A cheery fire in the fireplace, a patchwork quilt on the couch, and a mug of hot chocolate in each pair of hands: winter, it seems, is the perfect season for reading aloud as a family. With the early sunset, most of us find ourselves spending more family time indoors. How can we take advantage of that captive audience? Why...by reading, of course!
Most of you who read this blog are already read-aloud afficianados. You understand the joy of a shared laugh, and a shared understanding. A good book, once read together, can form the foundation for discussions, family jokes, and even a new "language" based on shared experience. After reading "The Long Winter," for instance, my kids would joke that our pantry might be bare, but not "have to grind seed wheat" bare. (Except that one time I forgot to do grocery shopping. That time they called to tell me "We need Almanzo's address. Somebody has to go for seed wheat." ) I don't need to convince you - but WHAT to read?
I thought I would share a few of my favorite winter read-alouds. For my family, winter is a perfect time to get lost in a great SERIES. During the long days of late spring through summer, we just don't have the same focus. So, here goes. A few of my favorites, from picture book to novels. Actually, there are far too many favorites to fit here - but I will start. I have put off this blog post for far too long, thinking, "Oh, but how could I NOT include...!"
Today is the day to start - Won't you share your family's favorites in the comments?
Most of you who read this blog are already read-aloud afficianados. You understand the joy of a shared laugh, and a shared understanding. A good book, once read together, can form the foundation for discussions, family jokes, and even a new "language" based on shared experience. After reading "The Long Winter," for instance, my kids would joke that our pantry might be bare, but not "have to grind seed wheat" bare. (Except that one time I forgot to do grocery shopping. That time they called to tell me "We need Almanzo's address. Somebody has to go for seed wheat." ) I don't need to convince you - but WHAT to read?
I thought I would share a few of my favorite winter read-alouds. For my family, winter is a perfect time to get lost in a great SERIES. During the long days of late spring through summer, we just don't have the same focus. So, here goes. A few of my favorites, from picture book to novels. Actually, there are far too many favorites to fit here - but I will start. I have put off this blog post for far too long, thinking, "Oh, but how could I NOT include...!"
Today is the day to start - Won't you share your family's favorites in the comments?
Picture Books and early read-alouds:
Argh - how to choose? I decided to limit myself to THREE authors who have multiple great books I think your little ones will love and you won't mind reading over and over again!
Books for the very young should not only have engaging text, but engaging illustrations as well. Lovely pictures that create conversation about each page as you read through it, asking questions and laughing together at the sweet, intriguing, intricately thought-through details of each work of art that is a good illustration. WIth museum-worthy illustrations, these books can be read and re-read, then the little ones can pull them down from the shelf to look at over and over again. The author & illustrator that best offers up this level of wonder in each and every book, for me, is Jan Brett. While I love all of her books, I would recommend "The Mitten" as my favorite book about winter, and "Fritz and the Beautiful Horses" as the book with the most heartfelt lesson about character. The author also has a website - janbrett.com - where you will find free coloring pages, a listing of all her books, and much more!
For books to help young children grow in their understanding of the seasons, and to understand hibernation, the "Bear" series by Karma Wilson, and illustrated by Jane Chapman, are a fun and lovable sure-thing. The rhyming romp, the charming cluster of best friends, the tender care and funny antics are all certain to enthrall any child. An added benefit? As the reader, you won't tire of these clever books during the multiple re-readings that are sure to be requested! The illustrations are delightful, really bringing this group of forest friends to life. This author also has a website, karmawilson.com , and under the "Teacher Resources" tab you will find activities and printables to help your children enjoy these books for years to come.
I ran across this series last summer at a homeschool conference, and the children I read to simply cannot get enough! The "Pleasant Valley Farm" series by Hega Moser, Illustrated by Nadia Brover Gura, is a bit "more" in terms of story and length of text, and the illustrations are warm and winsome. This series is published by Christian Light Publications. These character lessons are based on Scriptural concepts and are illustrated by the misadventures of a farm-full of animals - what could be more entertaining? While you probably won't find these books in your local library, they would be a terrific addition to a personal or church library - or a homeschool group's resources! The books can be found at the publishers website, and occasionally used on amazon - they are worth the hunt! The publisher also sells an inexpensive coloring book that looks like a lot of fun!
