Read-Aloud Revival

In our culture today, is reading aloud an 'obstinate act of love?' Meghan Cox Gurdon, this week's guest and author of The Enchanted Hour, believes so. Meghan is the Wall Street Journal's children's book reviewer and says her five kids were a built-in focus group. In this episode, you'll hear: the power of reading books again and againthe value of conversations around booksis reading aloud real reading? I also answer a listener question about how to continue reading aloud throughout the summer when schedules are wonky, and share some of my favorite audio books for preschool-age children. More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; display: block; clear: both; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by { display: block; color: #aaa; font-size: 12px; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by:hover { display: block; color: #444; } .ck_converted_content { display: none; padding: 5%; background: #fff; } .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 .ck_subscribe_button, .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 input[type="email"] { width: 100%; float: none; margin-top: 5px; } .

In this episode we welcome back Jim Weiss, master storyteller and a voice so many of us recognize. This is a fantastic episode to enjoy with your kids, because Jim tells us two stories during the show: Stone Soup and a tale of Sherlock Holmes, The Mazarin Stone. Gather everyone 'round and enjoy! In this episode, you'll hear: Jim's two rules for telling our children stories (you'll love them)How to handle interruptions... and how to clarify what's happening in a story without "breaking character"Why you're probably better at reading aloud than you realize... More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; display: block; clear: both; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by { display: block; color: #aaa; font-size: 12px; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by:hover { display: block; color: #444; } .ck_converted_content { display: none; padding: 5%; background: #fff; } .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 .ck_subscribe_button, .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 input[type="email"] { width: 100%; float: none; margin-top: 5px; } .ck_slide_up, .ck_modal, .ck_slide_up .ck_minimal, .ck_modal .

Today I have a free gift for you. At Read-Aloud Revival Premium, we are reading The Secret Garden this summer, and we'd love for you to read along with us! Although our Family Book Club Guides are usually only for our Premium members, we really wanted to invite you along for this read-aloud summer. Grab the printable version of this FREE Family Book Club Guide by popping your email into the box below. Get your FREE Family Book Club Guide Where shall I send your FREE Family Book Club Guide for The Secret Garden? Check your inbox! Your Book Club Guide is on the way. You can also head here to download it: https://readaloudrevival.com/secret-garden-book-club/ There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Send it to me! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; display: block; clear: both; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by { display: block; color: #aaa; font-size: 12px; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by:hover { display: block; color: #444; } .ck_converted_content { display: none; padding: 5%; background: #fff; } .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 .ck_subscribe_button, .ck_form.ck_minimal.width400 input[type="email"] { width: 100%; float: none; margin-top: 5px; } .ck_slide_up, .ck_modal, .ck_slide_up .ck_minimal, .ck_modal .ck_minimal { min-width: 400px; } .page .ck_form.ck_minimal { margin: 50px auto; max-width: 600px; } 3 Steps to a Family Book Club:

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? On this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Jamie Martin from Simple Homeschool is here to chat about being an introverted mom. I'm an extrovert, so we're comparing what fills us up, what depletes us, and how we can find more calm, less guilt, and quiet joy in mothering-- which I think is what we all long for, no matter our personality type. Jamie Martin Of course, we also talk books! Some of our favorite authors were introverts (Lucy Maud Montgomery, anyone?), and Jamie and I can't help but talk about our favorite books whenever we get together. In this episode, you'll hear: How to find more calm and less guilt as a mama (yes please, right?)The unique challenges that introvert and extrovert moms both faceWisdom from some of your favorite authors (if your favorite authors happened to write books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, that is) I also answer a listener question about choosing books for very sensitive kids. More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; ...

You want your kids to read because they *love* to, not just because they *have* to. Here's how to make that happen...

In today's episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, I'm sharing a master class straight out of Read-Aloud Revival Premium about how to create a book club culture in your home. For most of us, the books we read for school growing up were not the same books we read under our covers with a flashlight past our bedtime. But we can do something better. We can invite our kids into a reading experience that will help them fall in love with books and become readers for life. Less like school, more like your favorite book club. In this episode, you'll hear: the importance of knowing WHY you want to raise readershow to nurture and protect your kids' love of readingwhy reading is not broccoli

Today I want to introduce you to the author of some of my new favorite picture books, Camille Andros. Camille is a writer, a traveler, a former EMT, and a mom of six. Yep, six. (So obviously, we're kindred spirits, since I have six, too.)

