Books

**Description from Amazon: Is a mealworm a worm or an insect? How long does the pupa stage last? Crawl through the pages of this book, and learn about the life cycle of a beetle.

**Description from Amazon: Who builds lodges? Who creates amazing towers? Who digs burrows? You’re invited to visit the different homes that animals build.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of original, weather-themed poetry for children accompanied by striking photos. The book demonstrates a variety of common poetic forms and defines poetic devices.

FROM SARAH:

This book is laugh-out-loud funny and oh-so-much fun to read aloud. One of my highest springtime recommendations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. McGreeley had decided to plant a garden. But when bunnies start making nightly visits and eating up his harvest, he plots to keep those twitch-whiskers from stealing any more of his vegetables.

In this comprehensive collection, coauthors Julie Andrews and daughter Emma Walton Hamilton share a diverse assortment of their most cherished poems, songs, lullabies, hymns, and more.Featuring a wide range of beloved classics from William Shakespeare, Emily Dickenson, and Robert Frost to playful po...

FROM SARAH:

One of our all-time favorite audiobooks and one of my most frequent recommendations. Just the right amount of thrill and suspense to keep you turning pages. Your kids will never look at an owl the same again! (Heads-up, if you've got a particularly sensitive kiddo, wait until about age 7 or 8 for this one.) Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The second in author Avi’s Tales of Dimwood Forest Series, this tale features a large cast of animal characters, including Poppy, a shy mouse and Mr. Ocax, a great-horned owl and the authority of the forest. As Poppy begins to question the unjust authority of their woodland world, she embarks on an adventurous tale and finds inner bravery.

Endorsed by Jim Trelease (The Read-Aloud Handbook), this collection is wonderful for littles.

FROM SARAH: 

Kids have long adored Shel Silverstein’s poems and drawings. This collection of 130 of them has also gotten the stamp of approval from Jim Trelease (The Read-Aloud Handbook.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling author of The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Every Thing On It, has created a poetry collection that is outrageously funny and deeply profound. Come in . . . for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins.

You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist.

*Description from Amazon: No novel better epitomizes the love between a child and a pet than The Yearling. Young Jody adopts an orphaned fawn he calls Flag and makes it a part of his family and his best friend. But life in the Florida backwoods is harsh, and so, as his family fights off wolves, bears, and even alligators, an...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an A...

*Description from Amazon: Can Danny and his father outsmart the villainous Mr. Hazell?Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he's the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secre...

*Description from Amazon: Following a wild and raging storm, the Swiss family Robinson are stranded at sea. But the thundering waves have swept them off to a tropical island, where a new life awaits them. Their ship is laden with supplies and the island is packed with treasures, so they soon adapt and discover new dangers an...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.

Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In pursuit of his lost shadow, a young boy named Peter Pan dashes into the bedroom of three children named Wendy, Michael, and John. After much blundering about, Wendy manages to reattach Peter's frenetic shadow, and in return, Peter propositions the three siblings to accompany him back to his home in a place he calls Neverland.

FROM SARAH:

All of the Ramona Quimby books are worth reading again and again. We love the audiobooks narrated by Stockard Channing. (My daughter, Clara, has memorized large passages by listening to these over and over.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Oh Ramona! There’s so much to learn, and it seems that often, she has to learn it the hard way. These tales about her family are funny and sweet. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a Newberry Honor Book. (We recommend the entire series!)

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, I do love a picture book written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! is another one not to miss!) This one is fun to read aloud again and again. The longer-than-usual text makes it best for slightly older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.

Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?

FROM SARAH:

Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents, having no idea that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven, a hidden refuge for mystical creatures to prevent their extinction. Will keep you turning pages! Watch the author talk about writing this book in his Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

FROM SARAH:

Not as scary as the movie, this is a fabulous read-aloud for a wide range of ages. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a cyclone. The novel is one of the best-known stories in American popular culture and has been widely translated. Its initial success, and the success of the 1902 Broadway musical which Baum adapted from his original story, led to Baum's writing thirteen additional Oz books.

FROM SARAH:

Lauded by many as some of the best American books of all time for children, the Little House series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's real life. I prefer to listen to these on audio (narrated by Cherry Jones) rather than reading them aloud. Highly, highly recommended for all ages. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The first in Laura’s story about her family of American pioneers. Join the Ingalls family as they celebrate Christmas and the harvest and their first trip to town.

FROM SARAH

It’s such a boring summer, so when Jane finds a coin, she wishes something exciting would happen. Of course, it does! A funny and classic family tale for all ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen. And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true.

FROM SARAH:

Did you read this one as a kid? Your kids will still love it just as much (and if you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat!). When Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, she and her brother end up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to get caught up in a mystery that makes headlines.

