Books

FROM SARAH:

This is the first of four PBs about King Arthur, followed by King Arthur and the Round Table, Excalibur, and Lancelot. The four of these make a nice introduction to King Arthur, and the illustrations are quite lovely!

Recommended for ages 6+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first volume of the Tales of King Arthur series introduces younger readers to the classic story known for over one hundred years as "The Sword in the Stone." Hudson Talbott has faithfully retold this heroic tale with humor and warmth, showing a human side to Arthur rarely glimpsed before. His vivid, richly colored paintings capture a crowded London at Christmastime and magnificent knights jousting on the field of battle, as well as the legendary sorcerer Merlin and the magical sword that reveals Arthur's destiny.

FROM SARAH:

Oh, what a delightful book! There's so much to look at in this cutaway look at a castle through the months of the year. I especially love the panel at the far bottom right, between the princess and the frog! Don't be surprised if your kids spend a good long time with this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

There’s a lot going on in the castle of King Bolebor—a peace- loving gardener—and Queen Drogomira—a brilliant inventor. There’s a princess learning sword fighting so that she can become a knight; a sweet dog in search of an owner; a dragon hiding in the cellar; a gold-counting treasurer; a friendly ghost; an annoying jester, a burly blacksmith—and many others.
Vibrant and intricately detailed spreads take readers through a year in the castle, showing how an innocent mishap leads to war with the neighbors; how lives in the castle change from month to month; and how each season brings its own surprises.

FROM SARAH:

This retelling of Beowulf is the most readable and accessible I've come across. Well written and page-turny. Heads-up if you aren't familiar with this classic, it's violent and gory. There are many bloody battles and deaths. The illustrations in this one are well done but may be disturbing to some kids, so I recommend previewing. I'd read it at my home with about ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Long ago a Scandinavian warrior fought three evils so powerful they threatened whole kingdoms. Standing head and shoulders above his comrades, Beowulf single-handedly saved the land of the Danes from a merciless ogre named Grendel and from his sea-hag mother. But it is his third terrible battle, with the death-dragon of the deep, in which he truly meets his match. Lovers of heroes, monsters, and the drama of battle will find this retelling as enthralling as it is tragic. Now in a handy black-and-white digest edition perfect for classroom use.

FROM SARAH:

A good, solid story (and a pretty quick read!) set in the days of King Arthur. A young boy's suspicious uncle shows up at his father's castle, and then his father mysteriously and supposedly dies. The boy and his mother flee the castle to save their lives. The young boy makes his way to Camelot to plead their case before King Arthur.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long-lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and unhappiness.

It was then that Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Shan was surprised by bearded robbers in the woods. He met noble knights in plumed helmets, and eventually he even made a trip to high-towered Camelot. His story is filled with the pageantry and color of England in King Arthur's time. It creates a vivid picture of the Knights of the Round Table and the wisdom of King Arthur himself.

FROM SARAH:

This is an audio performance by award-winning storyteller (and friend of RAR), Jim Weiss, that also comes with a companion reader for your child to follow along. Jim's storytelling is absolutely captivating and excellent for all ages. This is one of my top recommendations on this list. Want to introduce your kids to King Arthur? Start here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a time of fear and danger, will Merlin's magic, Lancelot's bravery, and Arthur's wisdom be enough to unite the kingdom and bring peace? Beloved storyteller Jim Weiss brings tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to life with action, wonder, and humor. Gorgeous paintings and whimsical medieval-style illuminated illustrations by Rebecca Sorge will fascinate and delight young readers.

FROM SARAH:

his book has received a lot of love from readers! I have yet to read it, but it comes highly recommended by some RAR team members and is on my TBR. It's an unusual take on Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, who has been waiting in Heaven a long time (eight centuries) —to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Beautiful Feet Books recommends it for homeschoolers in grades 10-12.

Recommended for ages 13+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, has been waiting in Heaven a long time -- eight centuries, more or less -- to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. Their reminiscences do far more than help distract Eleanor -- they also paint a rich portrait of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages.

