Read-aloud reading list

Part of my lesson plans each year includes a list of books I think I'd like to read aloud to the children. Usually we read most of the books, but not all, and often substitute others not on the list.

Some of these books have been read-alouds of ours in the past, but I'm considering Marley (9) and Sam (5) to be my primary audience, so this list of books was chosen with them in mind. (Sarah, Joan, and David may listen in from time to time for nostalgia's sake.)

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry has been one of my favorites since my friend Sherry introduced me to it back in the third grade. This story of the colt, Misty, and the Beebe family who takes care of her has been a read-aloud of ours many times over, and I'm looking forward to enjoying it again with the youngest children.

The Cat and Mrs. Cary by Doris Gates is a good mystery involving an aunt who has retired to the California coast, her nephew who has come for a restful visit, a stray cat who talks to (and is heard and understood by) the aunt, and smugglers.

Hurry Home, Candy by Meindert deJong is a quest-type story about a little dog with no home, and no owner. I read this several times to myself as a child, but I've never read it aloud. Hopefully I can do it without sobbing and alarming my children.

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth, Jr., and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey is a perennial family favorite. I know Sam and Marley will love hearing about this family with twelve children, and Sarah, Joan, and David will listen, too, and perhaps even do some of the reading for us.

The Mitchells: Five for Victory by Hilda van Stockum is another family read-aloud favorite. Actually, all of Hilda van Stockum's books are great as read-alouds, but we'll start with this story of the five Mitchell children, set in WWII-era Washington, D.C.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody is long overdue to be re-read here. I think it has been 23 or 24 years since I last read Mr. Moody's account of his family moving to Colorado and making a living as ranchers. I can barely remember this book, so I'm looking forward to the exciting adventures as though it were my first time.

The King of the Golden River by John Ruskin is a good fairy tale about greed, kindness, doing-unto-others-as-you-would-have-them-do-to-you, and how siblings should and should not behave towards one another. My children love fairy tales so they should enjoy this short book.

That gives us seven books to start with, and we may add others as the year progresses. I'm always open to suggestions... .