Books

FROM SARAH:

This is a sweet story of friendship and perseverance. When Bear asks for her friends to come, they do, and despite mounting obstacles, they band together to make it to their friend!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Bear never asks for anything. So when a letter arrives for the little chipmunk Izzy, urgently requesting her presence, she can’t refuse--even if there is a blizzard on the way! This heartwarming tale of friendship from bestselling author Brian Lies will melt even the chilliest of hearts.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Septimus is not good at being a badger. He adores the sunset. He dreams of going to Venice. And he lives alone in a charming cottage by the sea. He’s not unhappy with his tidy, solitary life, but there are times when being so bad at badgerdom makes him wonder if he’s even a badger at all.

When a gull of very few words lands on the windowsill, Septimus leaps at the possibility of friendship. However, his new confidant soon goes missing and Septimus is bereft. Determined to find his best—and only—friend, he ventures into new territory and encounters a cast of surprising characters. Can Septimus be as brave and bighearted as he’ll need to be to find Gully? Or is he really a bad badger after all?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the rigid theocracy of Salem, rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town's most basic fears and suspicions; and when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist that Elizabeth be brought to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor brilliantly illuminate the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, the most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. THE SILMARILLION is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel set in Puritanical Boston in the mid-17th century. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed and ostracized for having a child out of wedlock. Hester is forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her clothing to signify her status as an adulterer. As she struggles to survive in a Puritanical society that is unforgiving of her sins, Hester is eventually able to redeem herself through her strong will and determination. The novel examines themes of sin, guilt, and repentance in a powerful way. Throughout the novel, readers are able to explore the inner workings of Hester's mind and understand the consequences of her actions and how they affected those around her.

FROM SARAH:

This is the perfect book to enjoy looking at the skies together! Two bunny friends share what they see in the clouds—one is full of imagination, and the other is eager to share the science behind what makes a cloud a cloud. In the end, they find that each other's perspective makes their own even more fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What do you see when you look at clouds?

Two curious bunnies enjoy watching clouds go by. But when they look at the sky, they each see something completely different! While one bunny likes to use his imagination and sees cotton candy or whipped cream, the other bunny can only see the science behind them. Together they learn that cloud watching is much more fun when they can see it through each other's eyes.

FROM SARAH:
I recommend this book for fans of Peter Nimble who are 14+. Please note that the protagonists in The War of the Maps are older in this book, and the violence and intensity escalates quite a bit from earlier books in the series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This epic middle-grade adventure—companion to Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes and Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard—will take readers to the very ends of the earth . . . and beyond. From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Night Gardener and Sweep.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Katie gets inspired to found a club in this first book in the Cupcake Diaries series!

Katie Brown is miserable when her best friend is invited to join the Popular Girls Club and Katie is left out. Is there an Unpopular Girls Club she can join? Luckily, Katie finds her way with a great new group of friends—Mia, Emma, and Alexis—and together they form the Cupcake Club. Sometimes starting from scratch turns out to be the icing on the cupcake!

FROM SARAH:

The newest Sea Dog story from Astrid Sheckels, featuring her classic lush illustrations and an engaging story. A joy!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Walter the baker (and brave sea dog!) discovers his friend Big Boris is being blamed for sinking a village fishing boat, he knows something's not right. Together with Mira, a merpup, Walter must swim through clues and uncover the truth before his friend's reputation is sunk forever.

FROM SARAH:

I just love all the books in this series, and this is no exception! A delightful book to explore whether you can get to the waves in person or just through the pages of a book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.

FROM SARAH:

A sweet and sentimental story of a boy growing up and the sea he loved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this lyrical picture book, readers follow one boy through his life as he returns to the seashore beside his home. The boy likes to think, and his thoughts turn into questions. He brings these questions to the sea. At times, he thinks he can hear the sea whisper to him: Dream. Love. Be.
So he does. He dreams—a young boy imagining all that he might do. He loves—a teenager, reaching out from a lonely place to make friends. He allows himself to just be—now grown, sharing the seashore with his daughter.
A celebration of quiet curiosity, The Boy and the Sea invites readers to ask questions and live their way into the answers.

