Winter Read Alouds: A Roundup

Read alouds are now officially a huge hit in our house and we are ready to spend more time by the fire this winter as a family reading together after supper. We've discovered that being super flexible about when and where we read makes it more likely that we can commit to the process. Sometimes, my daughter and I will read on the couch while little brother gets his bath and other times we all get in our jams and under the covers to find out what happens in the next chapter.

Last season, The Princess in Black was a huge winner and because it was the first in a series, I may have a lead for Santa on what to bring down our chimney for next year's reading. Ok! Let's get this reading started and what better way to kick off the Christmas season than a book about toys? 

December: Toys Go Out

One little girl packs three of her most beloved toys in a backpack and takes them on many wonderful adventures! Have you ever wondered what your toys are thinking? Wonder no more! Each toy takes a unique perspective on the world around it and on the little girl that they love. (Having just started out - we are discovering this one may be a bit of a stretch for my toddler so we have this one as back up at the library for those nights when he needs more pictures to sustain his attention. Bramble and Maggie: Snow Day.) 

January: A Bear Called Paddington

Only in England!  A bear goes home with the Brown family from Paddington station with no more to recommend him to them except the fact that he loves marmalade and a label on his suitcase that reads, "PLEASE LOOK AFTER THIS BEAR. THANK YOU."  

February: Jenny and the Cat Club

Well. Cat Wings was a hit in October so I thought... more cats? why the heck not? Enter yet another orphaned cat - Jenny. She longs to join the neighborhood cat club but is a bit shy. This book is perfect for little ones, like my own, who are learning the ins and outs of burgeoning friendships. 

March: Diva and Flea

Question? Do we count March as spring or winter? I don't know but I do know that here in Canada it will still be cold and so I'm throwing it into our Winter round up! This one looks like it might have a bit of a Lady and the Tramp feel. Set in Paris, an unlikely friendship crops up between a diva dog and a flea-bitten cat! 

Winter Easy Reader: Owl at Home 

The first in a whole lineup of Arnold Lobel books that await us!! Owl at Home is a lovely tale of an owl who invites winter into his home, only to deeply regret it. If this one is well received we are on to Mouse Soup and Uncle Elephant too. 

Blanket? Check! Snow on the ground? Check! Kids fresh from the bath? Check! A huge roster of books to get us through winter? Oh yes!! ​Woohooo!!! It's never too late to join us. Let us know if you do. We'd love to read with you.