2023 Read Alouds and Audiobooks

2021 Family Read Alouds and Audiobooks

2022 Family Read Alouds/Audiobooks

Family Read Alouds/Audiobooks

    "Family" is relative since it's pretty rare that I read chapter books to all 5 boys at once.  We often do reading time in the evenings, but that's mostly picture books.  The ones on this page are the ones I read aloud to both Carter and Calvin (and often the younger boys were around for all or part of it, too).

    Family audiobooks include all 5 boys when we're driving in the van.  Often, I will listen to one with just the older boys (11 and 9) when the younger boys aren't around if it's something harder to comprehend.

Audiobooks

Action Bible (New Testament) - 1/28/23 - both older boys have read the Action Bible, but we listened to the New Testament version to kick off the year.  I loved how it included different voice actors and sound effects.  We often listened to this at the table while playing or drawing.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street - 2/22/23 - I enjoyed listening to this with my boys (11, 9, 4, 3). With a baby, it's much easier to do audiobooks than trying to read them aloud myself. I liked this book but didn't LOVE it. I couldn't keep the kids straight, and the plot seemed to drag a bit. The boys enjoyed it more than some read alouds we've done lately. We might continue on with the series.

The Princess Bride ("Good Parts Version") - 3/16/23 - What a delight! I'm a huge fan of the movie and have also listened to Cary Elwes' "As You Wish," but I hadn't ever read the book. I opted for William Goldman's "good parts version," so as not to waste my time on the inconsequential details. I ended up listening to this with my boys in the van, and they all enjoyed it. The movie is based off this version (even some of the specific dialogue), but it's like there were some "deleted scenes" I didn't know about by reading the book (like the Zoo of Death!). Now to watch the movie as a family again!

Read Alouds

Cat Kid Comic Club #4: Collaborations - 3/11/23 - I loved this! I read it in one sitting to my 4 sons (11, 9, 4, 3). There are funny parts and little lessons sprinkled in. There’s variety and not as much of the potty humor as in, like Captain Underpants.

Mr. Popper's Penguins - 3/14/23 - I picked this up in a Little Free Library. I love that it was written a long time ago but still felt accessible to my boys. And I loved that the chapters were short. Some sections were more engaging than others, but overall, we enjoyed this book together.