For family reading time:
If anything, this category is even more difficult to pare down to "just a few." If these are old favorites for you too, don't dismay. Hang in there with me - there will be many more reading suggestions to come, I just could not leave these old favorites for another day! Here are 5 favorites, four of which are part of a larger, and equally wonderful, whole. If you have a little time, just read the book indicated here. But, if you are ready for a reading feast, jump on in to the series or the other books written by the same author. You won't be disappointed!
When you think it is cold and snowy where you are, The Long Winter will remind you that winter never lasts forever. The classic winter tale by Laura Ingalls Wilder details the harsh conditions of that prarie winter, the daring feats undertaken by young men to save a town, and the simple joys of a new spring after a winter that seemed it may never end. Of course, this is actually book #6 in a nine-book series, so you "could" start at the beginning! I know some parents wonder if these books will interest boys - let me assure you, they will! My oldest son once told me, "Pa Ingalls didn't need a son - he had Laura!" The adventures of this family hold up across time and place because they are anchored in character and illustrated with vivid word pictures that will stay with your children forever! There is also a terrific little website dedicated to the series, and there are some recipes, a teacher guide, and more extras. Take a look at littlehousebooks.com !
C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series has been capturing imaginations since it was first published. How handy for us as parents that the first book is the "never-ending winter" book - perfect for a cold February night (or anytime, actually!). Start with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and you will continue on through the series, I am sure! Family favorites at my house, this fantasy adventure series takes place in a realm of magical beasts and talking animals, the children who visit there from our word witness and are integral to the history of that world - Narnia. Spanning the entire history of Narnia, these chronicles draw from Christian theology, Greek & Roman mythology, and the folk tales of the British Isles. A very intricately woven series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe also stands alone as a wonderfully intriguing visit to a magical place. Or is it? The website narnia.com houses recipes and costume information perfect for cosplay...or halloween! If you do read LWW this winter, take a chance and mix up some Turkish Delight!
Walt Morey's books are all classic wilderness tales, with evocative details that make you feel as if you can see each scene he paints with that vivid word-brush of his. While our family loves most of Morey's wonderful books, including "Canyon Winter," and "Kavik the Wolf Dog," there is no doubt that as for generations of readers before us, "Gentle Ben" is our all-time favorite. This tale of a lonely boy and a lonely bear has everything - adventure, heart, character, and family. Once your family falls in love with Walt Morey, you will be scouring used-book sales for all of his out-of-print classics!
The Little Britches series is probably our favorite read-aloud series. There are places so tender mom wept while reading them, and parts so hysterically funny that dad snorted aloud while trying to get through the paragraph. Mostly, Little Britches is a true pioneer tale of a young boy trying to grow up on the frontier. Moving from New Hampshire to Colorado in 1908, the Moody family encounters hardship, unbelievable adventure, and faces adversity as a family unit bound by love and courage. Moody weaves his autobiographic tale of tragedy, triumph, fun, and painful truths with such detail that you are drawn into his world, caring deeply about the characters and their fate. One notable warning: there are very occasional mild profanity, in quotations of the local cowboys, in the books. We chose to simply change the very infrequent word to another when our children were small. While these are not strictly "winter" reading, we found that the time needed to go through the series was most easily found in the dark evenings of winter and early spring.
While originally written in 1865, this book is every bit as enjoyable as the day it was published. Hans and his sister Gretel set out to win a skating championship on their hand-carved wooden blades in order to help their mother save the family and help their incapacitated father. This is the book that first introduced speed skating to America, and also the tale of the little Dutch boy who plugs a dike with his finger. The book is full of history and side-tales that contribute to the "Netherlands immersion experience" that Mary Mapes Dodge intended for her readers. One of the potential negatives is the Dickens-esque languge, often difficult for younger readers especially, but that is also what makes it perfect for a read-aloud. This is a character, or morality, story - the children are rewarded for their virtue - no doubt. It also takes wide detours of the story to introduce elements of local history, other characters, etc. Honestly? I think those two oft-cited detractions are among its brightest qualities! There are several versions available, including a newer abridged version. If you love detail and a little wordiness doesn't alarm you, I would encourage you to stick with the original. Your children will all develop dreams of learning Dutch and visiting the Netherlands!
I hope you find a new family favorite to read before the sun and the warmth of the lengthening days draws you out to play! I would love to hear about your family's favorite winter reads as well - please leave a comment for our webmaster to approve and post. We love to hear from you!
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