Read-Aloud Revival ®

If you’re looking to read books for ancient history studies with your kids this year, this booklist is for you. It’s a short list of delightful picture book read-alouds for the whole family. Why only picture books?Well… because picture books are worthwhile for everyone. Your high schooler is likely to enjoy these books every bit as much as your first grader. And I bet you’ll learn a thing or two, as you’re reading along. ;)If you happen to be short on time (am I the only one raising my hand here?), committing to reading aloud from a picture book is a whole lot easier than sitting down to read a novel or even a chapter book.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/108/.

Dr. Michael Gurian is back! You may remember him from Episode 82 of the podcast, when he joined us to talk about the minds of boys (and why fidgeting is a good sign!).But today he is here to chat with us about the minds of girls.In this episode, you’ll hear:the unique learning challenges girls face (some of these might surprise you!)why we need to listen differently with our girls… and how to do thatIs there really such a thing as ‘girl drama’? (ahem)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/107/.

At the start of a new school year, we’re all full of hopes for a year that means something. We want our kids to encounter big ideas, learn new skills, read wonderful books, and come out the other side of the school year richer than they were going in.That’s why infusing your home with 3 C’s— Connection, Community, and Confidence, can be such a game-changer for family’s school year.When we feel to connected to our kids, supported by a community, and confident to teach from rest and lead our children well…… that’s when we have a school year that means something.A good school year is about our kids’ relationship with learning, and our kids’ relationship with us and with one another.In this episode, you’ll hear:how membership can replace your literature program – really!how to get your kids to seek out the very best books without pushing or forcinghow to fill yourself up this year, so that you can better give back to your kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/106/.

Do you remember struggling through early reader books back when you were learning to read? Was it all Dick and Jane? Was it … boring?Think about this: nobody asks you now, as a grownup, how old you were when you became a fluent reader. Know why?Because nobody cares.What age your child is when s/he learns to read fluently (whether at age 4, or 7, or 9, or even older) doesn’t bear on their ability to read well later on. Early readers are not consistently better readers when they are adults.What does matter, though, (and it matters a LOT) is that your child’s thirst and desire for stories is not hampered by the reading process.We want our kids–even through the slog of learning to read (and yes, it can be a slog for a whole lot of us)–to know that reading is one of life’s sweetest delights.In this episode, you’ll hear:why reading aloud is critical at this stage of the gamewhy your kids need to read words – lots and lots of words! – as they are learning to read (and how to help them get that)my suggestions for books that your kids will truly enjoy, and that will help you build warm memories as your child learns to love readingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/105/.

I ‘m coming to you today with a simple tip that could make a HUGE difference in how often your kids pick up books for fun.In fact, it may seem *too* simple at first, so you’re going to have to try it for yourself!What is it? Put the books OUT. Face-out, I mean.Think about when you go to the library- are your eyes drawn to the picture book spines on the shelves, or to the face-out books on display?Do the same in your home and I bet you’ll be floored at how those covers will invite your kids to pick them up.A good book cover is simply an irresistible invitation to a child.In this episode, you’ll hear:the simplest way to get your kids to pick up more books on their own (and no, you don’t have to spend a cent or go back to the library again)how to keep the delight going week after weekand how to make the most of the books you already ownFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/104/.

I'm willing to bet that you are familiar with Gail Gibbons's work. Not only is she incredibly prolific, she is just one of those authors who becomes our go-to when it comes to learning with our kids. Gail Gibbons is the author of more than 170 books for kids. Primarily a non-fiction author, her signature style includes engaging illustrations and carefully researched topics.In this episode, you’ll hear:why Gail loves making non-fiction for kidshow she manages to fit such big topics between just 29 pages of a children’s bookGail’s newest book (out today!) which she is especially passionate about!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/103/.

When I talk to and meet with other moms, I get a sense that we all want the same thing. We all long to connect with our kids. And, of course, we also want to stay connected – even in the teen years.Well, today’s guest knows all about that, and she’s here to give us some tips and tricks to be the kinds of parents our kids really need (and want). It’s a whole lot simpler than many of us make it.Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician, parenting expert, bestselling author, podcaster, and maybe most importantly–a mom.I hope this podcast episode is wind in your parenting sails.In this episode, you’ll hear:how our kids’ identities are really shaped (it’s probably not the way you think it is)what our kids want from us more than anything elsehow to make the time we spend with our kids countFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/102/.

