My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett.  Classic stories about a boy and his magical dragon, who flies him to the magical world of Blueland.  Ages 5 -7.

Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer.  The illustrations make this book.  Cuddle up with someone, read the story of these two woodland friends and marvel at the miniature felt creations that come to life.  Ages 4-8. 

Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Castillo.  A simple story of two animal friends, Hedgehog and Mutty, who live together on an island until Mutty is carried away.  Other animal characters are introduced one by one as they join the search.  Full color illustrations give the story vibrancy.  Ages 5-7.

The Lighthouse Family series by Cynthia Rylant.  Short chapter books about a group of animals who live on a small island and help those in need, whether it is weathering a storm or helping a lost baby whale find its mother. Ages 5-9.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake/Jon Klassen.  Can quiet, orderly Badger and well, skunky, Skunk live together peacefully, perhaps even be friends?  It’s lots of chuckles and giggles finding out, with the additional treat of numerous illustrations.  Ages 7-10.

Bramble Heart by Henry Cole. Twig the chipmunk goes to school with his other forest friends, but never seems very good at anything.  He sets out on a journey to discover himself, but instead find adventure and … ?  Ages 7-10.

Firefly Hollow by Alison McGhee/Christopher Denise.  Cricket and Firefly have big dreams and brave hearts as they discover and befriend a “giant”.  A comfortable humorous story bringing to mind Charlotte’s Web, and the Borrowers. Ages 5-10.

Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar.  After a loooong summer vacation, Louis Sachar has returned with another series of stories about Wayside School. Each floor (there are 30) has a different class of kooky kids and teachers.  Your listeners will be begging for just one more chapter. Ages 6-10.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.  Roz is the only robot to survive when a cargo load is washed up on an island.  She comes to life and learns how to survive.  Although supposedly devoid of emotion, we can’t help but watch her stumble through understanding living beings with laughter and empathy.   Although the story starts out slow and gently, the ending suddenly becomes dangerous. You will definitely care what happens to Roz by the end. Ages 8-11.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Bizarre adventures of an orphan trio on the run from their dastardly uncle.  Suspend belief, it’s a wild ride. Ages 7-12.

Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Perennial favorite tales of life on the prairie.  Surprisingly exciting and full of period detail sure to enthrall 21st century listeners. Ages 6-10.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker.  Peter and Pax have a close bond ever since Peter rescued the kit.  But now, his father, who has enlisted in the army to fight “The War”, has made Peter return the fox to the wild.  How the two, despondent over their separation, find each other again makes for a gripping story. Ages 8-12.

Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart.  Coyote and her Dad have lived the past 5 years in an old school bus, crisscrossing the country wherever the fancy takes them. But below the surface, they are running away from the grief of a family tragedy.  They start to pick up folks who need a ride and become part of their lives.  What will become of them?  And what will happen when Coyote’s dad discovers this journey is taking them back home. Ages 9-12.

Wish by Barbara O’Connor.  For fans of heart-warming dog stories, set in the rural south.  A young girl, with many wishes in her heart, is sent to live with relatives, since her parents can't or won't take care of her.  Sometimes wishes do come true, we find out.  Ages 9-11.