Charlotte's Web

Mom's Notes: It was time for a re-read of E.B. White's most enduring story. Springtime prompted me to pull it off the shelf, as well as having read The Trumpet of the Swan last year. I really like E.B. White's writing; he's so careful and thoughtful with every word. Daniel and Michael didn't recall the story much at all from reading it when they were much younger, so it was really fun to practically introduce it to them. It's beautiful to read at every age and stage of life.  

Who is your favorite character in this story? 

Daniel (11): "I like the rat. He turns good at the end. He makes a change." 

Michael (11): "I like the Templeton's song in the movie."

Henry's Houseboat by JULIA REJHOLEC!

Mom's Notes: This wasn't actually a read-aloud, but we did have a read-a-thon out of the deck. We each had our own copies of the books, thanks to Julia receiving two big boxes full! She was in Romania at the time, so we bought some of her favorite treats and got to face-time with the beautiful author mid-read. She wrote this story so well, and we especially enjoy it for all the Easter Eggs that friends and family will pick out! (Also, yoga in the top deck of a houseboat... yes, please!) 

God's Smuggler

Mom's Notes: My mom suggested this as we were chatting about Julia in Romania. I'm glad we picked up Brother Andrew's amazing book. What incredible, miraculous, faithful experiences he has to relate. So much was sacrificed to bring the Word of God to anyone and everyone. Reading how precious a Bible can be had us realizing how truly blessed we are to worship how and where and what we may. 

The Search for Delicious

Mom's Notes: Natalie Babbitt's tales are still so vivid in my mind from reading them when I was young. I wonder if they'll stay with my kids as well. This one prompted some good discussion about charity towards opinions, and not getting worked up about what really doesn't matter. The mystery and fantasy of it was a magical carrier for these thoughts. 

Swiss Family Robinson

Mom's Notes: We did it! I've been considering reading this for years. A trip to an island of Hawaii seemed an appropriate time. (The kids are very familiar with the movie version, though I had never seen it all the way through until we watched it together after reading.) This book was not a page-turner, as there's not much of a plot and there is A LOT of description of how things are built and such. But the kids voted to keep reading, so we did. And I'm glad. It was quite fascinating to think about living off the land and figuring out how to do that as a family. The animal encounters were exciting! The tree house dreamy. 

Freckles

Mom's Notes: I love Freckles. Once you know him, you can't help but love him. This beautiful, exciting, heart-wrenching story stands the test of time. G.S. Porter often writes her characters melodramatically, but that makes them even more exciting to root for, or boo at. Her stories are carriers for the flora and fauna, but I appreciate it all. I think the kids will always remember the nature-loving, goodness-defending, hardworking, honorable, devoted-friend and lover Freckles. 

His Indian Brother

Mom's Notes: This was a great story to read near Thanksgiving time. Another wilderness survival tale to add to our list this year!