Can you believe it? It’s Episode 100! And amazingly, we just crossed over a pretty huge milestone here at The Read-Aloud Revival: over 4 million downloads of the podcast.You know, I couldn’t have picked a better guest for this week’s 100th episode celebration. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jeanne Birdsall, author of the Penderwicks series.The final book in the series, The Penderwicks at Last is available today, so your Penderwicks fans are going to want to get their hands on that right away.In this episode, you’ll hear: what is was like for Jeanne to get her first book publishedhow she always imagined the Penderwicks series as one single storywhich books inspired her writing (I bet you can guess a few!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/100/.

Lola Dutch is a little bit … much. And yet, she’s also like so many of us. I think you’re just going to love her! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Lola Dutch creators Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Lola came to beWhy so many of us seem to identify with herWhat this book means for instilling creative courage in our kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/99/.

Many of us want to help our children learn a second language, but where do we start? And what if we only speak one language ourselves?Anne Guarnera of Language Learning at Home is joining us today to walk us through it. Although it isn’t her first language, she speaks Spanish in her home and encourages families to learn new languages together.In this episode, you’ll hear:How to get started learning a new languageHow learning a second language helps us with our native languageHow books are a fantastic resource (of course!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/98/.

Last week we talked about reading aloud to kids who can read on their own, but today we’re taking that a step further and talking about reading aloud with teens. You know the most important thing about reading aloud with teens, right? Surprise! It’s not their literary value or whether your teen knows how to analyze a story. It’s better than that.(Much better).Reading with teens can be pure magic. It’s such a simple way to slow down and enjoy one another’s company. And it’s really important to enjoy our teens’ company!Read more about this and the importance of treating your teen’s reading life more like a book club (and less like a school assignment) in The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids Through Books.In this episode, you’ll hear:what’s so magical about reading aloud with teens?why you can think of what you read with teens as adding concentric circles (in other words, we’re not moving up, we’re moving out)a few book recommendations to read with your teens, even if you haven’t been reading aloud to him or her latelyFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/97/.

If there is one thing I hope you take away from this episode – it’s this: keep reading to your 8-12 year olds. Kids ages 8-12 are so fun to share books with, and you can have such wonderful conversations with this age group. Plus, you are continuing to make memories and associate reading with warm feelings. That’s a total win!There’s lots more in The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids Through Books about reading with kids ages 8-12 (in fact, that picture for this podcast gives you a hint at some of the other recommendations for this age range in The Read-Aloud Family!), but today…In this episode, you’ll hear:potential pitfalls when reading to 8-12’swhat to do about “the classics”and just a couple of books that I think your 8- to 12-year-olds will loveFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/96/.

Kids who are 4-7 years old often love stories and can even begin to enjoy chapter books. Reading aloud to kids this age can be such a delight!You’re also able to have great conversations about what you’re reading together.There’s a whole chapter in The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids Through Books about reading with this age group, but today…In this episode, you’ll hear:what you are really going for at this stage (you’ll like the answer!)what to look for in books for this age groupjust a few book recommendations 😉Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/95/.

Guess what? The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids is now available everywhere!In this episode, I’m thrilled to share a little from the book about reading aloud to your 0-3 years olds. And of course, I’ll make a couple of book suggestions …Of course.In this episode, you’ll hear:the most important thing when it comes to reading aloud to kids age 0-3problems you’ll run into when reading with babies and toddlers (and how to navigate them)my favorite trick for reading aloud when toddlers are melting down — it’s like MAGICFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/94/.

Today I get to share a chapter from my new book, The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids.This is chapter 6 (one of my favorites!), where I talk about how we can create a book club culture at home, and thereby raise kids who read for the love it. This is how our kids become “real readers.”In this episode, you’ll hear:how and why to create a book club culture in your homewhy we need to read books that don’t “count” toward anything!how to help your kids become real readersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/93/.

Sometimes it can be tricky to find books for boys.It’s not so much that they need different books than girls do, but… well……at some point, you may find it’s difficult to match your boys up with books they love.You know what I mean, right?The kind of books they’ll stay up late reading with a flashlight underneath the covers. The kind of books that give them an insatiable thirst for reading. The kind of books that turn them into readers.These books, of course, are not just books for boys. Many appeal to my girls, as well! But if you have a boy in your life who just doesn’t love reading (yet!), then this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast is for you.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/boys/.