FROM SARAH:

Beautiful, one-page poems about the ocean, from the shore to the depths, accompanied by Emily Sutton's whimsical and bright illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ours is a blue planet. The oceans cover more than two-thirds of its surface and constantly calls to us to play, explore, and dream. Our fascination with the sea is as endless as our means of enjoying it — whether building sand castles, navigating by the stars, or observing strange and beautiful marine creatures. In a volume brimming with information, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton capture the magic and majesty of the ocean with stunning words and pictures. Poems about manta rays, flying fish, and humpback whales mingle with verses about harbors, storms, and pearl divers. Glimpses of life in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans flow into spreads about tropical islands, coral reefs, and ancient shipwrecks on the seabed.

FROM SARAH:

I read this aloud. The illustrations are lovely, and the book itself is luxurious. Gorgeous endpapers, a thick jacket, beautifully illustrated. Perfect for kids who are learning about or are interested in what can be viewed through a microscope!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Microbes are everywhere: in the soil and oceans, in snow, and inside our bodies. But in Antony van Leeuwenhoek’s time, people believed that what they saw with their own eyes was all that existed in the world. How did a simple tradesman—who didn’t go to college or speak English or Latin like all the other scientists—change everyone’s minds?

FROM SARAH:

This fascinating story of a brave female inventor is paired with fabulous illustrations by Iacopo Bruno. Delightful, start to finish.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the 1850s, proper young ladies were supposed to keep their feet on the ground (literally and metaphorically), but Mary dreamed of flying. Luckily, she married Carl Myers, a balloon enthusiast whose dreams were just as lofty as hers. Together, they designed and constructed balloons of all shapes and sizes, a difficult and dangerous job that required knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and meteorology. But how could they know which balloon designs worked best? They needed someone adventurous who could do balloon tricks for crowds while recording flight data. Mary knew just the person . . . herself! She gave herself the stage name Carlotta and anxiously awaited her first flight. Would she make it into the air? Could she collect the data they needed? Mary battled thick clouds and bone-chilling cold, but she went higher and farther than she hoped, and returned ready for her next flight.

FROM SARAH:

A fascinating, lesser-known story, with a great backmatter about other inventors. Delightful!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Josephine Garis Cochrane: entrepreneur, innovator, girlboss. Washing dishes is a pain—it leaves Josephine's cups cracked, her dishes dinged, and her chowder bowls chipped. She’d rather be picking flowers, frosting cakes, or playing piano than dealing with cracked crockery. What to do about a chore that’s icky, destructive, and time-consuming? Josephine tackles this task the modern way: she makes a machine to do it for her! She tinkers and tests, and perseveres through fizzles and flops—until she has a government patent for her invention, and there are whirring, whizzing, bubbling dishwashers making a splash across America.

FROM SARAH:

This excellent story tells of the first Iranian woman to win the Fields Medal in mathematics. A beautiful tribute to a love for both art and math. Highly recommended!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a little girl, Maryam Mirzakhani was spellbound by stories. She loved reading in Tehran’s crowded bookstores, and at home she'd spend hours crafting her own tales on giant rolls of paper.

Maryam loved school, especially her classes in reading and writing. But she did not like math. Numbers were nowhere near as interesting as the bold, adventurous characters she found in books. Until Maryam unexpectedly discovered a new genre of storytelling: In geometry, numbers became shapes, each with its own fascinating personality—making every equation a brilliant story waiting to be told.

As an adult, Maryam became a professor, inventing new formulas to solve some of math's most complicated puzzles. And she made history by becoming the first woman—and the first Iranian—to win the Fields Medal, mathematics’ highest award.

FROM SARAH:

An engaging and delightful story of a relatively unknown self-taught natural scientist.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

FROM SARAH:

This book is a gem, full of gorgeous pastel illustrations and a wonderful and fresh angle on Beatrix Potter's interesting life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Everyone knows Beatrix Potter as the creator of the Peter Rabbit stories. But before that, she was a girl of science. As a child, Beatrix collected nature specimens; as a young adult, she was an amateur mycologist presenting her research on mushrooms and other fungi to England's foremost experts. Like many women of her time, she remained unacknowledged by the scientific community, but her keen eye for observation led her to an acclaimed career as an artist and storyteller. A beloved author is cast in a new light in this inspiring picture book story.