FROM SARAH:

A 2016 Newbery Honor. I would suggest reading a couple of reviews before handing this to your kids or reading it aloud. Here's a starred review from the trustworthy reviewers at Redeemed Reader, and also a thoughtful review with special considerations for Christian families from my pal, Carolyn Leiloglou.

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children: William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte...recently brought back from the dead.

As the narrator collects their tales, the story of these three unlikely allies begins to come together.

Their adventures take them on a chase through France to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned. They’re taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. And as their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints.

FROM SARAH:

I have not yet read this book (which usually keeps a book from being added to any of our lists!) but it comes so highly recommended from the trustworthy folks at Redeemed Reader, I thought it should be included. Be sure to read their review before embarking on this set of Arthurian tales with your kids.

Recommended for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Translated, adapted, told, and retold, the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have captivated imaginations across time. Now comes a lavishly illustrated, masterful retelling sure to enthrall a new generation of readers. From the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the quest for the Holy Grail, stories both familiar and unfamiliar are woven into a vivid tapestry of Arthurian lore that spans from the king’s conception to his final battle. Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and other timeless characters come to life as complex men and women in a rich and atmospheric feat of storytelling that feels at once historical and fantastical, otherworldly and fully human.

FROM SARAH:

Joe Sutphin has done it again! This time, he’s illustrated Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, and this is my very favorite version of the story yet. Great for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story—a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin. With charming woodland characters and settings that families will adore, readers will be transformed by A Little Christmas Carol.  A tale of greed, regret, loneliness, reflection, compassion, hope, and a joyfully changed life, this beautifully illustrated edition will enliven the timeless classic for readers young and old.

For the perfect family read-aloud, make A Little Christmas Carol a part of your family’s Christmas tradition. This new edition makes a wonderful gift.

FROM SARAH:

A beautifully illustrated book that will help you and your kids fall a little more in love with nature all year long. My kids and I enjoyed reading a selection of this book about once a week during Morning Time. The selections are short, and pretty enough to put on display.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All around us, nature is working wonders. Every day, hour by hour, magical transformations happen right in front of you. But it’s not always easy to see them . . .

In this beautifully illustrated collection, 50 moments in nature are paused for you to watch them in detail. Then you should go outside and explore and see what you find when you take the time to slow down. Gorgeously illustrated, this charming collection celebrates the small wonders happening all around us every day.

FROM SARAH:

Vibrant illustrations and bold colors make this one a delight. The illustrator does so much with the use of oranges and yellows as she follows a child celebrating all the fall-ish things that make the season so wonderful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

This gorgeous book is illustrated with woodcuts that make you feel the effects of fall. I love the pairing of the lyrical text with these illustrations. A new favorite!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here, in enchanting words and woodcuts, is the magic of night falling and winter approaching in the North Woods. Hush Hush, Forest peers through twilight’s window at the raccoon preening, the doe and fawn bedding down, the last bat of the season flitting away. The owl surveys, the rabbit scurries, the bear hunkers, readying her den.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.

A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author's note, timeline of the Brontës' lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

FROM SARAH:

The classic folk song with Peter Spier's wonderful illustrations. Includes sheet music and a full set of lyrics in the back.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This Caldecott Honor book from beloved illustrator Peter Spier is a spirited take on a classic American folk song.

FROM SARAH:

A gentle read-aloud with sweet watercolor illustrations. Chicken admires Scarecrow's hat, which he'd swap if only he had a...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Chicken really admires Scarecrow's straw hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn't have a walking stick to trade—but she knows someone who does.

FROM SARAH:

Little hedgehog thinks he can do everything big hedgehog can do. A cozy and leafy tale about growing up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s a busy day in the woods for Big and Little Hedgehog, who meet all kinds of animal friends, each of whom can do something special that Little Hedgehog wants to do. Ladybug climbs a tree and jumps off a branch; mole digs a hole; fish swim in the pond. Sometimes Little Hedgehog is successful and sometimes he learns that he’s just not up to the task. As they find their way home with the help of a turtle, an owl’s hoot sends Little Hedgehog off to sleep with one last cry of “I can do that too!”

