READ and HEAR edition: Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, the second book in “The Next Door Series,” tells the tale of a young boy whose biggest challenge during his summer of cowboy training is the know-it-all-cowgirl next door. Conrad can’t wait to start cowboy training at his Uncle Clint’s ranch, but he soon realizes he has a lot to learn – including don’t squat with spurs on and never wave your red sweatshirt at a bull. To make matter worse, Imogene Louise Lathrup, the cowgirl next door, shows up and is all too happy to point out Conrad’s shortcomings. In the follow-up to their smash hit Pirates on the Farm, author Denette Fretz and illustrator Gene Barretta team up once again to tell a humorous tale about loving your neighbor. Kids will enjoy the cowboy terminology in the back of the book, while parents will appreciate the letter from the author that includes questions that encourage discussion about what loving your neighbor really means.

I want your smile, Crocodile. Kids love your pointy chin. If it were mine, they’d stand in line, and wait for me to grin. Would life for a spunky meerkat pup be better with polar bear hair? Porcupine spines? A crocodile smile? As Jack the meerkat covets all the things his zoo friends have, he creates calamity and discovers contentment in this humorous tale celebrating God's perfect, purposeful design. Written by critically acclaimed author Denette Fretz and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jackie Urbanovic, this comical story of self-acceptance will have readers giggling through the pages.

A vibrantly illustrated exploration of the creative, inclusive, and inspiring movement happening in today’s Southern interior design The American South is a place steeped in history and tradition. We think of sweet tea, thick drawls, and even thicker summer air. It is also a place with a fraught history, complicated social norms, and dated perspectives. Yet among the makers and artists of the South, there is a powerful movement afoot. Alyssa Rosenheck shines a much-needed spotlight on a burgeoning community of people who are taking what’s beloved, inherent, and honored in the South and making it their own. The New Southern Style tours more than 30 homes and includes interviews with the designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who are reinventing Southern design and culture. This beautifully illustrated book is sure to inspire the home and soul.

One tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town. When the Parson gets sick and Christmas services are canceled, it’s up to Mouse and his super-sized faith to bring the townspeople together on Christmas Eve in Mouse’s Christmas Gift! This darling holiday picture book features: Read-aloud text perfect for children ages 4-8 The true meaning of Christmas—love and hope Is the perfect holiday read-aloud for families on Christmas Eve Mouse’s Christmas Gift is great for families to read during the holiday season and on Christmas Eve. Children will learn that the smallest gestures can make a big difference.

Margaret can’t wait to see her family, but her homecoming is not what she expected. Traveling to be reunited with her family in the arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement. It’s been two years since her parents delivered her to the school run by the dark-cloaked nuns and brothers. Coming ashore, Margaret spots her family, but her mother barely recognizes her, screaming, “Not my girl.” Margaret realizes she is now marked as an outsider. And Margaret is an outsider: she has forgotten the language and stories of her people, and she can’t even stomach the food her mother prepares. However, Margaret gradually relearns her language and her family’s way of living. Along the way, she discovers how important it is to remain true to the ways of her people—and to herself. Highlighted by archival photos and striking artwork, this first-person account of a young girl’s struggle to find her place will inspire young readers to ask what it means to belong.

Harold Kline is an albino—an outcast. Folks stare and taunt, calling him Ghost Boy. It’s been that way for all of his 14 years. So when the circus comes to town, Harold runs off to join it. Full of colorful performers, the circus seems like the answer to Harold’s loneliness. He’s eager to meet the Cannibal King, a sideshow attraction who’s an albino, too. He’s touched that Princess Minikin and the Fossil Man, two other sideshow curiosities, embrace him like a son. He’s in love with Flip, the pretty and beguiling horse trainer, and awed by the all-knowing Gypsy Magda. Most of all, Harold is proud of training the elephants, and of earning respect and a sense of normalcy. Even at the circus, though, two groups exist—the freaks, and everyone else. Harold straddles both groups. But fitting in comes at a price, and Harold must recognize the truth beneath what seems apparent before he can find a place to call home.