Episodes
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"Marley was dead, to begin with."
That is one of the most famous first lines in English literature. It comes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which is perhaps the greatest Christmas ghost story ever told.
What is it that speaks to so many of us about this story of Scrooge and his ghosts?
Today I want to talk about what makes this story so beloved and enduringâfrom its original bestselling release in 1843 through countless adaptationsâto the place of fondness and tradition it has in so many of our homes today.
In this episode, youâll hear from RAR Premium members; Joe Sutphin, who did the beautiful illustrations for Little Christmas Carol; Samantha Silva, author of Mr. Dickens and His Carol; and some RAR kids on the lasting impact of Dickensâs tale and what they love so much about A Christmas Carol.
In this episode, youâll hear:
Why we love A Christmas Carol as a read-aloud for the whole familyHow Joe Sutphin illustrated and populated Scroogeâs world for Little Christmas CarolThe real backstory of why Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, which inspired Samantha Silvaâs novelLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/all-about-a-christmas-carol
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
As homeschooling moms, we often focus more on what weâre not doing than what we are doing. We fret about the lessons we should be teaching or the projects we should be creating.
But hereâs what we want you to remember (and what we try to remind ourselves): what youâre already doing is powerful. Itâs purposeful. And best of all, what youâre already doing builds an enduring family culture.
In this bonus episode, youâll discover the power of what youâre already doing and why the culture we create in our homes matters much more than whatever curriculum we use.
Today, weâre unlocking our most recent Circle with Sarah Live, a regular RAR Premium event where I mentor homeschooling moms like you. After all, we believe that the key to a successful homeschool is a peaceful, happy, homeschooling parent.
Youâll hear about all the things youâre already doing that make a significant impact in your homeschool. Plus, youâll get an insider look at RARâs framework for making rich and meaningful connections with your kids through books.
There are cupcakes involved.
Whether youâre ready to join RAR Premium or not, I think this episode will help you think about how you structure your homeschool and discover how the things youâre already doing have a huge impact on your family culture.
Remember, youâve got everything you need to teach with peace that transcends all understanding. You were made for such a time and such a homeschool as this. Iâm praying for you.
Books mentioned in this episode:
James Herriotâs Treasury for ChildrenThe Vanderbeekers of 141st StBecause BarbaraA Place to Hang the MoonThe Power of MomentsWhere the Mountain Meets the MoonWhen the Sea Turned to SilverLinks:
Find out more about RAR Premium!
RAR #248: Nurturing Creative Dreams (Your Childâs and Your Own)
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
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How do you know a good book when you see it?
I remember walking into the big, beautiful childrenâs section at the library with my oldest, who was a baby. I wanted to find books to read aloud to her, but it was hard to know which ones we would love.
That longing to find good books for my children was the spark that eventually became the Read-Aloud Revival podcast and RAR Premium community, where weâre always trying to find and share the very best books to read aloud with your family.
Today, RAR Premium Coordinator Leilani Curtis joins me to chat about how we select the books for our booklists here at Read-Aloud Revival. Weâre also going to share our best advice for being more confident in choosing books to bring into your home, whether itâs at the bookstore or the library.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How our booklists can help you choose quality books to share with your familyThree quick questions to help you decide if a book is worth a longer lookThe qualities we look for in books we recommendLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-we-choose-books
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
A library should be a kind of paradise, donât you agree? Author and illustrator Barbara Cooney certainly thought so.
Barbara Cooney was an extraordinary author and illustrator of over 100 childrenâs books with stories that span the world, from the shores of Greece to the mountains of Appalachia. The more I learned about Barbara, the more I wanted to tell the story of this beautiful artist who, in every aspect of her lifeâfrom raising four children to traveling to gardening to winning awards for her illustrationsâwas committed to capturing the beauty in (and for!) the world.
Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World has been nearly six years in the making. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the team that made it happen, from the very first draft to the final, beautiful book youâll hold in your hands.
In this episode, youâll hear:
The many drafts, revisions, critiques, and edits that brought me to the throughline of Barbaraâs wonderfully full and creative lifeHow the art team took on the daunting task of styling and illustrating the book to echo Barbaraâs style without directly imitating itHow sound design and animation bring the audio and video books to lifeLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/making-because-barbara
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Raising creative kids is a beautiful, worthwhile endeavor, but not one that is always neat and tidy!
In today's episode, Iâve invited two of my good friends and fellow creativesâauthors S. D. Smith and Carolyn Leiloglouâfor a conversation on how our creative work as adults impacts our kids. We discuss everything from the challenges of nurturing creativity in our families to the influence of stories on our hearts and minds.
S. D. Smith is the author of the wildly popular and perennial Let the Kids Speak favorite Green Ember series and is a father to four imaginative children.
Carolyn Leiloglou is the author of the middle-grade fantasy series The Restorationists and a homeschool mom to four creative kids.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How connecting with the wonder in our kids fuels and enhances creativityThe value of boredom (a best-kept creative secret!) The nuances of how we measure creative successLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/fostering-wonder-and-creativity
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
What if I told you that your homeschool could be relaxed, bookish, and ordinary? If youâre anything like me, thatâs music to your ears.