FROM SARAH:

This book is a hoot! A delightful story about a family of bears who can't seem to get their sweaters on. The simple text, "Sweaters on!" becomes funnier and funnier as the book progresses. Definitely get your hands on this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sweaters on? Not yet!

The air is crisp, and the leaves are bright—it’s the perfect autumn day to enjoy the outdoors. Papa Bear instructs his cubs to put on their sweaters, and patiently waits downstairs. When he checks on them, he learns that getting ready is no simple task. But even if this lovable bear family misses out on their planned outing, the evening sky still holds a beautiful surprise.

FROM SARAH:

This story is about as delightful as they come! All the animals know to stay clear of Scarecrow, which means he's good at his job. It also means he leads a rather lonely life. Then one day a baby crow falls from a nest, and Scarecrow has a choice to make. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This tender and affectionate story reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others—a tale that will inspire and delight children for generations to come.

All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing.…

He saves the tiny baby crow.

FROM SARAH:

A darling story about the friendship (and love of books!) between a scarecrow and young girl.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.

Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Bronx Zoo-keeper Fred brought home a lion cub, Helen Martini instantly embraced it. The cub's mother lost the instinct to care for him. "Just do for him what you would do with a human baby," Fred suggested...and she did. Helen named him MacArthur, and fed him milk from a bottle and cooed him to sleep in a crib.

Soon enough, MacArthur was not the only cub bathed in the tub! The couple continues to raise lion and tiger cubs as their own, until they are old enough to return them to zoos. Helen becomes the first female zookeeper at the Bronx zoo, the keeper of the nursery.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Twelve-year-old Georgia assumed she would one day be the last Restorationist protecting art from evil forces. So she was thrilled when her cousin Vincent finally joined the family calling.

But Vincent’s flashier Gift makes Georgia feel like a sidekick rather than a hero. And things only get more complicated and perilous after he willingly steps into the heart of danger.

Will the remnants of the Restorationists’ society fracture under the pressure of the Distortionists’ schemes? Or is Georgia’s Gift really enough to rescue her family, the art world, the Restorationists—and ultimately save the day?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is an enchanting adventure in the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis, as well as Spielberg and Lucas. But this fantastical journey launches in rural West Virginia in the eighties, with a half-Appalachian, half-African kid trying to escape the town he sees defining his small, sad life. Jack discovers a gate hiding a city between twelve realms, and finds out where he truly belongs in a surprising, satisfying adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The exciting follow-up to Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key! In Jack Zulu and the Girl With Golden Wings, Jack explores a new realm in this fantastic adventure that stretches beyond Earth and into a world on the edge of destruction. Jack must search for answers about his fallen father’s story and risk everything to save the cause at the lost city of gold. A world in the balance. A boy with a fateful choice. A girl with golden wings.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The Blue Castle" is a timeless exploration of love, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, this classic novel invites readers to unlock the doors of their own Blue Castle and embrace the magic that lies within.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The mission was supposed to be fun—even funny—but things got serious quick. What follows is a daring journey with narrow escapes, attack dogs, deadly fires, and a friendship forged in shared peril.

Three friends embark on an intrepid quest to retrieve a priceless treasure guarded by a menacing villain. But this is no fantasy. For Scott and his friends Tommy and Dooley, the danger is all too real. Unlikely heroes will emerge. Enemies will become allies. Powerful truths will be revealed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read is a fun collection of stories. It’s exactly like The Count of Monte Cristo apart from the many differences. Our lawyers have instructed us to warn you that reading it may directly cause you to come down with every single disease you are worried about contracting. On the plus side, our nation’s beloved and heroic critics have had their say.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Presented in the author’s instantly recognizable artistic and storytelling style, this colorful, exciting book of history for kids starts with a brief explanation of the events leading up to World War II and then describes the bombing of Pearl Harbor from both the Japanese and American points of view.

The American response was a super-secret counterattack organized by stunt pilot Jimmy Doolittle. Just four months after Pearl Harbor, American crews would launch sixteen B-25 bombers from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet to drop bombs on the Japanese capital Tokyo and then fly to safety in China. Everything about the mission was as dangerous as it was secret. B-25s were not designed to take off from an aircraft carrier. Japan had formidable air defenses. There was no way to plan for landing in China or returning safely to America.