FROM SARAH:

You may have heard of Thomas Edison, but do you know the story of one of his longtime rivals in electricity, the young and brilliant Nikola Tesla? (Yes - the automotive company Tesla was named for this inventor!) You don't want to miss this fascinating story about a man whose work so greatly impacts our world today. (Recommended for ages 7+.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a Serbian boy named Nikola Tesla was three, he stroked his cat and was enchanted by the electrical sparks. By the time he was a teenager, he had made a vow: Someday I will turn the power of Niagara Falls into electricity. Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio — all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions.

FROM SARAH:

Such a great book! You'll discover how a young woman became one of the first to develop actual recipe formats. Delightful in every way. Especially great for ages 7-10.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Fannie Farmer learned to cook in the late 1800s, recipes could be pretty silly. They might call for “a goodly amount of salt” or “a lump of butter” or “a suspicion of nutmeg.” Girls were supposed to use their “feminine instincts” in the kitchen (or maybe just guess). Despite this problem, Fannie loved cooking, so when polio prevented her from going to college, she became a teacher at the Boston Cooking School. Unlike her mother or earlier cookbook writers, Fannie didn’t believe in feminine instincts. To her, cooking was a science. She’d noticed that precise measurements and specific instructions ensured that cakes rose instead of flopped and doughnuts fried instead of burned. Students liked Fannie’s approach so much that she wrote a cookbook. Despite skepticism from publishers, Fannie’s book was a recipe for success.

FROM SARAH:

The delightful story of Temple Grandin and how she invented her hug machine.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a young girl, Temple Grandin loved folding paper kites, making obstacle courses, and building lean-tos. But she really didn’t like hugs. Temple wanted to be held—but to her, hugs felt like being stuffed inside the scratchiest sock in the world; like a tidal wave of dentist drills, sandpaper, and awful cologne, coming at her all at once. Would she ever get to enjoy the comfort of a hug?

Then one day, Temple had an idea. If she couldn’t receive a hug, she would make one…she would build a hug machine!

FROM SARAH:

The important story of Williaminia Stevens Fleming is told in this interesting picture book. Excellent to pair with your astronomy studies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since Williamina Fleming was little she was curious, and her childhood fascination with light inspired her life’s work. Mina became an astronomer in a time when women were discouraged from even looking through telescopes. Yet Mina believed that the universe, with its billions of stars, was a riddle—and she wanted to help solve it.

Mina ultimately helped to create a map of the universe that paved the way for astronomers. Newbery Honor–winning Kathryn Lasky shares her incredible true story.

FROM SARAH:

Who knew Marie Curie had a sister? Not me! But she did, and she was important to the success of Marie herself. A delightful picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Marie Curie has long been a well-known name around the world. Though Marie made extraordinary scientific advances discovering new elements with her husband, Pierre, many students do not know about the powerful bond that propelled her into science: her sisterhood with Bronia! A force in academia and health care herself, Bronia made significant contributions to the scientific world, along with her loving support of sister Marie.

FROM SARAH:

An fascinating story, well told. The author deftly parallels Mexia's story with one of the plans she worked hard to learn more about.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The wax palm knows what it's like to defy the odds. Ynes Mexia knew it too. QUEEN OF LEAVES tells the true story of Ynes Mexia, the inspiring and fearless Mexican-American adventurer-botanist, and her quest to find the mysterious wax palm tree. Ynes enrolled in university in her 50s, at an age when women were not expected to be students. There she discovered botany -- a passion that would lead her all over the world on many adventures and change the study of botany forever. She went on to lead expeditions gathering plant and flower samples for universities and museums around the globe, introduce the botany world to the elusive wax palm tree, and forever cement herself as the QUEEN OF LEAVES.

FROM SARAH:

Continue on in the delightful, and rather unexpected, adventures of Emma. Our team is in love with this series, and we will often say to one another, "Volume 3 is when I become really invested!"

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London Neighbourhood of St. Crispian's. But Emma's plan for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian's.

FROM SARAH:

Emma continues to shine in this series. This volume introduces such depth as we learn more of her backstory. Our team loves this series!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"It all began very innocently. Truly."

