FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon! Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used f...

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, this book is a treat. Sal is a boy who loves the water and is determined to build a boat. What happens along the way (and at the end) will tug your heartstrings! Deliciously long, this picture book is a feast for the eyes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A boy builds a unique boat of his own with some help from his community in this new picture book written and illustrated by Thyra Heder, the critically acclaimed author of Alfie.

FROM SARAH:

A funny, delightful book that perfectly shows dramatic irony. I loved it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A foolish knight is certain that his side of the wall is the safe side in this clever, amusingly meta picture book by the acclaimed creator of It's Only StanleyThere's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero--a young knight--is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers on the other side..

FROM SARAH:

I love this whole series by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long. Worth owning in your home library!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent's lap.

FROM SARAH:

If pressed to name the funniest picture book I've ever read, I might just name this one. Worth owning for your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale.When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind.

FROM SARAH:

No matter the weather, there is always fun to be had outdoors! Read this one when you want to inspire a bit of outdoor play in your kiddos.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Celebrate the four seasons of the year and all of the fun that comes with them with this lyrical, rhyming picture book from the author of I Heart You.

**Description from Amazon: A is for Automobiles, machines on wheels. B is for Belts turning, fuel burning, the buzz and bark of engines. C is for Curves and crowds and cars, of course -- A century of racecars, from bare beginnings to present-day marvels, from stock cars to Formula 1, from Ford to Ferrari, caught in crackli...

FROM SARAH:

In a small village in Colombia, a young girl waits for the man who brings books across mountains and valleys to readers like her. This darling picture book is an homage to the hard-working people who brought stories to remote areas all over the world.

If you love this story, be sure to check out Waxwing’s beautiful picture book, Books Up the Mountain, the story of a woman who brought books to rural Appalachia during the Great Depression.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Paddington Bear had just traveled all the way from Peru when the Brown family first met him at Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when Paddington is involved.

With the original text by Michael Bond and black-and-white illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, this boxed set is perfect Paddington fans old and new.

FROM SARAH:

This early reader captures the story of a lesser-known 16yo girl who rode even farther than Paul Revere to rouse the countryside. Some historians believe that her ride impacted the course of the war because it prevented the British from reaching Peekskill, NY.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On a dark, cold, and rainy night in April 1777, Sybil Ludington sets out on a journey to warn American soldiers that danger is headed their way. The British are coming! They have already attacked a nearby town, and it is up to sixteen-year-old Sybil to make sure that she reaches the American soldiers before the British do. With only a large stick to defend herself, and her horse, Star, for company, Sybil rides off into the perilous night and changes the course of the American Revolution

**Description from Amazon: This inspiring story of little-known civil rights champion Oscar Chapman reminds readers that one person can truly make a difference.On Easter Sunday 1939, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. The person largely responsible for putting her ...

FROM SARAH:

I'm always on the lookout for "stories that really happened just like that" for my history-loving daughter, Clara. This is one we added to our permanent collection!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A true-life story set in Budapest during the dark days of World War II explains how the people of the city--despite the cold, lack of food, and wartime hardships--devised a plan to save their beloved hippos in the zoo.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a challenge to the nation: land astronauts on the moon by the end of the decade. The Apollo program was designed by NASA to meet that challenge, and on July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael ...

**Description from Amazon: Mandy, the first children’s novel ever written by the beloved star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews, is a modern classic.Mandy, a ten-year-old orphan, dreams of a place to call her own. Escaping over the orphanage wall to explore the outside world, Mandy discovers a tiny deser...

FROM SARAH:

There are not words to convey just how much I adore this entire series. If I was pressed to name my all-time favorite book, I'd probably name this one. I read it aloud with all of my kids, and my boys loved it every bit as much as my girls did. Highly recommended. (Audible | LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Cuthberts are expecting a boy to help work on their farm, Green Gables. Instead, they get “Anne with an e,” who will surely win girls’ hearts with her spunky personality and big imagination.

FROM SARAH:

A FiVE-STAR READ! This story is captivating, moving and inspiring, bringing us face-to-face with Roman persecution during the life of Christ. I'd recommend it for ages 12 and up because of the mature themes, but middle-grade readers (and adults!) are going to love this one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this Newbery Medal–winning novel, Daniel bar Jamin will stop at nothing to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Roman Empire.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1773, Phillis Wheatley published a book of poetry. It was a great accomplishment that made her very famous. Only a year before, Phillis had had to take a test to prove that she was the actual author of these poems, because Phillis Wheatley was a slave. Who would believe that an African girl could be the author of such poetry?

** Description from Amazon: The year is 1942, and Norway is under Nazi occupation. Twelve-year-old Marit has decided to take action, despite her grandfather’s warnings. But will her plan work? Can she really complete her part of this secret code? And even if she can, would it make any difference to the Resistance?As this nov...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Readers will enjoy an interesting look at not only the man, but the 19th century world in which he lived. Britain’s enormous growth and emergence as a democracy, Germany united under Bismarck, Russia freeing the serfs, Japan opened to foreign trade, the U.S. in turmoil over slavery and many other cultural and socio/economic events are all shared in Foster’s engaging text laced with her traditional pictures, maps, time lines and graphs.

