Preschoolers and Peace

Read Alouds • Feb. 6, 2008

Posted in Resources

We read aloud nearly constantly, and each year we declare favorites. For 2007:

The Collected Tales of Nurse Matilda- The books upon which the movie Nanny McPhee is based. The book is better Appropriate for ages 4 years and up, but the dream sequences at the end of each story can be long and laborious. We skipped them.

The Wheel on the School- Delightful story about the storks coming to a small Dutch village. Appropriate as a read-aloud for 4 years and up, although my 6-year-old was really more attentive than the 4-year-old. Your mileage may vary.

Spring With the Moodys- My children have loved all four books in Sarah Maxwell's Moody Family series. I haven't had to edit a thing here-- the children are behaving the way we all would like to see ours behave, which one of my older children thinks is "unrealistic". I remind him that we should pour good things into our heads and hearts if we expect good things to emerge, or as my mom used to say, "Garbage in, garbage out." Appropriate for ages 4 and up.

Grandpa’s Box- Terrific book for Circle Time or family devotions. "Grandpa" tells the redemption story by revealing items in a box, chapter by chapter. We gleaned a lot from this one. The author is Starr Meade, who also wrote Training Hearts, Teaching Minds. Appropriate for ages 6 and up, although the 8-year-old was more attentive than the 6-year-old.

The Bird’s Christmas Carol- One of the few collections I own is Christmas books, and I found this gem in a used bookstore in Portland. I won't give away the ending, but I will tell you that the story will help children to see the beauty and blessing in giving rather than receiving. Don't let the cover on the book sold by Amazon fool you-- I don't believe Santa is even mentioned (but Christ is liberally reverenced) so I'm not sure what the thinking was in choosing the cover art.

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Untitled Comment - Feb. 6, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

Kendra,
Thank you for the recommendations! Can't wait to check into these!

~Stacy
www.withgreatjoy.blogspot.com

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What fun! - Feb. 6, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

We are always looking for great chapter books to read aloud to our boys (6 and 4). Their attention spans are definitely varied, but we treasure the time of snuggling and the memories made right along with the characters. Thanks for the ideas!

ann at mommysecrets

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The Bird's Christmas Carol - Feb. 6, 2008

Shared by NancyinCA

was one of my favorite stories as a child. I rediscovered it last year...it always makes me cry. It's fun to know other people love it too!

Nancy

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Thank you!!! - Feb. 6, 2008

Shared by baronsgirl

Kendra,

I am so grateful for so many of your posts. I know I don't comment often, but I check this page daily, and the Lord has used you so many times to teach me and grow my kids. Thanks for that.

I just spent time this evening with my hubby planning ahead for our new schedule (we're finally settling in after moving overseas, and it's time for routine!). Read-alouds was high on the list, because I don't do near enough with my two little ones (6 & 4). I have Sarah Maxwell's series, and hadn't opened it yet. I'm so glad to hear your testimonial about it, because all the reading I've done here at P&P the past couple years make me certain that I can sit down on the sofa tomorrow and start reading them to the boys. It's neat how the Lord can give me someone to trust, respect and admire, someone who really helps me a lot...that I haven't even met. Thank you for all you continue to teach me.

Much love in Christ,
Jodie

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Read alouds and the Farm Mystery Series - Feb. 7, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

Thank you for the suggestions. We too, are always looking for good books to read as a family. I'd like to suggest the Farm Mystery Series by Stephen and Susie Castleberry as an EXCELLENT series for families. There are seven books in the series. I read them before my children and really enjoyed them. Here is a link to take a look at the set: http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/listdetails.asp?ID=837

Kendra, you are a blessing to me.

-Megan

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Thanks girls... - Feb. 7, 2008

Shared by PreschoolersandPeace

You are a huge blessing to me and my family, too.

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Untitled Comment - Feb. 7, 2008

Shared by 4sweetums

Thanks for the list. I love hearing what other people recommend.
Blessings,
Dawn

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Just In Time - Feb. 8, 2008

Shared by ezmum

I'm a mum who wasn't exposed to books when I were young. As such, I really don't know what are the good books for my coming 6yo ds who loves reading.
Your recommendations are certainly helpful and I will look for them in our local stores :)

Thanks again, all the way from Singapore,
Delci
http://ezmum.wordpress.com

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Good Books - Feb. 8, 2008

Shared by Anonymous

Hi Kendra,
We also loved the Maxwell books and The Birds' Christmas Carol. Great stories. I can echo the Castleberry recommendation. My younger son loved the entire Farm Mystery Series.

~Lisa W.
http://thewintons.blogspot.com

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"We make plans. God laughs" - Feb. 8, 2008

Shared by xanga.com/homekeepingheart

Didn't I tell you that God used you to prepare my heart? I knew it. My little one is now 7 months old and I just found out that he is not to be the baby for long.

I referenced you in my announcement today. Hope you don't mind :-)
Jennifer
www.xanga.com/homekeepingheart

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Untitled Comment - Feb. 9, 2008

Shared by BlessingsFromAbove

Thanks for the recommendation of The Birds’ Christmas Carol. We have started a new Christmas tradition. We put all our special Christmas story books in a specially-decorated box. If we have 10 books in there, then we start 10 days before Christmas—and each day we pull out a book to read for that day.

New books we have just added to our collection—Christmas Day in the Morning is a wonderful story about thoughtfulness and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey teaches compassion.

Michele

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i love your book lists - Feb. 13, 2008

Shared by Ann at mommysecrets

I love your book lists - thank you for sharing!! Now I'll head over to the online library catalog & put them on hold! :)

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