Today, I am excited to introduce you to my favorite read-aloud for Lent and Easter. Amon's Adventure is a wonderful adventure story that will leave your kids begging for just one more chapter. Amon is a 13 year-old boy during the time of Christ's persecution, and in this fictional tale, his father has been accused of a terrible crime. It's up to Amon to navigate the tension in his local community and clear his father's name.  If you want to breathe some life into your family's experience of Lent and Easter... this story is a great way to do just that. I highly recommend it as a family read-aloud for kids 8+. It's intense, so I suggest previewing each chapter if you're reading it aloud to kids younger than that. The author, Arnold Ytreeide, is visiting with me today on the newest episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, and learning more about where this book came for was such a delight! In this episode, you'll hear: Where this book (and those in his Jotham's Journey series) came fromIdeas for how best to use this book during LentHow (and why) he tells a story we all know... in a brand new way I also answer a listener question about... whether or not you really want to be reading aloud above a child's own reading level. The answer is both yes and no. Listen to find out more. More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; ...

What's the best way to introduce your kids to the lives and ideas of those who've gone before? In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, the RAR Team is talking about using picture book biographies with kids of all ages. RAR Team L to R: Kara Anderson, Sarah Mackenzie, Kortney Garrison And of course, we don't just give you the why... we also share dozens and dozens of excellent picture book biographies in this new booklist! In this episode, you'll hear: why picture books are for all ages (no really... all ages)what makes pictures books special (Hint: it has to do with being an invitation)how picture books can help us learn history, research a new subject, discuss difficult topics, and more Scroll down to see our brand new booklist of favorite picture book biographies. You can also grab a FREE printable version to bring with you to the library. Get the printable booklist picture book biographies Great! Check your email-- your printable booklist is on the way. If you'd like to see ALL of our printable booklists, head here: https://readaloudrevival.com/rar-booklist There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Send it to me! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; display: block; clear: both; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by { display: block; color: #aaa; font-size: 12px; } .ck_form .

I 've got a new favorite episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. It's no wonder, because in this episode, I'm having a conversation with Kate DiCamillo on reading aloud for connection. There is so much packed into this conversation. In this episode, you'll hear: what Kate really thinks when we ask our kids "what did the author mean?"how books help us jump into the Great Conversation ("unwittingly", as she says)that stories are smarter than their authors... and what that means for readers Listener Guide Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast: 1:28 Reading aloud with kids in school5:35 Kate DiCamillo is here!9:29 'Same side of the table'10:54 In a new light12:03 Trying to get to the table15:12 How we talk about books18:45 Not getting in the way of the story25:11 The Great Conversation28:19 Themes and stars32:02 Microscopes, telescopes and flashlights34:21 Character wants versus needs36:16 More Mercy37:10 Writing advice39:01 A coffee invitation41:01 Let the Kids Speak Links from this episode: RAR #81: Eavesdropping on the Soul, a conversation with Katherine PatersonRAR #34: Reading Aloud Around a Traditional School ScheduleKate DiCamillo on The Magic of Reading Aloud - PBS.orgKate on FacebookAndrew Peterson musicRAR #56: What's at Stake and Why Stories Matter, Jonathan Auxier A quote to remember: "Reading aloud ushers us into a third place, a safe room. It’s a room where everyone involved: the reader and the listener, can put down their defenses and lower their guard. We humans long not just for story, not just for the flow of language, but for the connection that comes when words are read aloud. That connection provides illumination." - Kate DiCamillo More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-bor...