FROM SARAH:

A luminous book that captures the life of a family of owls through haiku. Definitely worth tracking this one down!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Watch as a pair of great horned owlets peep and squeak in their feathered nest. Mama and Papa hunt for food and fend off predators while the chicks grow strong enough to hop and flap between the branches of their tree, then leap and fly away, ready to explore the wild world around them.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, there is everything to love about this book, new from Kate DiCamillo. Darling and heart-warming, this one feels like a "lion and mouse" kind of fable to me. I can't wait to see the rest of the series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris “make the good and noble choice” (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences? With humor and tenderness, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings us this first of three tales celebrating unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing.

FROM SARAH:

I really enjoyed this historical novel, a fictionalized account of Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol. A really strong narrator and enjoyable, delicious writing make it an immersive read. Heads-up that this book zeroes in on Dickens’s troubled marriage, and there’s a slightly creepy turn related to Eleanor Lovejoy. It’s not the most upbeat story you could read at Christmas. ;) But if you want a bit of intrigue and a Christmas ghost story for yourself, this might just be the ticket. The audiobook is especially well done.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.

Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.

FROM SARAH:

Writing this book was probably the most fun I've ever had. Charles Santoso's illustrations do more than bring it to life—they give it heart. Am I allowed to have a favorite book from those I've written? If I am, this is it. 🥰

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lighthearted romp through Piney Glen with a band of friends who learn that friendship isn’t about fixing each other’s problems but about being there for each other.

FROM SARAH:

I love this picture book, featuring Mama and Papa Seeton and their four beloved children who can be wooed home with a whistle for cake. Not enough people know about this book... it's a delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Mama Seeton whistles, her children run home for chocolate cake, hugs, kisses, and shared memories. But as time passes, they travel farther and farther away from the familiar sound. Can mama's whistle be heard all over the world, and bring her children home one more time?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief — Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana's mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures—the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow—who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself. Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and—what’s this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo’s bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, You’re great how you are, no matter your size.

FROM SARAH:

Matthew Cordell’s signature illustrations bring this truly adorable story to life. This one is slightly longer than your average picture book, so it’s perfect for breaking into two read-aloud sessions or just right for kids who are ready to listen for longer periods of time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Evergreen the squirrel is afraid of many things: thunder, hawks, and the dark paths of Buckthorn Forest. But when her mother tasks Evergreen with delivering soup to her sick Granny Oak, the little squirrel must face her fears and make the journey.

Along the way, Evergreen is met by other forest dwellers – some want to help her, but some want her mother’s delicious soup! It’s up to Evergreen to stay the course, and those who help her will surprise and delight young readers.

FROM SARAH:

An absolutely stunning graphic novel about the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. I thought I knew a lot about their friendship going in to this one, but I learned so much! This is John Hendrix at his best, which is saying a lot, because I'm a big fan! Highly recommended. I think teens and adults will enjoy it best, regardless of where they shelve it at your library or bookstore. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II.

He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.

FROM SARAH:

This sweet story is based on the true story of a family in upstate New York who have hosted an outdoor Thanksgiving feast on their farm for their community for years. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Every year a family and their friends gather in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving among the trees. Everyone brings something to share and the day becomes a long celebration of family, faith, and friendship. Told in a gentle, lyrical style, this picture book includes warm illustrations of people gathered around bonfires and long tables adorned with candles and food, singing songs and sharing laughter.

FROM SARAH:

A longer picture book with thick, brushy illustrations that tells Squanto's story of the first Thanksgiving.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together--a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.

FROM SARAH:

If this book doesn't put you and your kids into a nature-journaling type of mood, I don't know what will! Absolutely stunning illustrations from Jim LaMarche. A celebration of nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter. As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins. Silently she observes the world around her as it reveals its secrets. It takes time and patience to see the changes as, slowly but surely, winter comes.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

Oh my, I gasped when I first got my hands on this book—it's that beautiful. One of our RAR team members described it this way: "Whether you’re facing this Advent with great anticipation or overwhelming grief, Glad & Golden Hours will prove a sweet companion for the season. A collection of wisdom infused with beauty and grace that I’ll return to year after year!"

