROM SARAH:

This collectible version of fairy tales put out by Barnes & Noble is beautiful and contains tons of stories. Great for reading aloud with a wide range of ages. Worth adding to your home library!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For most children, reading the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm is an essential experience when growing up. Grimm's Fairy Tales collects fifty-five of the best-known fairy and folk tales set down by the Brothers Grimm.

FROM SARAH:

I stumbled on this collection and am so happy I did! Lovely illustrations. The book has heft and is worth adding to your permanent library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This sumptuously illustrated collection of essential Grimm classics includes stories every childhood needs: The Princess and the Frog, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin and dozens more. Each tale is brought to life with radiant, faithful pictures from Daniela Drescher, one of Germany's best-loved illustrators, which are sure to fire any child's imagination.

FROM SARAH:

I devoured this book in a single evening, and loved it every bit as much as the original The Hiding Place (also highly recommended). I think Corrie's story is best appreciated by teens and adults who are ready to discuss the weight of what happened to Jews and sympathizers during Hitler's time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's World War II.

No one feels safe. But on a city corner in Holland one woman fights against injustice and darkness. In a quiet watchmaking shop, Corrie ten Boom and her close-knit family risk their lives to hide hundreds of Jews and others hunted by the Nazis in a secret hiding place they built into the old building. Until one day when Corrie and her family are betrayed. They're captured and sent in cattle cars to the notorious Nazi concentration camps to die. Yet even in that darkest of places, Corrie still fights.

This is her incredible true story, now a visually stunning graphic novel. With more than 1,500 engaging full-color illustrations, this real-life heroine comes to life--showing how even in the most desperate, loneliest, and darkest of times, faith, hope, and love will ultimately triumph.

FROM SARAH:

For kids who can't get enough of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole. An imaginative take on what lies right outside, if only we let our imaginations go...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A stunning picture book about the power of imagination, perfect for fans of Extra Yarn and Journey, from debut author-illustrator Joseph Kuefler.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, what a delight! The perfect book to read aloud when you've got a child complaining that the weather isn't just right for playing. ;) A fabulous read-aloud!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The morning begins like any other. Albert reaches out the window to check the weather. But from the moment a twig lands in the palm of his hand, life is never the same.

FROM SARAH:

What do *you* see, when you see a cat? This is a fun read-aloud any time of year, but especially just before a stroll around the neighborhood, where you might just see . . . well, you know. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bruno Bettelheim was one of the great child psychologists of the twentieth century and perhaps none of his books has been more influential than this revelatory study of fairy tales and their universal importance in understanding childhood development.

Analyzing a wide range of traditional stories, from the tales of Sindbad to “The Three Little Pigs,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “The Sleeping Beauty,” Bettelheim shows how the fantastical, sometimes cruel, but always deeply significant narrative strands of the classic fairy tales can aid in our greatest human task, that of finding meaning for one’s life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Tending the Heart of Virtue, Vigen Guroian illuminates the power of classic tales and their impact on the moral imagination. He demonstrates how these stories teach the virtues through vivid depictions of the struggle between good and evil, while he also unveils components of the good, the true, and the beautiful in plot and character. With clarity and elegance, Guroian reads deeply into the classic stories. He demonstrates how these stories challenge and enliven the moral imaginations of children.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this book so much, I made it a Book of the Week! One of Aesop's fables retold. (And honestly? I think Corey Tabor outdid Aesop himself with this one!) Delightful from start to finish.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him. And that dog has a bone just like his, only better! How will Simon ever get him to trade, when the other pup knows all the same tricks…?

FROM SARAH:

Darling and delightful! Adapted from the Pooh books with Ernest Shepard's lovely illustrations. About as sweet as they come.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Winnie-the-Pooh is walking through the forest when he comes upon a hole. "If I know anything about anything," he says, "that hole means Rabbit. And Rabbit means Company. And Company means Food." Hurrah! But once Pooh goes through the hole and has some honey, will he ever be able to get out?

FROM SARAH:

Perfect for your kids who love real stories like the Little House on the Prairie series. Set in the American pioneer west.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Cora loves riding through the wild prairie with her doctor father on his house calls. One day, they have a bigger adventure than they bargained for. Prairie Fire! Their old horses will never outrun the flames that are galloping right toward them!
What will Cora and Papa do to save their lives?