Today I've got a bonus episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast—a conversation with Douglas Gresham. Douglas is the stepson of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. In this episode, you'll hear: what C.S. Lewis was really trying to do with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobewhat he wishes more people knew about his stepfatherPatti Callahan's new book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis- what he thinks and about its accuracy Douglas Gresham’s mother became friends with C. S. Lewis through correspondence when he was a child. The friendship blossomed, eventually leading to marriage in 1956. His mother, Joy Gresham, died of cancer in 1960, and C.S. Lewis continued to raise Douglas and his brother. Lewis had adopted the boys when he married, and The Horse and His Boy is dedicated to them both. I really enjoyed this conversation, and am looking forward to hearing Douglas Gresham speak at a couple of the upcoming Great Homeschool Conventions. Hear Douglas Gresham speak at GHC: He'll be at the Fort Worth Convention and the Cincinnati Convention ... and I'll be all seven conventions: Great Homeschool Convention: Fort Worth, TX March 7-9, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: Greenville, SC  March 21-23, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: St. Charles, MO  March 28 – 30, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: Cincinnati, OH, April 25-27, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: Ontario, CA  June 13 -1 5, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: Rochester, NY  August 1 – 3, 2019Great Homeschool Convention: Jacksonville, FL  August 8 -10, 2019 [read_button content="Attend a GHC Convention" link="greathomeschoolconventions.com" align="center"] We'd love for you to join us! Click here to get more information and register. (pssst... there are wonderful discounts if you are active military or a pastor, so be sure to check those out!) Quotes to remember: "[C.S. Lewis] didn’t set out to write a series, he set out to write one book to demonstrate what children’s books should be like."-Douglas Gresham "He never forgot what it felt like to be a child, what sorts of things children delighted in. They were there for him to put into the books because he still had them within himself. He understood children very well, he understood what children liked to read." -Douglas Gresham "Even when my mother was dying, they still had their senses of humor— both of them. I think that’s important to know about Jack, that he was enormously humorous." - Douglas Gresham Books from this episode: (All links are Amazon affiliate links.) Nothing Found You may enjoy: Reading for the Bigger Story with Jonathan RogersYour Job is to Plant the Seed, a conversation with Sally Lloyd JonesNavigating Fantasy: A Guide for Christian Parents, Carolyn Leiloglou

I 'm willing to bet you're like me, and relationships with your kids matter more to you than just about anything else. But we're all pulled in a million directions. We're all short on time. You know what, though? I think it's easier than we think to focus on what matters most. Today I am sharing 3 simple ways to strengthen your relationships with your kids this year. Not one of these is complicated, cumbersome, or expensive. Because nurturing our relationships with our kids is within reach this year, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. In this episode, you'll hear: 3 simple ways to focus on what matters most this yearhow to get out of your own waysome wonderful resources that will make it easy for you to build meaningful connections with your family ⬅︎ (you want to hear about these) Listener Guide Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast: 2:20 Kids before books4:02 Use small pockets of time6:45 Don't limit yourself!7:39 Share an experience-- what does that even mean?10:49 It's allllll about connection12:10 Snowflake Bentley13:04 For Narnia and for Aslan!14:14 This author is like nobody else on earth15:19 All about service dogs17:02 Online workshops and more18:48 Don't forget: 3 simple things (start today!)19:58 Let the Kids Speak Links from this episode: RARmembership.com - learn more about membership, open NOW!RAR #119: Delighting in Your Own Reading Life, Anne Bogel I walk you through using the Snowflake Bentley Family Book Club Guide here: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDLaSLmFMYI] Quotes to remember: "You will not regret a single minute you spend nurturing your relationships with your kids no matter how old they are. Whether they’re babies or toddlers, grade schoolers, or teens, every single minute you spend nurturing your relationships with your kids is time well spent." -Sarah Mackenzie "We want our kids to leave read-aloud time feeling seen and valued and loved. Whether we finish the story or not doesn’t matter nearly as much as connection with our kids during read-aloud time." - Sarah Mackenzie More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .

Reading books together as a family is the best way to connect. We connect with each other, with the books we read, and with the big ideas we encounter there. In fact, there are four steps I like best when it comes to sharing books with our kids: Read aloud Share an experience around the book Talk about it Meet the author or illustrator The first 3 steps are the heart of family book culture. The 4th is an unforgettable way to seal the reading of a book in your child's memory (and we do it every month at Read-Aloud Revival Premium.) Do these four steps in your family, and you may find that your kids start to enjoy reading more than they ever have. They may start to pick up books more often in their free time, and to count your read-aloud sessions as some of their favorite family memories. Read with us? This month at Read-Aloud Revival, we're reading Snowflake Bentley by Jacquline Briggs Martin in our Premium Member Family Book Club. Whether you join Premium Membership or not (enrollment opens January 15th), we'd love to have you read along with us. Snowflake Bentley is an award-winning picture book that tells the true story of Wilson Bentley from the time he was a small boy in Vermont through his groundbreaking photographs of snowflakes. It's an excellent book for all ages, and I want you to have our Book Club Guide so you can read along with us! I'll walk you through the 4 steps of our Family book Club below, but first grab the printable version of this FREE Book Club Guide by popping your email into the box below. Go ahead and do it now... then keep reading ⬇︎ Get the FREE Family Book Club Guide You'll get the Snowflake Bentley Family Book Club Guide right away Success! Check your email inbox. Your Family Book Club Guide is on its way there now. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Send it to me Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; ...