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tangible acts of feasting and celebrating have suffused Lanier Ivester's home all her life. But alongside her love of festivity, she's wrestled with profound losses that have reshaped the landscape-both around her and within her.

These coexisting forces of great grief and great joy come together in a place called the Ruff House, where Ivester's story (lavishly illustrated by Jennifer Trafton) not only reminds us of the inescapable presence of sorrow but shows us how to celebrate and anticipate the return of glad and golden hours in the midst of it.

FROM SARAH:

I'm a L'Engle fan, but I've yet to read this one! One of our team members described it this way: "A collection of stories and essays in which L'Engle explores the marvelous miracles of Advent, the Incarnation, and Epiphany, and the ways God shows up in the smallness of our everyday lives and celebrations. This is a collection I return to annually, as it helps me reconnect with the idea of God come to earth as pure grace."

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For more than seventy years, Madeleine L’Engle’s writing have delighted and inspired readers. In her stories, essays, poems, journal entries, and letters, she returned again and again to the beauty of Christmas, illuminating the holiday with her singular insight and imagination. Miracle on 10th Street includes excerpts from her most cherished works, reflecting on Advent, Incarnation, Epiphany, mystery, and redemption. In these pages, L’Engle points to the marvels and curiosities that fill everyday life. And, as always, she shows herself to be a one-woman force for celebration—fully believing that delight and wonder must mark the life of anyone who sees God’s love at work.

FROM SARAH:

I've lost count of the number of people who have told me this book is one of their all-time favorites! I have yet to read it, but I'm always up for an excuse to cozy up and watch The Sound of Music.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With nearly 1,500 Broadway performances, six Tony Awards, more than three million albums sold, and five Academy Awards, The Sound of Music, based on the lives of Maria, the baron, and their singing children, is as familiar to most of us as our own family history. But much about the real-life woman and her family was left untold.

Here, Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp tells in her own beautiful, simple words the extraordinary story of her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, and their life in America.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely invitation to make space for beauty and Christmas traditions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Family traditions become established, sometimes quite by accident and sometimes because “we’ve always done it that way.” But the best family traditions are thoughtfully cultivated. With Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah, Cindy Rollins leads the way in building a rich Advent tradition for you and your family.

FROM SARAH:

For anyone wondering just how the tradition of the Christmas tree became so widespread... wonder no longer. A darling picture book, worth getting your hands on!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition.

FROM SARAH:

“Greater than the world’s chaos are its miracles.” Fablehaven meets The Giver in this unputdownable fantasy novel... probably my favorite fiction read of the year. Solid themes of redemption, sacrifice, love, and memory are the foundation of this riveting tale. The audiobook is especially well done, but you’ll also want a physical copy so you can see the gorgeous pictures of the creatures. Intensity and darkness-wise, it’s on par with the later Harry Potter books and begins with a murder, so read the first few chapters if you want to gauge its intensity before handing it to your kids. I'd recommend it for about ages 10 or 11 and up. Would be fantastic to read aloud with teens, as well.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.

It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.

Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.

Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

FROM SARAH: 

A heartfelt story about the German invasion in France as told by a Muslim girl, shedding light on the bravery and generosity of the Paris Mosque in sheltering Jews and helping them escape. The publisher recommends it for ages 8-12 but I would recommend for 10 or 11+. This is WWII Paris, after all, and it’s heavy and heartbreaking. But the hope and courage celebrated makes it a lovely story! I didn’t love the audiobook narration. Heads up for a few incidences of using God's name in vain.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Safiyyah loathes the brutal Nazi occupation of Paris, even though her Muslim identity keeps her safe—or, at least, safer than her Jewish neighbors. Violence lurks in the streets, her best friend has fled, and even her place of refuge—the library—has turned shadowy and confusing, as the invaders fear the power of books.

