A torrent of new books comes out each holiday season, celebrating Christmas, both religious and secular. Some, sold to schools, church schools, and libraries, will be read year after year because they are fun and engaging—both to read aloud and to hear read.
What makes a good group read-aloud?
• The pictures are large enough to be seen by a group of up to 30 children.
• The physical book is comfortable to hold in one hand.
• The typeface is clear and large enough to read—sideways, out of the corner of your eye!
• Each page turn builds suspense.
• The story focuses on the characters’ actions.
• There is plenty of dialogue and/or animal noises.
• Rhyme is so perfect that leaders can read it right the first time.
• There are opportunities for kids to participate.
A few examples of Nativity stories that are good to read aloud to groups
The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Jane Chapman
All Is Bright: When God Came Down One Silent Night (A Christmas Story of Jesus’ Birth) by Clay Anderson, illustrated by Natalie Merheb
A Christmas Goodnight: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright
Just Enough Room for Christmas by Robin Currie, illustrated by Estelle Corke
When writing a Christmas or other holiday book, keep in mind the read-ALOUD-ability!
Robin Currie is the author of Just Enough Room for Christmas, which began as a children’s Christmas Eve sermon before it became a book. It is a good read-aloud!
No Comments