FROM SARAH:

I bet you’ve never seen a travel journal like this one! As Basho explores the world of ancient Japan, he records all of his adventures in hand-painted illustrations and masterful haiku poetry. Each haiku is like a small treasure, revealing how magical everyday moments can be when you slow down and take the time to notice.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This delightful volume—composed entirely in haiku based on the poet's written travelogues and illustrated with vibrant hand-painted scenes—tells the true story of Basho's decision to abandon his comfortable city life and of the five great journeys he then took across the length and breadth of Japan.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Ant receives a special invitation to dine with Lion, she is ready to be on her best behavior. During dessert, the other guests do not mind their manners, and by the time the dessert cake reaches Ant, barely a crumb is left for her to share with the King!

**Description from Amazon: The little pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake is back in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Pacy's mom tells her that this is a good year for friends, family, and "finding herself," Pacy begins searching right away. As the year goes on, she struggles to find her talent, deals with disappointment, makes a new best friend, and discovers just why the Year of the Dog is a lucky one for her after all.

FROM SARAH:

One of Jan Brett's best. Your kids will love being in on the secret of the *true* solution by peeking at the illustrations in the borders! A lovely display of dramatic irony, and just a lot of fun to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a rollicking, cumulative tale, a badger family and their friends–Hedgie, Mr. Ram and Vanya, the horse–struggle to pull up a giant turnip.

**Description from Amazon: The second book in the Rose Years series, the story of the spirited daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series.Rose Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, is the last of the Little House girls. Going fishing for the first time, starting in a new school, saving the farmhouse from a f...

FROM SARAH

EGYPT- a nonfiction look at the process of mummification; this one gets a little gruesome-- don't say I didn't warn you!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Aliki describes and illustrates the techniques and the reasons for the use of mummification in ancient Egypt.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the hoot of an owl to the horns of the city, from children giggling in the bath to the hushed notes of a lullaby, here is an exquisite anthology that captures the universal poetry of bedtime. Expertly gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, these sixty poems range from old favorite poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Sylvia Plath, and Eleanor Farjeon to beloved contemporary poets like Marilyn Singer, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman. Beautifully illustrated by G. Brian Karas with richness and whimsy, Switching on the Moon is the perfect book to share with a child to usher in a night of sweet dreams.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Pairing a rhythmic read-aloud text with expressive retro illustrations, author Patricia Toht and illustrator Jarvis capture all the excitement and familial feeling of a favorite tradition.

FROM SARAH:

This book gives a grace-filled and Christ-centered perspective on parenting. It invites us to stop seeing our kids as "good" or "bad", but instead to see them as children of God, in need of a Savior, who are and always will be entirely loved.

FROM PUBLISHER:

All of us want to raise good kids. And we want to be good parents. But what exactly do we mean by “good?” And is “being good” really the point? Mother-daughter team Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson contend that every way we try to make our kids “good” is simply an extension of Old Testament Law―a set of standards that is not only unable to save our children, but also powerless to change them. No, rules are not the answer. What they need is grace. We must tell our kids of the grace-giving God who freely adopts rebels and transforms them into loving sons and daughters. If this is not the message your children hear, if you are just telling them to “be good,” then the gospel needs to transform your parenting too. Give Them Grace is a revolutionary perspective on parenting that shows us how to receive the gospel afresh and give grace in abundance, helping our children know the dazzling love of Jesus and respond with heartfelt obedience.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Candace Fleming deftly maneuvers between the plight of Russia’s poor masses and the extravagant lives of the Romanovs, from their opulent upbringings to the crumbling of their massive empire, and finally to their tragic murders. Using captivating photos and compelling first-person accounts throughout, The Family Romanov is history at its most absorbing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this bright picture book, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons tells you everything you need to know about this holiday. You'll learn the story of Patrick's life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday.

From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to a fun holiday.  A perfect introduction to the customs surrounding the holiday-- parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green.

FROM SARAH:

My now-adult artist daughter feasted on all of Cicely Mary Barker's books when she was young, and had all of these flower fairies basically memorized! We love them as part of our permanent home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

First published in the 1920s, Cicely Mary Barker’s original Flower Fairies books have been loved for generations. Like the pre-Raphaelite painters whom she so admired, Barker believed in re-creating the beauty of nature in art and drawing from life.

**Description from Amazon: Every Falling Star, the first book to portray contemporary North Korea to a young audience, is the intense memoir of a North Korean boy named Sungju who was forced at age twelve to live on the streets and fend for himself. To survive, Sungju creates a gang and lives by thieving, fighting, begging, a...

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 SARAH:

This book is funny, funny, funny. And pretty surprising! It's amazing to me how much expression Klassen shows on animals that have... seemingly no expressions. 😅

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance.

**Description from Amazon: “A roaring good time.”—School Library Journal  You see, the jackalope didn't start out with horns. First he was a plain old hare. You know, a jackrabbit. The horns came later, along with a corny fairy godrabbit and a cranky coyote. And the trouble those horns brought—hoooo-wee!      Wit...

