Where was this book when my children were little? Probably still growing in Sarah Mackenzie’s heart and mind as she was read to. I stumbled across this book in a return pile from a client of mine. The title peaked my curiosity because I LOVE books that I can read aloud to children.

Mrs. Makenzie says “reading aloud never grows old.” I’ve found this to be true in my own grandchildren. They love to hear their mom and dad read to them before bed though both have been reading for several years.

In The Read-Aloud Family parents will learn how to

• prepare their children for academic succes
• develop empathy and compassion for others
• find time to read aloud in the midst of hectic schedules
• choose books for children with a variety of interests
• make reading aloud the best part of the day

There’s no time like the present to begin reading aloud to your family. The book begins with Sarah’s personal story of being a young mother visiting with a friend where she discovered the Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Her friend introduced her to spending important time with her children. At the time she only had the one toddler but it soon expanded to a large homeschooling family.

Mrs. Makenzie gives ideas for starting conversations about books with your children. She doesn’t quiz children, but rather finds ways for children to share how the main character grew as a person and how her children feel about the characters in the book. She doesn’t limit books to ages. Teens may be interested in a subject in a picture book or a book written for middle grade. Toddlers may be interested in stories or nonfiction written well above their usual understanding but is on target for their interests. Another important chapter is about what children can do while you, the parent, read aloud. Toddlers may be building with blocks, grade schoolers may be drawing, and teens may be playing games but that doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. I think she’s right on target. I’ve seen it happen in my own classroom.

Mrs. Makenzie offers book titles with short reviews for all ages. She groups books that may be of interest to a variety of ages. She even recommends reading to children in the womb.

There were so many recommendations I was familiar with, but so many more that were new to me. I can’t wait to peruse the book store and library shelves. On the road again in search of an adventure. Gail Cartee

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