Five Fall Favorites {Read-Alouds + Books}

Happy Wednesday, readers! I hope y'all are enjoying this party as much as I am. :) Today's genre is read-alouds, and I have some great recommendations for y'all. As usual, the book covers are linked to the Goodreads pages, and the giveaway and link to the host blog are at the end of the post.

Well, look what we have here... I must be the book room today! *wink* Read on to the end of the post to grab your free short story.

Wednesday: Read-Alouds

The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan 

From Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan comes a poignant story about two children, a poet, and a dog and how they help one another survive loss and recapture love.

Teddy is a gifted dog. Raised in a cabin by a poet named Sylvan, he grew up listening to sonnets read aloud and the comforting clicking of a keyboard. Although Teddy understands words, Sylvan always told him there are only two kinds of people in the world who can hear Teddy speak: poets and children.

Then one day Teddy learns that Sylvan was right. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora trapped in a snowstorm, he tells them that he will bring them home—and they understand him. The children are afraid of the howling wind, but not of Teddy’s words. They follow him to a cabin in the woods, where the dog used to live with Sylvan . . . only now his owner is gone. 

As they hole up in the cabin for shelter, Teddy is flooded with memories of Sylvan. What will Teddy do when his new friends go home? Can they help one another find what they have lost?

Told from the perspective of a dog who was adopted by a deceased poet, The Poet's Dog is a heartwarming tale of two siblings lost in a blizzard and the dog who saved them. Although I read this book myself, it would be wonderful to read to children of any age. 

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden take care of one another. They have no parents, no other family—except for a grandfather they don’t care to see—and no home . . . until the night they find the boxcar. Old, rusty, lonely, and abandoned in the woods, it’s the perfect home for four brave children on their own.

Are there any kids out there who haven't read at least a handful of these books? (If so, that's really sad. Because these should be, like, mandatory for every kid's childhood.) The Boxcar Children are classics. These stories of the four Alden siblings solving mysteries are great for young readers and would make fun read-alouds as well. 

The Candle in the Window by Margaret Hill McCarter/Lamplighter Theatre

Tully wants more than anything to make his teacher smile. But no one knows that Miss Ravenstow is trying to escape the pain from her past. No one, that is, except Tod the mailman, who holds in his hands something far more valuable than a special delivery. 

Discover a very special Christmas story that opens the door for those seeking shelter from the pain of their past. Inspire your entire family with a beautiful portrayal of how a simple candle in the window can bring hope for the future and an encounter with the Light of the world.

I listened to the audio drama of this story last Christmas and I fell completely in love! A mailman, a teacher, a child, a war hero...so many things I love in a story. This one instantly became a favorite for me. <3 

(I haven't read the book, but judging by the Lamplighter Theatre audio drama, I'm sure it's amazing.)

Read my full review here.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The adventures continue for Laura Ingalls and her family as they leave their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and set out for the big skies of the Kansas Territory. They travel for many days in their covered wagon until they find the best spot to build their house. Soon they are planting and plowing, hunting wild ducks and turkeys, and gathering grass for their cows. Just when they begin to feel settled, they are caught in the middle of a dangerous conflict.

I'm pretty sure my parents lost count of how many times they read this series aloud to me and my brother. Although we went through them all, Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, and Farmer Boy were always being re-requested. There are so many memories packed into these. Definite classics and read-aloud choice worthy!

The Twin Arrows by Kate Willis

Two children. Two journeys. Twin arrows.

Ryla follows her father's parting instructions as closely as she carries his gift. Her protectors are kind, and safety is certain inside the convent's strong walls. But now she must leave and what lies ahead is uncertain...

Her brother Drewin won't wait any longer. The knight promised to escort him isn't coming, and gossiping neighbors threaten to reveal his identity. He strikes out on his own, sure he can outrun the danger...

When reading this sweet little story last month, I recall thinking how lovely it would be to read aloud to younger siblings. For enjoyers of adventure stories and magic-less fantasy, this charming story is absolutely perfect. 

My short story, Love Needs No Words, is today's free story! Click on the cover image above to snag your copy. :)

Have you entered the giveaway for this lovely stack of books and mug? If not, what are you waiting for? At last check, we were getting fairly close to 75 entrants—at which time a second place will be added!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter the giveaway and then continue on to Rebekah's blog at the button below for links to all the other party rooms. :D

What's your favorite read-alouds? Have you read any of these? 
~Faith