FROM SARAH:

A historical fiction story for your kids who like stories about the world used to be. Lovely storytelling, with an illustration or two that's reminiscent of Barbara Cooney's Ox-Cart Man.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Papa will not allow Clara to learn to read—he says "Farm people like us do not have time to read." But when the traveling bookwagon, with persuasive Miss Mary at the reins, arrives at their farm, Papa realizes he must change his mind. Based on the true story of America’s first ‘bookmobile.’

FROM SARAH:

This series covers a lot of territory for young readers! They are at a bit more advanced level than other books on this list, so maybe save them for when your child isn't slogging through the decoding process quite as much. An excellent way to get in a little delightful history!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nine-year-old Kate Purdy is traveling from Missouri to Oregon by wagon train, and she’s worried. She isn’t worried about how long the trip will be or the hardships she’ll have to suffer. She’s worried about Snuggs—the pretty little cat who took a shine to her and decided to come along for the ride, even though there are no pets allowed on the wagon train. So no matter what happens, Snuggs the cat has to stay a secret!

FROM SARAH:

I love, love, love Poppleton! Actually, here's a secret (that's probably not-so-secret) -- I love *every* book I've ever read from Cynthia Rylant. She's the master of the early reader, well told! Don't miss the books in this whole series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poppleton the pig does some spring cleaning, tries to buy a bicycle, and stays up all night in a tent in his backyard

FROM SARAH:

This series of early readers was adapted from the original Frances books that so many of us knew and loved as children. This one is a particularly lovely tale, though all in the series are worth picking up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

You may recognize Gossie from some of your little ones' board books, and now they are also available as early editions. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gossie is a small yellow gosling who loves to wear bright red boots—every day. But one morning she can't find them!

This sweet story models social-emotional growth for the youngest children using simple language and adorable illustrations of baby farm animals. A family library essential that makes a perfect gift for babies and toddlers.

FROM SARAH:

One of several picture book retellings of Cinderella from around the world. Read several of these and then discuss what makes them similar and different for a lovely read-aloud week!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Told with beauty and grace, this Cinderella story from Ai-Ling Louie is brought vividly to life by Caldecott Medal-winner Ed Young’s soft, glowing illustrations.

Half-starved and overworked by her stepmother, Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a fish with golden eyes. When the stepmother kills the fish for dinner, poor Yeh-Shen is left with only the bones. But the bones are filled with a powerful spirit. When Ye-Shen is forbidden to attend the annual spring Festival, the spirit grants her a gown of azure blue and delicate golden slippers. That night, everyone marvels at the beautiful, mysterious young woman at the ball.

FROM SARAH:

One of several picture book retellings of Cinderella from around the world. Read several of these and then discuss what makes them similar and different for a lovely read-aloud week!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poor Maha! Her jealous stepmother makes her do all the housework while her selfish stepsister lazes about.

Since Maha's father is away fishing most of the time, there is no one to help or comfort her. All that begins to change when Maha finds a magical red fish. In return for sparing his life, the fish promises to help Maha whenever she calls him. On the night Maha is forbidden to attend a grand henna to celebrate the coming wedding of a wealthy merchant's daughter, the fish is true to his word. His magic sets in motion a chain of events that reward Maha with great happiness, and a dainty golden sandal is the key to it all.

Rebecca Hickox's eloquent retelling and Will Hillenbrand's lush pictures offer a beguiling version of a story well-loved by many cultures the world over.

FROM SARAH:

I love these tall Sam Usher books. They're so... interesting! In every book, Sam and his grandad have some kind of adventure. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every child loves a snow day—no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for Granddad, even though all the other kids have already gone to the park . . . and all the dogs . . . and all the zoo animals! Only when the two finally arrive does Granddad see why Sam was in such a hurry—and they have the best time playing with everyone in the snow.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sam wants to go out but it's pouring with rain, so he and Grandpa decide to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Grandpa gets on with his important paperwork. Grandpa seems to have a VERY important letter to write. Then that very important letter has to be posted, despite the rain and floods. As they finally go outside, Sam and Grandpa have a magical adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's blowing up a storm, and a boy and his grandad decide it's the perfect weather for kite-flying. There's just one problem - first they have to find the kite. Their search brings up lots of wonderful memories of previous adventures together, but when they finally make it outside, their adventure really takes off!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.