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

FROM SARAH:

For anyone familiar with the road of grief, this volume comes with both heavy familiarity and comfort. We fall in love with Emma's comrades as she navigates a difficult season. Our team LOVES this series, and if you're this far into the series, it's safe to say you do too. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I took Treasure Island to church with me as a talisman.
“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian

FROM SARAH:

"There is bedlam, and there is delightful bedlam. This afternoon touched on the second, much to my pleasure." Still a huge favorite with our team, this series is all wit, whimsy, and unexpected turns around every corner!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

FROM SARAH:

If you've read Vol. 6, you know there have been signification shifts in the story! Volume 7 continues to slowly peel back more layers of some of our most beloved characters.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"The image of Pandora's Box being opened by my own hand flashed across my mind. A sobering and somewhat disappointing realisation when one understands they are their own worst enemy. "

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian's. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

FROM SARAH:

A much-anticipated summer trip occurs out of dear St. Crispian's shines a new light on our beloved characters! Long-awaited backstories begin to unfold.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

"Strange, considering it all now after a night's sleep, that I'd had no premonition of what awaited. That seems to be the nature of life, however. Things that ought to come with warnings rarely do."

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian's. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

FROM SARAH:

This book tells the story of American settlers killing the buffalo in the Great Plains (which led to the Dust Bowl), and their efforts to restore the land and bring them back. We recommend it for older kids as there are heavy topics addressed (conflict between settlers and Native Americans, and of course, the buffalo dying).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The buffalo, an American icon once nearly extinct, has made a comeback. This stirring picture book tells the dramatic story, following bison from the Plains Indians to the cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt to the Dust Bowl, and from the brink of extinction to the majestic herds that now roam our national parks. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire a new generation to understand and protect nature’s delicate balance.

FROM SARAH:

I love this whole series! This one was inspired by the author's visit to a national park, and would make a great read-aloud either before or after your own visit.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life.

FROM SARAH:

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

FROM SARAH:

A great exploration of Yellowstone with rich paintings and information about geological terms like steam vents, mud pots, and lava.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Volcano Dreams knits together the vibrancy of the Yellowstone ecosystem with its explosive history, placing the everyday lives of its creatures within the context of geological time. Janet Fox’s poetic text takes us to the root of it all—the “sleeping giant” of magma responsible for the Yellowstone landscape—and Marlo Garnsworthy’s evocative paintings capture the awe of natural forces at work in our nation’s oldest national park.

FROM SARAH:

This book tells the story of the construction of the Erie Canal, with detailed illustrations and a wonderful timeline.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When De Witt Clinton, a young politician, first dreamed of building a canal to connect the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, folks didn’t believe such a thing could be done. Clinton wanted to link east coast ports to the frontier, and from the groundbreaking ceremony on the Fourth of July in 1817, Clinton never gave up—even as people called his project “Clinton’s Ditch.”

FROM SARAH:

The illustrations in this book are stunning, and the story is told from an American Indian perspective, emphasizing environmental care and responsibility. It would pair well with The Buffalo Are Back (by the same author/illustrator team).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lyrical creation tale of the Florida Everglades with stunning landscapes by Wendell Minor.

FROM SARAH:

This book is full of great photographs and information about the intricacies of ecosystems. A delight for all nature lovers!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Yellowstone National Park's majestic geologic wonders and remarkable wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. But there was a time when these natural treasures were in great danger, all because after years of unrestricted hunting, one key piece of the puzzle had been eliminated-the wolf.
Now, more than a decade after scientists realized the wolves' essential role and returned them to Yellowstone, the park's natural balance is gradually being restored.

FROM SARAH:

If you've got a kid who loves nonfiction reference books, don't miss this one! It covers all 62 National Parks and contains gorgeous photographs and animal/plant identification. Ideal for ages 6-10.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the giant redwoods of Sequoia to the geysers of Yellowstone, this educational book is a fun, child-friendly travel guide that covers all 62 National Parks in the USA.

FROM SARAH:

This is an exciting dual-timeline mystery, set in the stunning mountains of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Thirteen-year-old Jake Evans is about to spend the summer exploring a variety of National Parks, along with his cousin and family friends. He's also mourning the recent loss of his beloved grandfather, but before they leave, he's left with clues from his grandfather about a scavenger hunt through the National Parks. But is it only a game? (Recommended for ages 7+)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the heart of Colorado’s wild and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park.