**Description from Amazon: Hunting—the predator and its prey—is at the heart of this riveting and suspenseful novel from Newbery Medalist Avi with illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca.In the computer game world of Bow Hunter—thirteen-year-old Casey’s world—there are no deaths, just kills. In Nashoba’s...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Naturally Better collection of classic children's tales!

Peter Rabbit . . . Naturally Better is back again, and this time he's brought some friends! Titles include: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, The Tale of Tom Kitten, and The Tale of Jemima Puddle- Duck. Perfect for holidays, baby showers, birthdays, collectors and more!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled, and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

FROM SARAH:

I love C.S. Lewis's essay collections so much! This one is especially good for those who love reading about the moral imagination and the power of stories to enrich us.

FROM PUBLISHER:

C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—was a professor of literature at Oxford University, where he was known for his insightful and often witty presentations on the nature of stories. This collection assembles nine essays that encapsulate his ideas about fiction, including "On Stories," "The Death of Words," and "On Three Ways of Writing for Children," as well as eleven pieces that were unpublished during his lifetime.

**Description from Amazon: Don't miss the first and bestselling book in the beloved Pete the Cat series! Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes...

FROM SARAH:

I loved everything about this book, from the surprising color palette to the subtle message tucked within the quiet tale.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the far North, a young girl named Missuk dreams of carving snow geese out of soapstone. Her father has promised to teach her when he returns from his hunt. But a fierce storm strikes. Fortunately, Missuk's special snow geese are waiting to guide him home.

**Description from Amazon: This book is not about "school at home"--it is about something better. It is about Real Learning. Homeschooling pioneer Charlotte Mason wrote with great wisdom about providing young minds with a living books education. She urged teachers to present great ideas and stand back, allowing students to fo...

Snappy verse and retro art brings readers along for Apollo 11's historic, eight-day mission to the moon in 1969. Young readers will learn the basics about the gear, equipment, and spaceship used by the astronauts, as well as the history of NASA's moon mission. O’ Rourke’s vibrant and retro illus...

FROM SARAH:

Rosemay Sutcliff's writing makes this classic tale compulsively readable. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Homer's epic poem, The Iliad, is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time and Rosemary Sutcliff's retelling of the classic saga embodies all of the astonishing drama, romance, and intrigue of ancient Greece.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Once there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words. Neftalí discovered the magic between the pages of books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Based on actual events from 1989 in International Falls, Minnesota, Riot tells the story of sixth-grader Bryan, whose family becomes stressed when nonunion labor “rats” are hired by the local paper mill, leaving his father, a union worker, angry and out of a job. Tension erupts into daily fights at school and nightly acts of vandalism with no solution in sight. Already torn between his parents’ opposing viewpoints on how to handle the escalating situation, Bryan’s growing feelings for the daughter of a nonunion worker only complicate matters.

**Description from Amazon: Spanning the years from 1580-1631 the life of the adventurous John Smith gives a picture of the world just before and during the colonization of America. When Smith was a boy, Shakespeare was on his way to London to become an actor, the Spanish Armada had failed to conquer England, Mary Queen of Sco...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.

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:

What could be worse than a creature who comes in the night and steals away. . . .your books? Sweet, funny, and perfect for book-lovers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A brilliantly written, laugh-out-loud rhyming text about books and the joy of reading in the vein of New York Times bestsellers It's a Book, How Rocket Learned to Read, and Dog Loves Books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. Tiffin and his students explore skip counting and estimation in a fun pumpkin-themed classroom experiment! This book makes a wonderful read-aloud companion to any math or science curriculum, and it's a fun way to reinforce counting skills at home.

FROM SARAH:

An ideal springtime wordless story, especially for dog-lovers

Recommended for ages 3-10.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Across the barnyard, Pip the chick spots a new friend to play with―Pup! But Pup isn't sure he likes how Pip plays―too rough. These two friends will weather the storm though. A bright, fun celebration of spring and friendship!

FROM SARAH:

If your kids enjoy Hatchet, they'll likely also enjoy the follow-up tales about Brian and his outdoor experiences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the Newbery Honor-winning Hatchet, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. As millions of readers know, he was rescued at the end of the summer. But what if that hadn't happened? What if Brian had been left to face his deadliest enemy--winter?

**Description from Amazon: Mouse goes to school in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probab...

FROM SARAH:

Grace Lin pulled an experience from own real life to make this fun and delightful book! It was one of her first!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's easy to appreciate a garden exploding with colorful flowers and fragrances, but what do you do with a patch of ugly vegetables? Author/illustrator Grace Lin recalls such a garden in this charming and eloquent story.

*Rabbit Ears Audiobooks are Highly Recommended*

NARRATED BY: Meryl Streep

BEST FOR AGES: 4+

LISTENING LENGTH: 23 min

FROM SARAH:

A classic. Lovely, quiet, and worth reading aloud again and again.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mr. and Mrs. Bear have never celebrated St. Valentine's Day because they hibernate during the winter.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Christmas scenes from the various books in the Little House on the Prairie series, all in once place, and illustrated by Garth Williams.