Favorite December Read Alouds - Chapter Books
We have a family read-aloud going at all times, year-round. It’s basically one of my only reliable parenting skills next to nursing.
When they’re too old to nurse to sleep I rely on books ;)
Reading a chapter or two aloud at bedtime is the highlight of our evening routine (and a little incentive to get pjs on and teeth brushed). They all get in their beds and I sit in the hallway so everyone can hear me. They always beg for one more chapter!
But as the days grow darker and colder reading and snuggling become even more inviting. We’re reminded that reading aloud isn’t just for bedtime! Light a fire, make some hot cocoa, and get set for some cozy connection any time of day with one of these favorites:
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.
This first book (of five) takes place the week before Christmas and is one of our family’s all-time favorite series. Highly recommend!
The Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis
Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is definitely a must-read classic for both children and adults.
The Christmas Pig
by J.K. Rowling
A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.
This story reminded us of a fun cross between The Velveteen Rabbit and Toy Story!
** The topic of divorce and change are themes early on. This could be triggering for sensitive children who worry excessively or have personal experiences related to big life changes or divorce.
The Family Under the Bridge
by Natalie Savage Carlson
Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need?
Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.
Children will treasure this warm and funny adventure of family, freedom, and Santa Claus. The book includes illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series.
Winterfrost
by Michelle Houts
Christmas has come and with it a sparkling white winterfrost. When Bettina’s parents are called away unexpectedly, leaving her in charge of the house, the farm, and baby Pia, Bettina neglects to set out the traditional bowl of Christmas rice pudding for the tiny nisse. No one besides her grandfather ever believed the nisse were real, so what harm could there be in forgetting this silly custom? But when baby Pia disappears, the magic of the nisse makes itself known. To find her sister and set things right, Bettina must venture into the miniature world of these usually helpful, but sometimes mischievous, folk.