Our kids thriveâand we do tooâwhen our day-to-day homeschool is relaxed, bookish, and ordinary. In fact, that's what over 726 experienced homeschool moms told me were the three most important qualities.
Today, Iâm sharing a recording from a session I did at a series of homeschool conferences earlier this year called âRelaxed, Bookish, and Ordinaryâ.
If youâre hoping that your homeschool can be any or all of those things, listen inâI bet youâre closer to it than you think.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How a relaxed approach impacts your childâs ability to learn and your peace as a homeschoolerThe academic, personal, and relationship benefits of having a bookish homeschoolWhy you donât need to strive for an extraordinary homeschool to do it wellLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/relaxed-bookish-ordinary
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Which of these two activities would be easier for you?
Describe the best life you could achieve over the next twenty years.Describe the best things that have happened to you over the past twenty years.I know that as a busy wife and mama, dreaming for the future can feel daunting. As I was reading Jon Acuffâs book, All It Takes Is a Goal this summer, I was struck by how this exercise can shift our perspectives as homeschool mamas and mentors of our children.
In todayâs episode, New York Times bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff is joining me to discuss how to actually achieve those goals amidst the busyness of daily life (hint: youâre probably already doing more than you think!).
Weâll also chat about the book he wrote with his teenage daughters, How Teens Win: The Studentâs Guide to Accomplishing Big Goals, which comes out September 10, 2024.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How looking back at our best moments, big and small, can help us create a vision for the futureWhy itâs okay that your imagination for your kids is bigger than your calendarHow auditioning small goals helps you successfully transition from optimism and realism for yourself and your kidsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/best-moments-in-homeschooling
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Do you have a child who dreams of being a writer? Or maybe itâs your dream? How do you support those dreams and foster creativity while also raising kids and running a household?
Today, Iâm delighted to welcome back author Laura Martin, whoâs giving us her very best advice for how to nurture your childâs creative dreams and your own.
Laura Martin is the author of some of my very favorite page-turners for kids, including The Edge of Extinction series and Glitch, and she has a new book out, Wander Lost, that I know youâll love too.
We talk about the importance of capturing ideas as they come, what creative writing curriculum gets wrong about being a writer, and lots more.
In this episode, youâll hear:
Why Laura says that ideas are like lightning bugsHow Laura nurtures her daughterâs creativity with time, space, and access to materialsHow Laura honed in on what she needs in order to write while juggling four childrenLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/nurturing-creative-dreams
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
We recently took a poll in RAR Premium about favorite reading genres, and it turns out that historical fiction isnât just my favorite genre, but itâs the favorite of many of you as well.
Today, Iâve invited historical fiction lover and award-winning author Anna Rose Johnson to join me to discuss just what it is about historical fiction that draws us in.
Weâre also chatting about the inspiration for her stories, her research process, and what her parents did to support her as a budding writer. In turn, she shares a ton of recommendations for her favorite historical fiction for young readers.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How historical fiction sweeps readers through a portal to another worldHow Anna Rose breaks down her research process into stages so it doesnât get overwhelmingHow re-reading helped Anna Rose develop her ear and voice as a writerLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why-we-love-historical-fiction/
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
If youâre a homeschooling mom, chances are good that youâre familiar with Sally Clarkson. She is one of the most beloved names in homeschooling worldwide, and itâs no wonder why.
She homeschooled her own four kids to adulthood and has been writing and encouraging homeschool moms for decades. She also happens to be one of our most frequently requested guests here at Read-Aloud Revival.
So we have a treat for you today!
A few years back, Sally Clarkson joined us in RAR Premium and shared the advice she wished she could have given to her younger self. With the gifts of hindsight and experience, she tells us what she would have said if she could rewind the clock and whisper a few sage words to her younger self. She even broke it down into the advice she wishes sheâd had at different phases of parenting and homeschooling!
Now weâre sharing her valuable wisdom with all of you.
In this episode, youâll hear:
Why you and your unique gifts and skills are the most essential part of your homeschoolThe key to a successful homeschool experience (hint: itâs all about you, mama!) How to cultivate trusting, open relationships with your teenagers that will get them through the hard timesLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/advice-to-younger-self
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
In the last couple of episodes, weâve discussed the importance of fairy tales, especially in the development of the hearts and minds of our children.
And you might be wondering . . . now that you know about the Gospel connections and symbolism of fairy tales, do you need to dissect every story and present all of the details to your kids?
Experts say no. But it can be incredibly edifying for you as an adult!
Today, weâll discuss how to bring these âtruer than trueâ stories into your kidsâ lives and how deepening our own understanding of their symbolism and meaning enriches our reading lives too.
In this episode, youâll hear:
Why your children donât need you to point out the deeper meanings and connections in fairy talesHow fairy tales provide us an opportunity to shape our childâs lovesWhy simply reading fairy tales aloud to your kids is enoughLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/how-fairy-tales/
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
How can our families cultivate healthy relationships with technology?