FROM THE PUBLISHERS:

When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort-she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because be was a miser and would have money.

Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie bad some ideas, too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same, and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she bad discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.

FROM SARAH

Four short mysteries starring the sweet Father Brown. Kids will love the subtle action, and trying to figure out whodunnit!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Adaptations of 4 of Chesterton's Father Brown mysteries for young readers: "The Blue Cross," "The Strange Feet," "The Flying Stars," and "The Absence of Mr. Glass."

FROM SARAH:

A classic that was first published in 1880, the Peppers have fallen on hard times. But the little Peppers band together to help their mother. Lovely language!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A favorite of children, parents, and teachers for generations, this heartwarming classic first appeared in 1880. Since then, it has inspired countless young imaginations with its tender tales of the ways in which courage and good cheer can overcome adversity.

FROM SARAH:

Written by two of the “dozen,” the Gilbreth’s share their childhood memories growing up with 10 other siblings, and an efficiency expert father who thinks everything is easier done en masse, including getting the kids’ tonsils removed.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Translated into more than fifty languages, Cheaper by the Dozen is the unforgettable story of the Gilbreth clan as told by two of its members. In this endearing, amusing memoir, siblings Frank Jr. and Ernestine capture the hilarity and heart of growing up in an oversized family.

FROM SARAH:

More than 40 years old, Watership Down continues to be a classic. Two brothers lead the surge against the invasion of man and the destruction of their home. Spoiler alert: The brothers are rabbits. Who talk.

Recommended Ages: 12+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A worldwide bestseller for over thirty years, Watership Down is one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England’s Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey from their native Sandleford Warren, through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, and toward the dream of a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

FROM SARAH:

Harriet is more than an observant, hopeful young writer; she is a girl navigating the complexities of growing up, the challenge of maintaining friendships, and the hard work of asking for forgiveness. This one is a classic for a reason- it's heartfelt and charming, honest and endearing. I'd recommend it for readers 10 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. In her notebook, she writes down everything she knows about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook, and it ends up in the wrong hands. Before she can stop them, her friends have read the always truthful, sometimes awful things she’s written about each of them. Will Harriet find a way to put her life and her friendships back together?

FROM SARAH:

Boys just absolutely adore this classic series. Worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Billy loves horses more than anything else in the world, and what he wants most is his own pony. Full of beautiful illustrations and sweet relationships.

FROM SARAH: 

This is the perfect early chapter book series for kids who love a good mystery! I'd recommend it for newly independent readers who need some extra picture support, but are ready to tackle more text on the page.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

FROM SARAH:

I think most everyone knows about this series by now, but juuuuuust in case it slipped your radar: yes, you want to read it. Oh, and so do your kids. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When Reynie Muldoon answers an ad looking for gifted children, he soon meets fascinating friends and finds himself on an adventure that will change his life... and quite possibly the world. First in a fantastic series.

FROM SARAH

The updated and expanded version of the awesome original, this book can absorb a child for hours as they learn - you guessed it - how stuff works, from jackhammers to digital cameras.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From levers to lasers, from cameras to computers, this 384-page volume is a remarkable overview of the machines and inventions that shape our lives, amusingly presented with a large dose of Macaulay's wit and personality.

FROM SARAH:

Oh my goodness, I just don't think read-alouds get much funnier than Mercy Watson. 😂 These are definitely a taste thing, because my husband is not a fan. I could read them aloud over and over all day! The entire series is loads of fun. Excellent for reading aloud with a wide range of ages from 3-12.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she's a porcine wonder. Welcome to the wry and endearing world of Mercy Watson — an ebullient character for early chapter-book readers in a series that's destined to be a classic.

FROM SARAH:

Simple mystery stories that will pull your little ones right in. Kids will agree that Nate really is, well … great!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nate, with the cool detachment of a Sam Spade, immediately plunges into his new and baffling case. Gatting all the facts, asking the right questions, narrowing down the suspects. Nate, the boy detective who "likes to work alone, " solves the mystery and tracks down the culprit. In the process he also discovers the whereabouts of Super Hex, the missing cat.

FROM SARAH:

This is the series that turned my struggling reader into a voracious one. I read the first book aloud and then ran out of "time" to read the rest... so he read them himself. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Leroy Brown, boy detective, not only solves his own cases -- he also occasionally helps out his policeman dad with the biggest mysteries in Idaville.

FROM SARAH:

Did you catch Mr. Erickson in one of our author events? Boys especially seem to love these hilarious misadvetnures of a working dog on a ranch. Best enjoyed as audiobooks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The popular Hank the Cowdog series is based on the humorous antics of the canine Head of Ranch Security. In this first book, Hank and his little buddy, Drover, set out to solve a series of baffling murders on the ranch. Is Hank a suspect? An Outlaw? Can he clear his good name?

