The Little House, a charming and poignant picture book by Virginia Lee Burton, tells the story of a cute country cottage that becomes engulfed by the city that grows up around it. The house, with its expressive face of windows and doors, even has the feelings of a person.

As the city surrounds her with its dirty, noisy hustle and bustle, the house becomes sad: "She missed the field of daisies and the apple trees dancing in the moonlight."

Fortunately, there's a happy ending as the house is taken back to the country where she truly belongs.

Moominvalley in November is a delightful tale set in the enchanting world of Tove Jansson's beloved Moomin characters. Though the Moomin family is noticeably absent, their presence is felt throughout the story as familiar characters like Snufkin, the Hemulen, and Fillyjonk gather at the Moomin house.

As winter approaches, these unique visitors, each with their own distinct personalities, find themselves cohabiting during the icy months. Through their interactions and shared experiences, they undergo personal transformations, discovering warmth and companionship in the most unexpected ways.

This book is a beautiful exploration of friendship and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a cozy, wintery Moominvalley. It's a heartwarming read that will captivate both new readers and long-time fans of the Moomin series.

Best Friends Forever

There are lots of children on Hill Street, but no little girls Betsy's age. So when a new family moves into the house across the street, Betsy hopes they will have a little girl she can play with. Sure enough, they do—a little girl named Tacy. And from the moment they meet at Betsy's fifth birthday party, Betsy and Tacy become such good friends that everyone starts to think of them as one person—Betsy-Tacy.

Betsy and Tacy have lots of fun together. They make a playhouse from a piano box, have a sand store, and dress up and go calling. And one day, they come home to a wonderful surprise—a new friend named Tib.

Ever since their first publication in the 1940's, the Betsy-Tacy stories have been loved by each generation of young readers.

In this luminous novel about love, loss, and the unpredictable power of memory, John Banville introduces us to Max Morden, a middle-aged Irishman who has returned to the seaside town where he spent his summer holidays as a child. He is there to cope with the recent loss of his wife.

It is also a return to the place where he met the Graces, a well-heeled family with whom he experienced the strange suddenness of both love and death for the first time. What Max comes to understand about the past, and its indelible effects on him, is at the center of this elegiac, gorgeously written novel.

Made for Each Other?

Betsy Ray has always thought that she and the fascinating Joe Willard would make the perfect couple. Now, in her senior year at Deep Valley High School, it looks as though she'll get her wish. As soon as Joe returns from his summer job in North Dakota, he's on the Rays' porch with sweet words for Betsy. It's going to be a wonderful senior year!

Then Tony Markham, Betsy's longtime chum, comes calling — and his intentions are definitely romantic. Betsy is torn. She really cares for Joe, but she doesn't want to hurt Tony. Can she figure out a way to follow her heart without ruining her friendship?

Le Roman de l'adolescent myope invites readers into the world of a precocious and tormented adolescent in early 20th century Bucharest. The narrator, with precision and candor, unveils his daily life: the quirks of his teachers, the plots of his classmates, their sexual desires, and his first erotic exploits. At the heart of his journey is the compelling need to write, intertwined with his discovery of personal identity and otherness.

This novel, found in a Bucharest attic, is not only a captivating story but also an invaluable document about the great writer Mircea Eliade, who was once this genius adolescent, revealing himself while pretending to discover.

Laddie: A True Blue Story is a charming fictionalization of the author's own childhood, Gene Stratton-Porter. This delightful novel is set in the idyllic countryside, capturing the spirit of rural life and the bond between a young boy and his loyal dog.

The story is narrated through the eyes of a young girl, recounting the adventures and experiences shared with her faithful canine companion, Laddie. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of innocence and simplicity, enriched by themes of friendship, family, and the natural beauty of the American Midwest.

Gene Stratton-Porter’s keen observations and deep affection for nature and animals shine through, making this book a touching and nostalgic read. The novel's exploration of loyalty, courage, and the joys of childhood resonates with readers of all ages.

For those seeking a comforting and uplifting read, Laddie: A True Blue Story is a cherished classic that beautifully illustrates the enduring bond between a child and their pet. Its timeless themes and engaging storytelling make it a must-have for fans of classic literature and animal lovers alike.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant is a profound and moving exploration of family dynamics. Pearl Tull may be dying, but the memories of her life are vivid and binding. Abandoned by her salesman husband, she is left to raise her three children alone: Cody, a flawed devil; Ezra, a flawed saint; and Jenny, errant and passionate.

As Pearl lies encased in her pride and solitude, the past is unlocked, revealing secrets that have kept the family together despite everything. Now, gathered during a time of loss, they will reluctantly unlock the shared secrets of their past and discover if what binds them together is stronger than what tears them apart.

This story is a heartfelt journey through the Tull family's memories, some painful, yet holding them together despite their differences. Ezra, who stayed at home to look after his mother, runs a restaurant where he cooks what other people are homesick for, stubbornly yearning for the perfect family he never had.

Through every family run memories which bind it together - despite everything. The Tulls of Baltimore are no exception. This novel is a tapestry of emotional journeys, family secrets, and nostalgic tales that will remind you why "to read a novel by Anne Tyler is to fall in love."

It is the summer of 1911, and Carney Sibley is back home in her beloved town of Deep Valley, Minnesota. She's looking forward to hosting a month-long house party, with guests including her Vassar college roommate Isobel Porteous and old chum Betsy Ray.

With lots of the old Crowd and a new friend—wealthy, unkempt, but lovable Sam Hutchinson—around, the days are filled with fun. And romance seems to be in the air. But Carney can never be romantic about anyone but Larry Humphreys, her high school sweetheart, who moved to California four years ago.

Then Larry returns to Deep Valley and sets the town abuzz. Will Larry propose? And will Carney say yes?

In addition to her beloved Betsy-Tacy books, Maud Hart Lovelace wrote three more stories set in the fictional town of Deep Valley: Winona's Pony Cart, Carney's House Party, and Emily of Deep Valley. Longtime fans and new readers alike will be delighted to find the Deep Valley books available again for the first time in many years.