Through twists and turns, the mystery unfolds while Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.

FROM SARAH:

A classic novel by the author of Misty of Chincoteague, who based this story on a real-life Grand Canyon burro who touched even the life of President Teddy Roosevelt. The audiobook is especially well done. Read it before or after a visit to the Grand Canyon!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Long ago, a lone little burro roamed the high cliffs of the Grand Canyon and touched the hearts of all who knew him: a grizzled old miner, a big-game hunter, even President Teddy Roosevelt. Named Brighty by the prospector who befriended him, he remained a free spirit at heart. But when a ruthless claim-jumper murdered the prospector, loyal Brighty risked everything to bring the killer to justice.

FROM SARAH:

I love an origin story, and this adorable picture book does not disappoint. It’s a joy to read aloud and will keep even your littlest listeners begging you to open it again and again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? A New York Times bestselling duo brings us this freshly imagined origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends. Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham. 

There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn’t like animals. Then, one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six.

Well, maybe this one animal could stay.

Next came a dog . . .

This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At first glance, Shakespeare’s early comedy Love’s Labor’s Lost simply entertains and amuses. Four young men (one of them a king) withdraw from the world for three years, taking an oath that they will have nothing to do with women. The King of Navarre soon learns, however, that the Princess of France and her ladies are about to arrive. Although he lodges them outside of his court, all four men fall in love with the ladies, abandoning their oaths and setting out to win their hands.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Shakespeare’s “merry wives” are Mistress Ford and Mistress Page of the town of Windsor. The two play practical jokes on Mistress Ford’s jealous husband and a visiting knight, Sir John Falstaff.

Merry wives, jealous husbands, and predatory knights were common in a kind of play called “citizen comedy” or “city comedy.” In such plays, courtiers, gentlemen, or knights use social superiority to seduce citizens’ wives.

The Windsor wives, though, do not follow that pattern. Instead, Falstaff’s offer of himself as lover inspires their torment of him. Falstaff responds with the same linguistic facility that Shakespeare gives him in the history plays in which he appears, making him the “hero” of the play for many audiences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can’t imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet.

When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he’s not big enough to do the job.

Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects—and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Getting this baby dressed is not going to be easy!

This is the diaper, often a mess,
that goes on the baby who hates to be dressed.
"No! No! Nooo!"

Take one toddler who can't stand getting dressed. Add a mother who is determined to dress baby. The result is a laugh-filled struggle as this mommy uses all her ingenuity and powers of persuasion to get baby into diaper, T-shirt, sweater, and many layers of winter clothing. But just when she thinks she's succeeded, baby peels everything off and happily struts, naked once again. Yes! Yes! Yes!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Anna’s father gives her the most wonderful present for her birthday—eight beautiful tulips! But tulips in Holland in the 1600s are more precious than gold or jewels, and everyone who walks by the house wants to trade her for one!

FROM SARAH:
Fast-paced, exciting, and based on a true story of heroic children from WWII-era Norway, this short middle grade novel is one that you don't want to miss!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hana and her father used to love to walk in the garden in the evening and play their favorite game — the one where Hana is a Renowned Physician and Papa pretends to faint dead away on the bench. But ever since tulip fever struck Holland, Hana's father has been consumed by greed. Soon he is too busy to walk in the garden or kiss Hana good night or even realize how lovely the tulips are. Even worse, the tulip market is crashing, and now Papa is falling into despair. It's up to Hana — with a little help from the painter Rembrandt, a family friend — to find a way to remind her father of what's truly valuable and bring him back to his family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At first, master artist Rembrandt van Rijn rebuffs his young son Titus and his attempt at art, but gradually Rembrandt is won over by his enthusiasm and persistence, and begins to teach Titus the basic techniques of drawing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young Camille befriends a strange visitor to his small town, and one day he brings this man a gift of bright, beautiful sunflowers. The man is the artist Vincent van Gogh, and the sunflowers quickly become the subject of a magnificent painting.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Hans Brinker; or, the Silver Skates is a novel by American author Mary Mapes Dodge, first published in 1865. The novel takes place in the Netherlands and is a colorful fictional portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life, as well as a tale of youthful honor. The book's title refers to the beautiful silver skates to be awarded to the winner of the ice-skating race Hans Brinker hopes to enter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen.

