Sadly the little children have not had the same attention in reading aloud that our older children have had. I am convinced this is due to the dynamics of a larger family, as explained in my posts on Large Family Life and yet I long for the days of reading aloud to the children.
This year I am determined to involve Rogan, Moran, Myffwyn, Corbyn and Arwen in more read alouds. Now as this has not been a large part of their childhood, much to my eternal regret, the reading of chapter books, I am going to gradually introduce this to them using the beautiful books by Marguerite deAngeli.
We have been blessed to gather a collection over time of them new and second hand. Book collections are a passion of mine and I love to have complete sets. Sadly we don't yet but we do have a wonderful group of books to choose from. Sadly again most of them are only available second hand so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested in them.
Of course these are not pure chapter books as they have her adorable illustrations in them but like the Elsa Beskow Books they tend to be quite long.
So my plan for the first part of the year is to involve the younger children and Rogan with the reading of these books along with Mandie and the Cherokee Legend as their first real chapter book. The reason for this choice is we bought a wonderful DVD
of this book as one of the 12 Days of Christmas presents this year that the children all enjoyed.
So here is a list of the Marguerite deAngeli Children's Books we have that I will be reading:
The Ted and Nina Story Book although not the same you can actually read this one on line here
Copper-Toed Boots
Petite Suzanne
Yonie Wondernose
Thee Hannah
Elin's Amerika
Henner's Lydia
Skippack School
The Lion in the Box
Bright April
Turkey for Christmas
Whistle for the Crossing
Although the Door in the Wall won the Newbery Medal award I (and our older children) actually think the Black Fox of Lorne is a much better book.
The autobiography Butter at the Old Price: this is a simply wonderful 'Mother Culture' read and I have read it a few times for pure enjoyment.
Once again it is a joy to share with you the love of beautiful books and the way we use them in our family. Of course I am always interested in other recommendations so please feel free to add your own family favourites!!
Blessings to you and your homes,
Gae, you would love to visit my friend Susanne. She is an avid reader and though all her children are grown she usually reads a child's book before bed every night. She collects vintage school girl stories etc. and has a library in her backyard.
ReplyDeleteHer hubby built a little cabin with a verandah for her to house her books in! It's adorable :-)
They spent 2 years in England recently, working as a nanny and handiman for a doctors family,and she spent all her spare money on old books to bring home!!
A serious lover of children's adventure stories lol!
blessings..Trish
Some favourites here for the introduction to chapter book set:
ReplyDeleteThe Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter -Beatrix Potter
Winnie-the-Pooh -A.A.Milne
The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook- Joyce Lankaster Brisley
Mardie's Adventures - Astrid Lindgren
Philomena - Kate Seredy
Away Goes Sally (series)- Elizabeth Coatsworth
Happy Little Family (series)- Rebecca Caudhill
Oh Gae I picked a good day to come here ☺ !
ReplyDeleteboth posts on books & tacups I am spoiled with delight ;-)
Gae I also was given the violets second hand for my birthday a few yrs back by my Mum ☺ it is one of my favs .
I am going to look up that butter book and see if the library may have it .
Lots of love to You Gae ☺
ps. I think having a new babe shall create great cuddle up times for read alouds ;-)
Dear Gae,
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about read-alouds, too, and that we need to do more of them! I love your list of books; I always get inspired when I come visit.
Love,
Marqueta
Dear Trish, Yes your friend sounds delightful and I would love to meet her
ReplyDeleteDear Erin, Yes those have been favourites with the other children except I have not seen the Philomena by Kate Serendy. Thank you.
Dear Rox, I am glad you enjoyed the posts and I know you will love the Butter at the Old Price. It really is a beautiful book.
Dear Marqueta,
Thank you I feel the same way when I visit your blog. I Look forward to seeing what you do with your children too.
Blessings to each one of you
Gae