From SARAH:

The Magic Treehouse series is perfect for newly independent readers, with a delightful mix of fantasy and facts that inspire kids to keep turning the pages. Vivid illustrations and predictable plot lines make it a wonderful first chapter-book series for kids who are ready for the next step in their reading journey!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Where did the tree house come from? Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?

The Magic Tree House series has been a beloved favorite for over 25 years and is sure to inspire a love of reading—and adventure—in every child who joins Jack and Annie!

FROM SARAH:

A classic graphic novel created in 1929, The Adventures of Tintin introduces readers to a courageous young journalist and his trusty side-kick as they go on wild and wonderful adventures. It's perfect for ages 8 and up and especially wonderful for reluctant or struggling readers who appreciate lots of illustrations supporting the text.

FROM PUBLISHER:

Join traveling reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, along with well-known friends such as Captain Haddock, as they embark on extraordinary adventures spanning historical and political events, fantasy and science-fiction adventures and thrilling mysteries. These full-color graphic novels broke new ground when they were first released and became the inspiration for countless modern-day comic artists.

FROM SARAH:

You can't help but giggle when you read about the wacky adventures of Calvin and Hobbes. Share this one with the kiddo who brings their own delightful chaos to every ordinary situation, and remember that life would be oh-so-boring without them!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Beginning with the day Hobbes sprang into Calvin's tuna fish trap, the first two Calvin and Hobbes collections, Calvin and Hobbes and Something Under The Bed Is Drooling, are brought together in this treasury. Including black-and-white dailies and color Sundays, The Essential Calvin and Hobbes also features an original full-color 16-page story.

FROM SARAH:

A historical adventure that inspires hope, courage, and a love for nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When 13-year-old Matt means a boy from the Beaver clan, he begins to understand more about living in the wilderness in the 1700s. A Newberry Honor winner.

FROM SARAH:

Hands-down one of the best read-alouds in our family. We love it every time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fantastic place to start with the many funny, quick reads by Andrew Clements. Nick isn't exactly a troublemaker; he just likes to keep things interesting! What starts out as a simple game turns into a city-wide uproar. What starts out as a lighthearted read turns out to be a powerfully moving story. Delightful.

FROM SARAH: 

This classic story of found family reminds us that even the coldest days can be warmed by kindness. A perfect winter family read-aloud, I'd recommend this one for ages 8 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Armand likes his life as a Hobo living under the bridges of Paris, and the last thing he needs is anything remotely connected to responsibility. So when a family moves under the bridge with him and threatens to steal his heart, how will Armand handle it? Excellent for all ages.

FROM SARAH:

Everything Jane Yolen writes has a touch of magic to it, including this simple story about a girl and her father going “owling.” A beautiful tale to warm your winter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world.

FROM SARAH:

A book for the ages. I talked all about the making of this book on this special edition of the RAR podcast! Truly, this book is perfect in every way. Make sure you own a copy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Another classic from Robert McCloskey! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are searching for the perfect place to raise their family. Will they find a place to call home?

FROM SARAH:

Want to get your kids to play outside? Just read this book—don't say anything else! 😉 (Also: the illustrations by the incomparable Barbara Cooney are perfect.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Illustrated by Barbara Cooney (Miss Rumphius), Roxaboxen is a special place where games like playing house magically come to life.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

‘Boil, boil, pasta pot -- boil me some pasta nice and hot!’ Strega Nona, Big Anthony and Bambalona work hard, but occasionally need just a little magic. (Lots of fun sequels too!)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola.

FROM SARAH:

Silly sound effects and and sheep hijinks make this series a favorite among preschoolers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Out for a drive in the country, Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple's well-known and beloved sheep run into some mishaps with their sturdy red jeep.

FROM SARAH:

The classic that never gets old. My kids all loved this deceptively simple and delightful book!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

All the barnyard animals want to join Mr. Gumpy on his boat ride. He only has one request: that they all get along . . . Splash!

FROM SARAH:

My all-time favorite picture book. This one is perfection in every way! Even though the audio version is only twelve minutes, it's worth the purchase! Read by Claire Danes and set to beautiful sound design. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

The story of little Alice, whose grandfather invites her to travel the globe, come home to the salty sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. Listen to my special edition podcast episode about the author.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation.

FROM SARAH:

A tribute to our messy and marvelous homeschools, this picture book makes us feel seen and celebrated as we move throughout our days. Just watch out for that "crabby cafeteria lady"!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A must-have for all homeschooling families, this charming and funny picture book explores the special rhythms and routines of home education, inspired by award-winning author-illustrator Jonathan Bean’s own childhood.