Need a few Easter basket ideas for your young readers? We’ve got you covered!In this episode we’re bringing you books and bookish ideas for kids infant-teen.In this episode, you’ll hear:favorite children’s bibles and Easter booksfiction books that your kids will love to find in their baskets this yearFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/90/.

It could be said that if not for a slightly impulsive email to Andrew Pudewa, the Read-Aloud Revival might not exist.That’s right – today I am welcoming back Andrew Pudewa from the Institute for Excellence in Writing – who was also the very first guest on the podcast.In this episode, you’ll hear:why reading aloud matterswhen to start literary analysis with our kids (the answer might surprise you!)what to do if your kids what you to read all their schoolwork to themFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/89/.

Today I’m sharing one of the best books I read last year. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is uniquely wonderful– a refreshing and upbeat middle grade novel featuring a loud and lively big family (5 kids and their parents), a curmudegonly landlord, a talented bunny, and enough witty dialogue to keep you warm for the rest of winter.This is now my go-to recommendation for families who love The Penderwicks, All-of-a-Kind Family, The Saturdays or The Moffats.The author’s dog is named Ginger Pye. So we knew she was gonna feel right at home here at RAR, right?In this episode, you’ll hear:how a building or a place can (and did!) become a book characterKarina’s writing process (hint: she wrote her first books during NaNoWriMo)books suggestions that celebrate familiesFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/88/.

In today’s episode of the podcast, we’re sharing books about adoption.Some are picture books, some are YA– and we’ve got a little something for everyone in between. These are books that will help your family celebrate the adopted children in your life.Brooke Cooney has made it her mission to share books about orphaned children, fostering and adoption.In this episode, you’ll hear:about books for families who are waiting to bring their child homebooks that help adopted kids to feel understood and see themselves reflected in the pagestons of suggestions from picture books, to books for teens, to books for parentsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/87/.

Today, I’m hoping to tell you about some authors/illustrators you may not have heard about before!These aren’t necessarily new authors, but they may be new to you.In this episode, you’ll hear:picture books, middle grade books and even books for your tweens and teens – I’m covering ALL the bases!graphic novel suggestions that you’ll approve of (and that your kids will like)a couple of favorites from our house, including one book that my 5-year-old carried around for weeksplus (admittedly, my favorite part) my 4-year-old twins chatting about a book we often read 3 times in a rowFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/86/.

I think this is one of the best conversations we’ve had so far at The Read-Aloud Revival.Today we’re talking “messy” books. Parents – you probably know just what I mean.Messy books are those books that tackle hard topics. Or maybe they just have stuff in the background that makes us a little nervous about our kids reading them.Today I’m talking with Betsy Farquhar of Redeemed Reader about how best to handle these kinds of books, and why we shouldn’t just ignore them – even if they make us a little uncomfortable.I enjoyed this conversation so very much, and came away with a ton of confidence and a lot of great books to read with my kids!In this episode, you’ll hear:why as parents, WE need to be the ones to have big conversations with our kids, and how books can provide hooks to start those conversationswhy controversial books are so popular‘read-alones’ vs ‘read-alouds’various ways we can navigate the tough stuff with our kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/85/.

What can we do about our kids who don’t love reading?Today I’m sharing a few ideas, as well as a few books that just might turn your reluctant reader into a reader who stays up past bedtime, sneaking books under the covers with a flashlight.In this episode, you’ll hear:what’s more important than helping our kids fall in love with reading (it’s not what you think)what we can do when a child says he’s not a readersome books that are bound to grab and hold even the most reluctant readers’ attentionFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/84/.

Do you read picture books with older kids? Could this be a picture book year for your family?Today, the whole RAR crew is chatting picture books – and why it’s a great idea to read them with your bigger kids too!In today’s episode, you’ll hear:Kortney’s simple and systematic approach to reading picture bookshow to do “classroom book a day” with your kids at homewhere to find great picture books recommendationsThis episode is just what you need to kick-start a picture book habit this year!Find the rest of the show notes athttps://readaloudrevival.com/83/.

