Elska

Title: Elska

Author: Catherine Hapka

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 12

     Back Cover Synopsis: 

    ~ Iceland, Circa AD 1000 ~

    Elska is a silver dapple Icelandic filly. She spends summers frisking about the countryside and winters in the farmyard, where the girl human Amma takes special care of her. But when a powerful neighbor notices Elska, her contented life suddenly changes. Here is Elska's story . . . in her own words.

Five Children & It

Title: Five Children & It

Author: Edith Nesbit

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ages: 6 - 16

    Back Cover Synopsis: 

    The five children are Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and the Lamb, their baby brother. And 'It' is the Psammead that lives in the gravel pits. It is furry and fat with hands like a monkey's - and, when it's in the mood, has the power to grant wishes. The children discover that wish-making is fun at first, but sometimes, when wishes come true, fun can soon turn into trouble . . . 

Minn of the Mississippi

Title: Minn of the Mississippi

Author: Holling Clancy Holling

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 18+

    Back Cover Synopsis: 

    A turtle hatched at the source of the Mississippi is carried through the heart of America to the Gulf of Mexico.

Pagoo

 

Title: Pagoo

Author: Holling Clancy Holling

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 18+

    Back Cover Synopsis: 

    An intricate study of tide pool life is presented through the story of Pagoo, a hermit crab.

Owls in the Family

Title: Owls in the Family

Author: Farley Mowat

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 12

    When Billy rescues two young orphaned great horned owls and takes them home, he has no idea what he's in for. Before long, his new friends, Wol and Weeps, have turned his family and the town they live in upside down. The problem is that Wol doesn't realize that he's an owl. After all, he stands on two legs and can climb trees, just like the other kids. He'll eat anything that's served at the dinner table (except, of course, parsnips). He loves playing practical jokes on Mutt, the family dog. And wherever Wol goes, mayhem is sure to follow, whether it's a stampede at the local pet parade or a traumatized teacher. 

The Family Under the Bridge

 

Title: The Family Under the Bridge

Author: Natalie Savage Carlson

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 14

    Back Cover Synopsis: 

    Once there was an old man named Armand who lived under a bridge in Paris. Everything he owned could be pushed around in an old baby buggy without a hood - it was easy for him to move from place to place. Armand loved his solitary, carefree life. Children, he said, were like starlings, and one was better off without them. 

    But the children who lived under the bridge knew a true friend when they saw one, even if that friend was a little bit grumpy to begin with. And it did not take Armand long to see he had gotten himself a ready-made family - one he loved with all his heart, and one he would have to find a better home than the bridge.  

The Secret Garden

 

Title: The Secret Garden

Author: Francis Hodgson Burnett

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 14+

   Back Cover Synopsis:

     One of the most beloved children's books of all time and the inspiration for a feature film, a television ministries, and a Broadway musical, The Secret Garden is the best-known work of Frances Hodgson Burnett. In this unforgettable story, three children find healing and friendship in a magical forgotten garden on the haunting Yorkshire moors. 

Letters from Father Christmas

 

Title: Letters from Father Christmas

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 18+

    Read through the adventures and mishaps of Father Christmas and the North Polar Bear in a collection of letters from Father Christmas to Tolkein's children. Captivating, enthralling, and hilarious, this book is a must read for all.

Esio Trot

Title: Esio Trot

Author: Roald Dahl

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Ages: 6 - 14

    Back Cover Synopsis:

    Mr Hoppy loves Mrs Silver. Mrs Silver loves Alfie the tortoise. Sometimes Mr Hoppy wishes he could become a tortoise. Until one day he finds a way to win Mrs Silver's heart, with the help of a little magic and some cabbage . . .

Horse Diaries - Penny

 

Title: Penny

Author: Whitney Sanderson

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ages: 6 - 12

    Back Cover Synopsis:

    Penny is a blue-eyed palomino paint mare with a taste for adventure! She and a boy named Jesse search for gold in Northern California. After striking it rich and then losing everything, Jesse and Penny join the Pony Express. The job is a tough one, but Penny loves a challenge! Here is Penny's story . . . in her own words.

Trafalgar True

 

Title: Trafalgar True

Author: Stephen Cosgrove

Illustrator: Robin James

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 6 - 12

    Trafalgar loves to spend his days watching Kith and Kin, furry little creatures, playing in the meadow. But when a sunstone falls from the sky, the Kith and Kin fight over it. Trafalgar is saddened - he hates seeing them fight like that. Trafalgar must solve the situation, even if it means flying to the sun to return the stone - in order to bring the meadow peace once again. 

Small Pig

 

Title: Small Pig

Author: Arnold Lobel

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ages: 3 - 10

    When the farmer's wife goes on a cleaning frenzy, Small Pig's pig pen gets cleaned - including his mudpuddle! Small Pig becomes mad. He loves his good, soft mud, and now it's all gone! Follow Small Pig on his hunt for a new mud puddle - but wil he ever find one?

The Paper Dolls

Title: The Paper Dolls

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Rebecca Cobb

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 2 - 10

    Follow a chain of paper dolls through their adventures with their little girl. A truly lovable read, this book is suitable for all ages.

Crenshaw

 

Title: Crenshaw

Author: Katherine Applegate

Rating: ★★★★★

Ages: 8 - 18+

    Back Cover Synopsis:

    Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. 

    Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enouch to save this family from losing everything?

The One and Only Ivan

Title: The One and Only Ivan

Author: Katherine Applegate

Ages: 6 - 18+

Rating: ★★★★★

    A hearwarming novel that will be a instant classic. Ivan is lovable silverback gorilla, living in his domain in a shopping mall. His passion for painting keeps him occupied throught long days. When he meets Ruby, a baby elephant, he decides to take it upon himself to somehow free little Ruby from living her life in a cage.