Safiyyah longs to fight back and hates feeling powerless to help her Jewish friends. Worse yet, her father—who taught her to always do the right thing—is acting strangely and doing nothing to help them either.

Or is he?

Unravelling the mystery of her father’s odd behavior draws Safiyyah deep in the heart of the perilous underground resistance to the Nazis, where her bravery is put to the ultimate test…

FROM SARAH:

This is Susan Meissner at her best. I love everything she writes, but in particular, this story explores eugenics through an American girl with Synesthesia and an Austrian girl with physical deformity. It's astounding and unforgettable. Heads-up for one open-door scene that is, in fact, necessary for the story (and handled extremely well by the author). I'd recommend this one for 18+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

California, 1938—When she loses her parents in an accident, sixteen-year-old Rosanne is taken in by the owners of the vineyard where she has lived her whole life as the vinedresser’s daughter. She moves into Celine and Truman Calvert’s spacious house with a secret, however—Rosie sees colors when she hears sound. She promised her mother she’d never reveal her little-understood ability to anyone, but the weight of her isolation and grief prove too much for her. Driven by her loneliness she not only breaks the vow to her mother, but in a desperate moment lets down her guard and ends up pregnant. Banished by the Calverts, Rosanne believes she is bound for a home for unwed mothers. But she soon finds out she is not going to a home of any kind, but to a place that seeks to forcibly take her baby – and the chance for any future babies – from her.

Austria, 1947—After witnessing firsthand Adolf Hitler’s brutal pursuit of hereditary purity—especially with regard to “different children”—Helen Calvert, Truman’s sister, is ready to return to America for good. But when she arrives at her brother’s peaceful vineyard after decades working abroad, she is shocked to learn what really happened nine years earlier to the vinedresser’s daughter, a girl whom Helen had long ago befriended. In her determination to find Rosanne, Helen discovers a shocking American eugenics program—and learns that that while the war had been won in Europe, there are still terrifying battles to be fought at home.

FROM SARAH:

This was a fun, easy, light-hearted read. Maybe a touch cheesy at times, but I enjoyed it all the same. Strong Christian themes and lots of bookishness. Great for Jane Austen enthusiasts, in particular.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is that both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor calling himself Mr. Knightley offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

Sam’s letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional as she begins to share everything from her painful childhood memories to her growing feelings for eligible novelist Alex Powell. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Katherine Reay’s debut novel follows a young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

FROM SARAH:

I loved this book! Colleen is a homeschooling mother of four. In this book, she sheds light on the drive so many of us for perfection... and calls us to a higher, holier path instead. Relatable. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In The Heart of Perfection, Colleen weaves the stories and wisdom of these saints with Scripture and beautifully crafted tales of her own trial-and-error experiments in applying that wisdom to her life. She introduces us to such saints as Jane de Chantal, a single mother who conquered her impatience only after her ex-perfectionist friend Saint Francis de Sales convinced her to trade punishing prayer regimens for the tougher discipline of showing gentleness to rude in-laws, rowdy kids, and herself. Colleen describes the battle against obsessive guilt that turned timid people-pleaser Alphonsus Liguori into a fearless defender of God’s mercy; the discernment rules that helped Ignatius of Loyola overcome crippling discouragement and distraction; the concern for reputation that almost cost the world the radical witness of Francis of Assisi; and the biblical work-life balance that Benedict of Nursia pioneered after years of driving himself and others too hard—and without surrendering his holy zeal.

FROM SARAH:

Can you spot the gator in the swamp? This book is sure to delight! See if your library has it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Under the algae that carpets the swamp, near the duck who paddles in ooze, close to the turtle who takes a snooze . . . hides a gator! Still as a log, only his watchful eyes can be seen. But when gator moves, he really moves! What happens to the duck, the turtle, the egret, the deer, and the many other critters of the swamp when gator makes his move?