Parents of wiggly kids – the proof is here. In this episode with author Dr. Michael Gurian, you’ll hear scientific evidence demonstrates that many kids not only need to move while being read to, they actually retain information better when they are allowed to do so.In this episode, you’ll hear:why boys might prefer to read non-fiction, and why we should let themwhy we don’t need to worry about our kids reading graphic novelshow we can help resistant kids fall in love with readingYou’ll love all the research in this episode and how it will help you to know how best to support the children in front of you.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/82/.

I think it’s fair to say this is my favorite episode of the podcast we’ve ever done. You probably know Katherine Paterson as the author of books like Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved and the Great Gilly Hopkins, but if you’re not familiar with her essays about writing for children, you’re about to have your socks knocked off.The way Ms. Paterson thinks about reading and writing books for kids blows me away. I’m in awe.In this episode, you’ll hear:what she really thinks when she hears that parents/teachers are using books to improve or help their kidshow to figure out what a book actually “means”how reading allows us a unique privilege to ‘eavesdrop on the soul’Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/81/.

What do you give as gifts for young readers? (Besides books, of course!) Here’s a whole list of gift ideas for the young readers in your life.In this episode, you’ll hearGreat gift ideas for babies through teensIdeas beyond books – games, book accessories, puzzles, posters, shirts and moreWays to help kids make books their own, and begin to identify as readersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/80/.

What should we look for when we’re choosing books for our children?It’s as easy at 7 points, as you’ll hear in this episode with Sarita Holzmann of Sonlight Curriculum.Sarita is a veteran homeschool mom and book lover.In this episode, you’ll hear:how her son went from struggling reader to Valedictorianall about her 7-point all-star test for booksbook recommendations that your kids will love and remember long after they leave homeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/79/.

Once upon a time, I said we didn’t love treasuries at our house. Welllll … its time to eat some crow.Lately, we’ve been reading lots of picture book treasuries, and we are LOVING THEM. They are perfect for longer reading sessions, for taking on errands when you know you’ll be sitting in waiting rooms, and for building your family’s library with quality books on a budget.In this episode, you’ll hear:our very favorite collections – which treasuries we’re loving most (and which have added extras like audio downloads, CDs or even recipes!)gift ideas for your favorite young readersmy biggest tip for choosing treasuries that your family will loveFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/78/.

Scholastic’s Kids and Family Reading Report is a national survey of children ages 6–17 and their parents that explores attitudes and behaviors around books and reading.In this episode, I’m joined by author, Vice President, and Editor-at-Large at Scholastic, Andrea Davis Pinkney. We talk about what the most recent report means for us as parents–and there’s a lot for us in there!In this episode, you’ll hear:why we need to build home libraries, and how to do that without breaking the bankwhat kids are really hoping they’ll find in the books they readhow to make our kids readers for life (listen until the end for five ‘Reading Resolutions’)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/77/.

What do you do when reading aloud doesn’t work out exactly how you hoped?Maybe your kids are arguing or you’re falling asleep …But you know how valuable it is to read aloud, so what can you do?In this episode, you’ll hear:5 ways to make reading aloud enjoyable for everyone (even you! even if you normally get tired!)how to keep sibling bickering at bay and toddlers busy so that you can read morewhy 10 minutes of reading aloud is enough (it really is. promise.)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/76/.

It can be challenging to keep track of the books our kids read, right?But if we want to grow a family of readers, we kind of need to have a system that actually works! So today I’m sharing about our simple reading journals.how to create a treasured list of books your kids read at any agehow to make sure reading journals don’t impede your kids’ reading, but rather create delight (and help our children connect with books)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/75/.

This might be our shortest-ever episode, but also one of the most important. It’s all about what matters most.Today I’m talking about how we can make a simple choice that will make a *huge* impact on our kids and families.In this episode, you’ll hear:how to figure out what matters most, even when we are DEEP in the trenches of parentinghow to help our kids form strong sibling bondsmaking sure that even when life is hard, we get to the most important thing of allFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/74/.

Does your read-aloud time ever devolve into chaos? Do you spend just as much time asking your kids to sit still as you do actually reading?In this episode, I’m talking about how we can modify our expectations just a bit to make read-aloud time more successful.Many kids listen better when they’re doing something with their hands (listen to Dr. Michael Gurian talk about that right here).In this episode, you’ll hear:how to keep your kids at read-aloud time longerwhy it’s absolutely OK for kids to be “busy” during read-aloud timewhat kids of all different ages can do while you read aloudConsider this episode your permission slip for making read-aloud moments easier on you, and happier for your kids.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/73/.