This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country.

Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One WWII pilot’s mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin in 1945 comes to life in this moving middle-grade historical account. After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To bring a bit of hope, he began dropping chocolate and chewing gum by parachute.

What began as a one-time gesture of compassion turned into an official U.S. Air Force operation. “Operation Little Vittles” grew, as more and more pilots volunteered to drop the parachutes, and donations of candy and cloth poured in from all over. This inspiring story of one man’s contribution to the rebuilding of a country after war is a unique look at history.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In May of 1940 -- the early days of World War II -- half a million British and French soldiers were trapped in France. Weak and wounded, they needed aid. Help came in the form of countless small craft, steered by brave young men, in the legendary armada of "little ships" that sailed aross the English Channel. Many people wanted to be a part of the rescue mission. Here is the story of a girl who was so determined to help that she disguised herself as a boy to blend in with the men as they sailed toward Dunkirk.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.

Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young hams, drama queens, and lovers of old-time language, rejoice! Four hundred years after its publication, Shakespeare’s First Folio has found a brand-new crop of enthusiasts. This gorgeous collection comprises all the plays in the original volume—fourteen comedies, ten histories, and twelve tragedies—each edited so it can be performed by eight to twelve children aged seven and up in under twenty minutes. Lovingly abridged by Dr. Anjna Chouhan, a senior lecturer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare’s First Folio: The Plays: A Children's Edition uses the original language, allowing kids a taste of choice words such as sluggardized and rampallian as well as famous lines like “Friends, Romans, countrymen” and “Once more unto the breach.” Lavishly and energetically illustrated by Emily Sutton, whose meticulous research was inspired by the holdings of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, this keepsake volume is designed to ensure that every child has a positive first experience with the Bard and to preserve his legacy for future generations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the spirit of C. S. Lewis's classic The Screwtape Letters, author and speaker Emily Wilson Hussem shines a light on the lies and tactics Satan uses to burden modern women with doubt, fear, insecurity, and discouragement—and empowers you with the truth that will set you free.

Do you ever wonder why you constantly struggle with fear, insecurity, and an unrelenting sense of dissatisfaction? We're in the middle of an invisible spiritual battle against the enemy of our souls. Satan wants you to feel trapped and insecure rather than free and peaceful. He wants you to believe the lie that you are worthless, not God's beloved. He wants you to be distracted, exhausted, and confused to prevent you from living in the freedom you were created for.

Sincerely, Stoneheart is a compelling, imaginative portrayal of a senior demon coaching a junior demon about how best to deceive, distract, and enslave women, Hussem not only unmasks the Enemy's lies but empowers women to overcome those lies.

FROM SARAH:

This lovely picture book includes the musical score in the back—perfect for music-loving families!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The old animal counting song. “Numbers for knee highs couldn’t be more fun. . . . Also has music for the song at the end. . . . Feodor Rojankovsky’s charming illustrations are in full color and black and white.” -Kirkus Reviews

FROM SARAH:

I just adore the illustrations by Beth Krommes in this lovely invitation to look for patterns in nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-winning poet celebrate the beauty and value of spirals. What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear?

With simplicity and grace, Joyce Sidman's poetry paired with Beth Krommes's scratchboard illustrations not only reveal the many spirals in nature—from fiddleheads to elephant tusks, from crashing waves to spiraling galaxies—but also celebrate the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape.

FROM SARAH:

A unique book about the experience of one family that travels to Alaska every summer to fish for salmon as they travel upstream. The backmatter is full of fascinating information.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a girl and her family travel four thousand miles from home, it’s not your typical summer vacation. Everything is different on the Alaskan tundra―where the grizzly bears roam and the sockeye salmon swim―including the rules. A girl can do things she wouldn’t, and couldn’t, do at home.

She can wake up at midnight to work with her mom on a fishing crew. She can learn what it means to be an essential part of a team. She can become a braver, stronger, and ever-more capable version of herself. She can take her next big step.

She’s ready for her first real sunrise.