A personal favorite, the story of a little boy who is afraid of new situations and sometimes experiences self-doubt. This confidence-building story inspires kids of all ages (and their parents!) to persevere and expect the best.  From "What if it's hard? What if you're bad? What if they laugh and make you feel sad" to "What if the chance I take in the end is just how I find my very best friend?", the message in this book is powerful!  Available in paperback and library binding, as an app, and in a bundle. 
Offered at $6.99 USD, paperback

I spent a decade working as an addictions counselor. I have seen thousands of people at their absolute worst, heard some horrifying stories, and witnessed countless lives unravel - many into hopelessness, despair, prison, and death. In a previous post I called my husband's job "demanding, harsh, unforgiving, and sometimes deadly" but let me tell you, friends, railroading can't hold a candle to addictions, it's not even close. The anguish of those suffering in addiction is severe and pervasive, but personally, I always saw a light.  And that light was hope, redemption and grace. I was merely a tool for those thousands of people, designed to be used for rebuilding their lives and their faith. For ten years that was my job.  Then one day in 2011, life changed! 
After working many months as the Program Director for a start-up facility in St. Augustine, the owner sat me down and told me he could no longer pay me.  I wasn't "fired", but he couldn't afford to keep paying me. So that ended that!
My husband and I made the decision that I would not seek another job and instead stay home with our two sons.  I panicked. I knew life was taking a drastic turn and I was afraid. So I drove to our church in the middle of the day, went right upstairs to the office and told them I wanted to increase the amount of our monthly offering. I needed to give.  
Since then we have been blessed more abundantly that I could have imagined.  We were able to buy a house, (our very own house, yay!) that we had built just for us. I have more time with my children. I have more time with my husband! We are able to pay our bills, save money, and even splurge on things from time to time. (ok, fine. Maybe it's more often than that). Our most precious blessing arrived after a third dreadful pregnancy (that's a story for another day) and is now two years old. Nice story, but what does all of this have to do with Usborne Books?
That day I drove to church I felt a certainty in my heart. I knew that was exactly what I was supposed to do. I felt the same way when I started with Usborne. There is a purpose to this for me and every day I wake up excited to learn more about what it is! Perhaps that is the greatest blessing of all, to have and know my purpose.  
  

Usborne has over 50 "Beginners" books on topics like animals, adventures, science, transportation, and weather and other natural phenomenon.  Sold individually or in collections, these hardback titles may be particularly useful to homeschooling families.  While these are designed for readers aged 5-7, you will find them full of accurate and succinct information that readers of all ages can use and understand. 

Offered at $4.99 USD

Here it is Labor Day and my husband is at work. Story of my life, people! The railroad life is not for everyone. I did the math on this and for about three years now, he has literally been at work more than he has been home. Then subtract commuting time and the hours of sleep he is almost always in desperate need of and we are left with very little time together.  In a typical week, he goes days without laying eyes on our three children. Duty calls him to rise before the sun does, and often times he is isn't home until the kids are asleep. I've said many times that he is "taking care of his family at the expense of his family." To compare myself to a military, police officer's, or fireman's wife seems insensitive, and yet we have so much in common! Our husbands work in environments that are demanding, harsh, unforgiving, and sometimes deadly.  At times I fear for his safety and how his actions could affect others.  But it pays the bills and seven years in, he still enjoys it.  If I'm speaking honestly here, what I love most about his job is the freedom it allows me.  I haven't had a real job in 5 years, I've started homeschooling the kids and I can travel almost any time I want to. I'm spoiled, I know, but I am so grateful for this man, for the railroad, and for the "tracks" we have chosen to follow together. 

A favorite in our home! One of my five-year-old's favorite topics is learning about bodies and how they work - human bodies, animal and insect bodies.  We have read this book countless times.  The "See Inside" books are designed for ages 7+ but with adult help, he can fully participate in everything this book has to offer.  Loaded with "flaps", kids can literally get an inside peek at things like breathing, bones and muscles, the senses, & more.  The "See Inside" books are larger board books, specifically published that way to ensure durability.  Click the link below to see more!