Bad days – we all have them, right? We can’t really avoid that, but we can have a strategy tucked into our pocket- a simple strategy that will help us save a bad day.As a mama of 6 kids – preschool through high school – I sure do. So today, I’m talking how to save those no good, very bad days! 😉In this episode, you’ll hear:a simple strategy that is the ultimate reset buttonthe genre of books that saves the day time and time againwhat Jim Trelease and Andrew Pudewa say is the most important part of your school day (I bet you can guess!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/72/.

Caroline Starr Rose is back, and she’s joining me today to talk about her historical fiction, plus she’s sharing inspiration for young authors and tips for introducing novels in verse to our kids.In this episode, you’ll hear:the picture book she wrote about the wetlands after Hurricane Katrinawhat research looks like for a historical fiction author4 novels in verse to share with younger childrenthe book Sarah read-aloud… to herself!Kids will be so inspired to hear about Caroline’s research and writing process, so gather ’round!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/71/.

Today I’m addressing a question I get ALL THE TIME – how to find time to read.How do we cultivate a reading life in the midst of parenting, life, and other general busyness? In this episode I’m addressing the best ways I have found to fit more reading into my life.I’m sharing my favorite tips. If you enjoy this episode, you’ll also like Episode 119 with Anne Bogel, Cultivating Your Own Reading Life.In this episode, you’ll hear:why we need to prioritize our own reading and let our kids “catch” us reading oftenwhat you can trade-off for readinghow to find “surprise pockets” for readingwhich time of day I use to get the bulk of my reading inFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/70/.

This is one of the most delightful conversations we’ve ever had on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast!I’m talking today with Helen Oxenbury, author and illustrator, about creating picture books – from where she gets her ideas, to the supplies she uses to draw animals (and the cutest darn babies around) and more.In this episode, you’ll hear:which books Helen read to her own 3 childrenwhat it’s been like working with her husband, author and illustrator John Burningham (the creator of the Mr. Gumpy series)how Helen chooses different media to create atmosphere in her beautiful booksGrab the kids for this one – Helen is sharing tips for young illustrators in this absolutely charming discussion.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/69/.

Are you unsure of what to read aloud with teens? Do you ever get a little overwhelmed looking through the YA section at your local bookstore or library? Not to worry. I’m here today with 5 (OK, plus one more!) books to read with your teens.In this episode, you’ll hear:a book that helped me fill up my reading journal with meaningful quotesthe one I’d change the title and cover of, if I couldand two books that are so good on audio, you and your teen might end up driving around the block a time or two!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/68/.

Hold on to your hats everyone – I am sharing one of my very favorite middle grade series in this episode. I’m chatting with both my daughter Allison and someone who just might be my favorite living author, Jonathan Rogers.Jonathan is author of the fantastic Winderking series, which has been described as a cross between Tolkien and Twain.In this episode, you’ll hear:whether characters in books should serve as role models… or notthe way stories inspire us to live a better story ourselveshow Narnia tells more truth than a non-fiction bookPlus, Allison asks Jonathan about writing his trilogy, and he tells a great story about the origin of some of his characters. You don’t want to miss it!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/67/.

Here at the Read-Aloud Revival, we are BIG FANS of audio books, but we get asked all the time: “Do audio books count as real read alouds?”In today’s brand new episode of the podcast, I’m answering that question. In this episode, you’ll hear:whether or not audio books count as real readingwhere and how to listen (either alone or as a family)where I get the best deals on audio booksAudio books absolutely aren’t cheating, and I’m here today with your quick guide for getting started!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/66/.

Do you make the best use of the resources available to you at your local library? Or do you even know all of what your library can do for you?You’re not alone if the answer to either of those questions is “no.” Today I’m talking to Amy Commers, a Youth Services Librarian in Minnesota, about how you can get the most from (and give the most support to) your local library.In this episode, you’ll hear:putting tons of books on hold – it’s OK!navigating YAand how to make your library even better!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/65-2/.

Today you’re in for a treat… I’ve got an exclusive interview between New York Times bestselling author, Jeanne Birdsall (The Penderwicks series) and best-selling author, N.D. Wilson (100 Cupboards, Outlaws of Time, and others).Jeanne and N.D. are good friends, and in this interview held at Anderson Bookshop in Illinois, they talk about:why their books are more alike than you might thinkthe author who inspires both of their bookswhat they really hope to do for kids with the stories they tellFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/birdsall-wilson/.