For young Jonathan and his sisters, home and school are one of the same. Mom is their teacher, and Dad is the best substitute a kid could ask for. From math, science, and field trips, to recess, show-and-tell, and art, an average school day with this lively, loving family is both completely familiar and totally unique. This Is My Home, This Is My School draws inspiration from Jonathan Bean’s own homeschooling experiences and includes a note from the author as well as a selection of real-life family photographs.

FROM SARAH:

We loved the story of this quirky homeschool and the boy who desperately needs it! (Heads-up that there is an adult side-character who reads cards.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jake Semple is notorious. Rumor has it he managed to get kicked out of every school in Rhode Island, and actually burned the last one down to the ground. Only one place will take him now, and that's a homeschool run by the Applewhites, a chaotic and hilarious family of artists: poet Lucille, theater director Randolph, dancer Cordelia, and dreamy Destiny. The only one who doesn't fit the Applewhite mold is E.D.—a smart, sensible girl who immediately clashes with the defiant Jake.

FROM SARAH:

If you loved Tuck Everlasting, this savory tale by Natalie Babbit is sure to be your next favorite. It's gentle enough for young listeners but charming enough to engage big kids, too. It might even inspire your own family to hunt for delicious things!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Gaylen, the King's messenger, a skinny boy of twelve, is off to poll the kingdom, traveling from town to farmstead to town on his horse, Marrow. At first it is merely a question of disagreement at the royal castle over which food should stand for Delicious in the new dictionary. But soon it seems that the search for Delicious had better succeed if civil war is to be avoided.

Gaylen's quest leads him to the woldweller, a wise, 900-year-old creature who lives alone at the precise center of the forest; to Canto, the minstrel who sings him an old song about a mermaid child and who gives him a peculiar good-luck charm; to the underground domain of the dwarfs; and finally to Ardis who might save the kingdom from havoc.

FROM SARAH:

Captain Sager leads his family across the Oregon Trail as they deal with animals, sickness and many big decisions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The epic journey of the Sager children by covered wagon from Missouri to Oregon in 1848.

FROM SARAH:

Mrs. Frisby leads us into a world of courage, sacrifice and scientific wonder. A timeless tale of bravery and ingenuity, this Newbery Medal-winning classic blends heart, mystery, and adventure in a story that continues to captivate readers since its publication in 1971. I'd recommend it for ages 9 and up, with a little head's up for scenes depicting illness and the loss of some characters.

FROM PUBLISHER:

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved.

Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

FROM SARAH:

I love a strong, resilient heroine who finds the strength to persevere even in the face of big obstacles. This inspiring tale brings history to life, depicting the struggles and determination of three siblings who are willing to cross an ocean to find their way to their father. This one is perfect for readers who love historical fiction, family bonds, and stories of quiet strength.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Featuring a heroine with faith, courage, and a great deal of grit, this acclaimed historical fiction novel portrays the realities faced by three children hoping to find a new home in an unknown land. Amanda Freebold doesn't know what to do. Her father left three years ago for the new colony of Jamestown in America, thousands of miles away. But now that her mother has died, Amanda is left to take care of her younger brother and sister all alone back in England.

As the new head of the family, Amanda finally decides to take her brother and sister to America to find Father. The ocean crossing is long and hard, and the children don't know whom to trust. But with her father's little brass lion's head to guard them, Amanda knows that somehow everything will work out.

FROM SARAH:

You either enjoy Roald Dahl or you don't... and this book is as good a place to find out which camp you belong in. Heads-up, I'm a fan of most of Dahl's books, but when I read them aloud, I tend to modify some of the language. 😅

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sophie and BFG (a bone-crunching giant) are the only ones who can save the children of England, but they’ll have to battle a lot of mean giants to keeps everyone safe.

FROM SARAH:

If you're going to Maine anytime soon, pair reading this book with a trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, where you can see Nancy Schön's sculpture of Sal's Bear. This charming story of a girl and a bear cub both collecting blueberries is a timeless classic. Every home library needs it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Sal goes blueberry picking with mama, but it turns out a mama bear and baby bear had the same idea. Wait - will the right babies go home with the right mamas?

FROM SARAH:

As each new child arrives in the family, the family food requests get more and more complicated, and Mrs. Peters finds herself accommodating more and more tricky appetites. But when her birthday comes, so does a surprise.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Peter wants only milk, Lucy won’t settle for anything but homemade lemonade, and Jack is stuck on applesauce. Each new addition to the household brings a new demand for a special meal. What’s a mother to do?

FROM SARAH:

Paul Galdone brings some of my favorite stories to life with his stunning and lively illustrations. This collection is made up of four individual books, making it perfect for a quick read-aloud at bedtime (or any time!).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

No child should be without the best versions of the best stories, all told and illustrated by the masterful Paul Galdone: The Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Gingerbread Boy. Pair this boxed set with the Folktale Classics Keepsake Collection!