Making meaningful and lasting connections with children (of all ages) is not only important – it’s necessary AND possible! Books can transform the time God has given us with the children in our lives. 

About the book

The Read-Aloud Family answers the how, why and when of reading aloud to your children! 

Sarah Mackenzie compellingly calls us to read to our children, as early as infancy right into their adolescence. The book is light and easy to read – filled with personal stories and relevant research on the benefits of reading. One of these benefits is the compassion and empathy that is developed in young readers. This happens as our children emotionally experience trials in their books that they may otherwise never live through or understand. With this in mind we as adults can feel the pressure of choosing the right books for our impressionable and developing children. The Read-Aloud Family includes a very helpful and detailed list of recommended reads for children at different age categories. These books are wonderful to read aloud with your children and can be used as a launching pad for further discussion. Many of these books are available at your local library! 

While reading this book, I realized my parents (unknowingly) followed many of the methods used in The Read-Aloud Family which shaped the reader that I am today. I cannot wait to apply many of the practical ideas and suggestions in this book in my home!

Whether you are a mom of little ones or quickly growing junior highs – this book is worth reading!

A QUOTE AND A QUESTION

“Plant your seeds by reading aloud with your kids. Water those seeds by having open-ended conversations about them. But don’t demand that the seed blossom before its time. Your job is to plant and water and nurture…What the seeds grow into – what they become and how they nourish the life of your child – that’s a mystery both to us and to them. That is up to the Master Gardener alone.” pg. 163

• How do you make meaningful connections with the children in your lives? Why do you think books can enrich these connections?