Favorite Read-Alouds of 2013

We've spent a lot of time reading this year. A lot more than I anticipated - as if I mind! And more chapter books than I expected. Laithe is at the point where he can sit for longer periods of time and will happily sit for a few chapters if he's got something to do with his hands. And Guthrie, well she's at that magical age where you can see her eyes kind of glaze over as she gets more and more lost in the story. 

Thank goodness for the homeschool moms in our group - they've really hooked us up with titles that both kids enjoy. I reopened my Goodreads account purely for keeping track of books the moms talk about. 

In no particular order here were some of our favorites:

• The Lighthouse Family Series by Cynthia Rylant --- we love this series. They have simple, sweet stories about an unlikely family. I worried Guthrie would find them too simple or something, but they were perfect for before bed. 
• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Clearly --- total classic that John's coworker reminded me of.  Laithe in particular LOVED it.
• Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink -- I don't think I read this as a child though I would have loved it. Guthrie, for weeks afterwards, asked if I thought she was more like Laura or Caddie.
• The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren --- same author as Pippi Longstocking (which we also read and really enjoyed). I didn't totally get the appeal of this, but that might be the translation? Or maybe no overarching plot? I'm not sure, but holy cow the kids loved it so much that I got them the second book for Christmas and we're already 5 chapters in. The book is pretty much an account of these 6 kids' daily lives in Sweden. They have kid-sized adventures and there are no tragedies and they all generally like each other. After writing that I can see the appeal and it is pleasant to read aloud. 
• My Father's Dragon by Ruth Gannett --- we all liked this book and I might try to get the next books through interlibrary loan, if I ever get my overdue books back in. Worst librarian's wife ever.
• Betsy Tacy by Maude Hart Lovelace --- Guthrie loved this so much. Laithe says he did, but he mostly likes anything his sister does. While reading, though I remember him being kind of a pill. When Guthrie gets a little further along in her reading skills I would like to pick up Betsy Tacy and Tib and read it back and forth with her. I will say that this book has some "real life" themes that I wasn't quite able to catch before they happened which just meant that bedtime was more lengthy than usual as we sort of debriefed. Which is fine, it's just kind of nice when you know it's coming! 

You'll notice that aside from the Cynthia Rylant series we prefer older books. I've found that much of the newer stuff geared toward Guthrie's age are not to my standards. I'm cool if she reads it later on, but I feel like I have precious little time to choose our reading material while both kids minds and hearts are open, you know? 

I need to get some more recommendations for the winter. I am fending off Guthrie's repeated requests that we start Little House in the Big Woods again because I don't think my old copy will handle another read. Might be time for Guthrie to get her own copy, but I want to get her the ones illustrated by Garth Williams. Because he's great. 

So, any old or new favorites you would recommend? I'd love to add to our list!

the tomten

Snow!! Our first almost measurable amount!
I went downstairs to make coffee early - only to find there was none. worst snowy-morning discovery ever!- but on my way down had turned on Guthrie's Christmas music and opened her curtains.
On the second playing of Rudolph I heard her feet hit the ground and run over to the window.
(i love being a parent!)

Later she was looking out the window in my room searching for Tomten footprints. She thought she saw some later out the back door but wasn't sure if they were maybe squirrel prints.

You know how there are some books that you cross your fingers your kids will like as much as you do? Yeah, the Tomten book is like that for me. I read it a few years ago for the first time and got it for Guthrie last year. The Tomten is this Swedish little guy who takes care of the farm during winter- reassuring the animals that summer will come again soon and peeking in on the humans. Kids and animals are the only ones who can understand Tomten language, but you can see his footprints to know he's been there. I think she's simultaneously freaked out by a little guy walking around in our house checking on us and thrilled. It's cute.

Last night we were having some crafty time - I'm itching to sew and the only things I have to sew right now are presents for the kids. And seeing as how I sew in the dining room it's an after hours activity only! Anyways, she requested we make a Tomten. I fashioned one from the Mama Roots tutorial, but it was found lacking - she was just not impressed, who knows why. I thought it was adorable. So, I'm searching for something online to inspire me. There are several creepy ones, and several ones that would be eaten by her brother, so I think I might be on my own. I want one where I can replace the beard should I need to. Both kids love playing with roving. I feel like it might become a little more fu manchu, a little less big wooly beard.

I'm also thinking it's almost Christmas and I ordered The Tomten and the Fox for her as a present- it'd be cute if there was a friend to go with it wouldn't it?

There are a few classic books that I'd love to make play sets to go with- and most are our winter books. Maybe after the new year.

Hope you're on the lookout for Tomten prints too! I'm certain he's out and about!