Before Laura Martin ever authored her amazing Edge of Extinction series, she was a middle school language arts teacher. And her specialty was helping kids resistant to reading fall in love with books.In this episode, you’ll hear:some of her favorite tips to get your kids not just reading more, but really loving booksideas for organizing books by genre and helping your children create a “someday list.”and why kids who want to be writers should be listening to more books than they’re readingPlus: a couple of my kids make an appearance in this episode. They are the ones responsible for introducing me to this fabulous series, after all!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/64/.

The first time Nancy Carpentier Brown read G.K. Chesterton’s work, she didn’t just hate it – she actually burned the book!But things certainly changed. Nancy now not only works with the American Chesterton Society, she is a leading expert on Frances Chesterton, and a much-requested speaker on both Gilbert and Frances Chesterton.She’s also the author of The Father Brown Reader I and II, The Chestertons and the Golden Key, and The Woman Who Was Chesterton.In this episode, you’ll hear:about introducing kids Chesterton and his worklearning more about Chesterton yourself as a parentwhere to start when you’re overwhelmed!Also: I may have possibly read aloud during this episode. And even whipped out my British accent to do it. Maybe. Possibly. ;)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/63/.

Take a peek at Greta Eskridge’s Instagram account, and you might just see her shin-deep in a tide pool with her kids, or hanging out on top of a mountain.It’s clear that Greta adores nature. But as a child, believe it or not, Greta didn’t spend a lot of time in nature. What did she do? She read about it.Now as a mama of four, Greta shares those same books with her children.In this episode, you’ll hear:books that fuel a love of naturehow books transport usand her tips for stress-free nature journaling with kidsEven if you don’t have a nature preserve in your back yard, this episode will help you instill a deep love of nature in your kids. The best part? Doing it through beautiful books.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/62/.

I know this about you: you want to make meaningful and lasting connections with your kids.As a busy homeschooling mom of six, I completely understand that when the house is a mess and the laundry pile is overflowing and life feels just plain crazy, spending a few minutes reading aloud with my kids- even the kids who can read to themselves- is the most important thing I do all day.It’s an opportunity to be fully present--and that is a gift beyond measure these days.That’s why we started offering Author Access events at the Read-Aloud Revival… because those moments we spend with our kids during read-aloud time have a profound affect on our relationship.Introducing our kids to the creators of those stories? Takes everything up a level.On today’s brand new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast…I take you behind the doors of membership and let you listen in on some of our member-only Author Access events.These are live video streams where kids got to meet authors and ask their questions in real time.Oh you’re just going to DIE when you hear Andrea Davis Pinkney. (And if you have a child who struggles with schoolwork or who may be dyslexic, I urge you to listen to hear what she has to say about that. 😍).Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/61/.

So many of us know Sally Lloyd Jones best as the author of the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible.Now you’re going to just love hearing her insightful thoughts about sharing stories with our kids.This is a sweet, but powerful episode that might catch you off guard- Sally is such a joy to listen to, and her words pack a big punch.In this episode, you’ll hear:reaching our children through storieshow she found the bravery to write a children’s bibleand as we celebrate a special milestone for that very book- 10 years!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/60/.

Awoooooooo! Get ready for some pure delight in this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. We’re joined by the wonderful and witty author of the spunky and endearing Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series.In this episode, you’ll hear:where the idea of a governess caring for children raised by wolves came from (it turns out it’s a bit of Jane Eyre and a dash of The Jungle Book!)how she plots her mysterious storylinesand Maryrose even reads (and howls) a bit!This episode is not to be missed, and if you haven’t yet read the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series with your kids, you’re going to want to go grab the first by the end of the episode.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/59/.

Are you and your kids familiar with books by G.A Henty? You’re certainly going to want to spend some time with him after hearing this episode.Jim Hodges, audio actor, former homeschooling dad, and creator of Jim Hodges Audio Books is talking with Sarah in this episode about how to bring Henty, and history, to life.In this episode, you’ll hear:his research processwhat it takes to engage kids with audio storiesand how audiobooks can shape our kids and help struggling readersTune in for some great historical audio recommendations for kids of all ages!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/58/.