FROM SARAH:

Another fabulous nonfiction picture book by the inimitable Gail Gibbons. Informative and clear. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Here is a fascinating journey through those dark, mysterious hollow places on earth--sea caves, lava caves, ice caves, and more. Caves and Caverns also includes information on where to go, what to bring, and how to have a safe, exciting spelunking adventure of your own. “This title will be enjoyed by budding scientists and explorers.”--School Library Journal

FROM SARAH:

When it comes to nonfiction picture books, few do it better or more clearly than Gail Gibbons!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Introducing, the wetlands: unique ecosystems that are not only a home for an extensive amount of wildlife, but also a vital storage place for one of Earth's most precious resources, water. What lives there? Find out in this simple yet extensive exploration of marshes and swamps and what they are, why they're important, and the birds, fish, and wildlife that make it their homes.

FROM SARAH:

I'll admit it—I'm an easy sell on any book by Leo Lionni! I loved this book as a child and have enjoyed revisiting it with my own children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's an extraordinary day on Pebble Island for three frogs when one of them discovers a beautiful white egg. They've never seen a chicken egg before, but they're sure that's what this must be. So when the egg hatches and out crawls a long green, scaly creature, they naturally call it . . . a chicken! From award winning-artist Leo Lionni, here's a hilarious case of mistaken identity that children are sure to delight in.

FROM SARAH:

Another gorgeous book in one of my favorite picture book series! This one was inspired by the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, part of the Western Everglades.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over the swamp, the barred owl hoots, and the great egret swoops down on snowy wings. The slow mazes of waterways are quiet with the shush of reeds and grasses. But under the swamp’s soft shadows, there’s a whole hidden world of panthers and orchids, red-bellied turtles and raccoons, lurking alligators and singing frogs. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book reveals all the fascinating creatures living just out of sight in the branches and depths over and under the wetland.

FROM SARAH:

While this treasure of a treasury is quite expensive and difficult to come by in hardcover, anyone can read and enjoy Caldecott’s illustrations for free online in the public domain! You can view the book here.

FROM SARAH:

This is the version of The Gingerbread Man that Sarah remembers from her own childhood! It still holds up. :) Barbara’s illustrations make you want to look longer than necessary. (Also worth finding, if you can get a used copy, is this Jim and Barbara’s version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Run! Run! Fast as you can! You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man! I've run from a husband! I've run from a wife! I've run from a butcher with a carving knife! I've run from a cow, and a muddy old sow, and I'll run from you, too! I can! I can!Jim Aylesworth's fresh, spirited tale --- to be read LOUD out loud --- and Barbara McClintock's expressive, exquisitely drawn characters combine to create a glorious new rendition of the favorite story about that sassy but delicious little cookie.

FROM SARAH:

This book is on my TBR—it's come highly recommended to me by a few reliable sources, including RAR's Premium Coordinator, and the ladies at Redeemed Reader. There aren't a ton of big family books with strong boy appeal, so this true story of an all-brother minor league baseball team in the 1930's is a rare find! Tells the story of a family with 16 children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The amazing true story of the longest-running all-brother team in history! Full of action, drama, and excitement, the never-before-told tale of the Hall of Fame team is vividly brought to life in expert storytelling and stunning vintage-style art.

The Acerra family had sixteen children, including twelve ball-playing boys. It was the 1930s, and many families had lots of kids. But only one had enough to field a baseball team . . . with three on the bench! They loved the game, but more important, they cared for and supported each other and stayed together as a team. Nothing life threw their way—not even a World War—could stop them.

FROM SARAH:

My older kids enjoyed this series when they were younger! One of RAR's team members described it as "The Penderwicks meet the Vanderbeekers in WWII Washington D.C." and if that's not a compelling description, I don't know what is. :) An excellent read-aloud for ages 6-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The five Mitchell children are based on the author's own family. In the first of three books about their adventures, Daddy has just gone off to World War II. One of his final words to his daughter Joan is, "No dogs!" She would dearly love such a pet, but life is full and so many new friends—pets as well as people—join the Mitchells, she hardly has time to think about dogs. The children form a club to do their part for the war-effort—first and foremost helping Mother, of course. Humorous and tender incidents combine with delightful illustrations to make the Mitchells truly unforgettable.