Would you like to read more in the new year? I don't mean reading to your kids. I mean reading for you. Many of us want to read more, but we're not sure how to make that happen. We feel like we can't fit it in, or maybe we even feel guilty when we sit down to read something just for fun. This episode is just what you need! I'm chatting with Anne Bogel from Modern Mrs. Darcy, author of I'd Rather Be Reading. In this episode, you'll hear: why it's OK to prioritize your reading lifehow to read more (hint: we all have a bit more time than we think)why it's just fine to quit a book that is causing a block Plus, we recommend about 20 books for you ... I mean, of course, right?! Listener Guide Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast: 1:04 Read-Aloud challenge time!2:40 Books for YOU!3:44 Listener Q: Should kids read to me?6:52 Prioritizing your reading life8:31 Anne Bogel is back!10:24 Pick a winner11:51 It is OK to quit12:56 Has Anne ever had a reading slump?14:48 I want to read, but how?18:51 Two types of readers20:10 Bookworm problems21:23 Re-reading25:12 Mysteries27:47 Historical fiction29:25 Page-turners31:06 Beautiful language33:04 Fast books34:41 A series36:32 A classic37:21 Non-fiction39:38 Let the Kids Speak Links from this episode: Register for the 31 day Read-Aloud ChallengeModern Mrs. DarcyWhat Should I Read NextRAR #43: Raising Kids Who read, Daniel Willingham Recommendations by category: Mysteries: Sarah: The Lake House by Kate MortonAnne: The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon Historical Fiction: Sarah: A Fall of Marigolds by Susan MeissnerAnne: Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy Page Turners: Sarah: The False Prince by Jennifer A. NielsenAnne: I'll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de los Santos Books with Beautiful Language: Sarah: Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry or Watch With Me by Wendell BerryAnne: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Fast Books: Sarah: Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison and Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghAnne: The Quotidian Mysteries by Kathleen Norris Favorite Series: Sarah: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall SmithAnne: Three Pines Mysteries by Louise Penney, starting with Still Life or The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, starting with Cinder Classics: Sarah: Tremendous Trifles by G.K. ChestertonAnne: Emma by Jane Austen Non-fiction: Sarah: Creativity, Inc. by Ed CatmullAnne: You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt or Inheritance by Dani Shapiro Quotes to remember: "For all of the talk about how important it is to help our kids fall in love with reading, if they don’t actually see the adults in their lives reading for pleasure then why would they believe us when we talk about the refreshment and joy that reading gives or that reading is a worthwhile thing to do just for the joy of it?" -Sarah Mackenzie "The important thing to remember before you go looking for great books for you is that a great book means different things to different people." - Anne Bogel "If you were in a reading slump the single best thing you can do is to set aside a book that’s n...

January is one of the most exciting months of the year here at RAR. Why? Because it's time for our 31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge, our most popular event of all. Participants tell us that this simple challenge transforms their kids' relationships with reading. I know. That sounds like an exaggeration. But...well...see for yourself! It’s kind of hard to believe something this simple can make such a huge difference, so you'll have try it to believe it. And there’s no reason not to: this is a Challenge for your kids (not for you, which means nothing is being added to your to-do list, cue the hallelujah chorus), and... it’s FREE. [read_button content="Skip ahead... I know I want to register for the Challenge!" link="/31-days-2019/#registration" align="center"] The 31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge will nurture family relationships while helping your kids fall in love with books. Your kids will start their brand new year by connecting with ideas, books, and (best of all!) each other. How does it work? [read_jump_to id="registration"] Step 1: Register for FREE We'll send you a Challenge packet right away: Register for FREE Enter your email below to register, and you'll get your31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge Packet right away Great! We'll keep you posted on our next Reading Challenge. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address Sign me up! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #363636; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width:...