Weâre all trying to impose limits on how, when, and why our kids interact with technology. But in our increasingly tech-driven world, it can be hard to navigate.
Writer Erin Loechner is joining me on the podcast to discuss her new book, The Opt-Out Family, and to offer her life-giving take on building lasting connections with your kids.
We discuss everything from the importance of boredom to Erinâs practical and easy-to-implement advice for becoming unplugged. I hope this conversation leaves you inspired to pursue a life less documented and more delightful!
In this episode, youâll hear:
What we can learn from tech about capturing our kidsâ attention Why our kids need more space for curiosity, wonder, and boredom (and how our phones tend to get in the way)Why you donât have to be all-or-nothing with technologyLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/more-than-technology/
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Fairy tales are the stories that shape so many of our childhoods, but they are more than just whimsical tales for children.
They can hold deep, gospel truth and offer profound insight into the Christian life. They have the power to inspire hope, ignite courage, and spark delight in not only our children, but in us, too.
Fairy tales arenât merely stories, theyâre vessels of light in our modern world. They have the capacity to become companions to us, to buoy us along the journey.
In todayâs show, I talk about why fairy tales are worth sharing with our families, as they shape our understanding of the world and our own part in it.
Don't miss our brand-new fairy tale book list! Text âfairytaleâ to 337777 or visit readaloudrevival.com/243 to see the lists. (Theyâre separated by age groups, and thereâs something for everyone!)
In this episode, youâll hear:
What makes fairy tales âtruer than trueâ How fairy tales teach children about hope and confronting fearsWhy you probably need to worry less about âthe weird stuffâ than you think, and trust your gut on what your child is ready forLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/why-fairy-tales/
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
A picture book is an art gallery for the lap. đ
Thatâs something we say all the time here at Read-Aloud Revival, and today weâre going to introduce you to one of our absolute favorite examples of this.
We're diving into the enchanting world of illustrated picture books with Scott Gustafson, the master illustrator behind the breathtaking illustrations in the beloved Classic Fairy Tales picture book.
Classic Fairy Tales is my all-time favorite illustrated collection of fairy tales, and itâs one of our picks for the RAR Family Book Club, A Fairy Tale Summer.
Scottâs breathtaking work has captivated the imagination of readers of all ages. He brings these stories to life in a way that is nothing short of magical.
And because audio alone could never do these gorgeous illustrations justice, we also recorded a video of our conversation, in which Scott shares many of his fabulous illustrations on-screen.
You can find the video along with the full show notes at readaloudrevival.com/242 or on the Read-Aloud Revival YouTube page.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How Scottâs use of light and color helps the reader journey through each painted sceneWhy Scott uses people, costumes, and objects as references in his paintingsScottâs best advice for budding artists and illustratorsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/art-gallery-for-the-lap
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Summer is fast approaching, and here's what we propose: a relaxed and simple summer that offers just enough structure to keep those long sticky days from melting into chaos... and just enough fun to keep your kids asking for more.
Also: Fairy Tales.
Last week, I did a couple of live workshops on three simple steps to have a Fairy Tale Summer with your kids, no matter how old they are.
In todayâs episode, I share the workshop recording, and you can also watch the video workshop that includes all of my slides.
If you want to join us at RAR Premium for a Fairy Tale Summer, head to readaloudrevival.com/fairytale or text âfairytaleâ to 33777, and weâll send you an invitation.
Here's what we'll talk about:
How reading fairy tales can make your summer easier (and more fun)The fairy tales Sarah recommends for every ageThe tippy top thing you can do to make sure your kids make delightful memories this summer (itâs way less work than you think)Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Are you intimidated by the thought of teaching Shakespeare?
Youâre not alone.
A lot of people struggle to connect to Shakespeareâs work, even if they really want their kids to be familiar with his plays.
What if I told you there's a way to make teaching Shakespeare to your kids enjoyable for themâŠ
âŠAND delightful for you?
In todayâs episode, Ken Ludwig, celebrated playwright and author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, argues that the reason so many of us feel like we donât get Shakespeare is because people donât know why (or how!) to teach it.
But figuring out how to teach Shakespeare well is worth it, because not only was he groundbreaking in his time, but he has so much to teach us about what it means to be human.
Donât miss this replay of our live conversation where Ken shares all his best tips on teaching Shakespeare to your kids and answers audience questions.
Plus, Sarah shares her favorite resources for helping kids get excited about Shakespeare.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How to break down passages for young kids one at a timeIs it possible to teach Shakespeare with a wide range of ages?What do we do with Shakespeareâsâahemâthornier content? (After all, there is a lot of it)Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-teach-shakespeare
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Can you believe it? The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast is ten years old!!
That means itâs time for a party! đ„łđ„ł
Ten years is a long time to have a podcast, but weâre not slowing down anytime soon. Weâre having WAY too much fun for that.
In honor of this milestone, Iâve got a Casey Kasem-style countdown for you of the top ten episodes from the first ten years of Read Aloud Revival.
And as a way to say thank you to YOU for listening, if you leave us a review before April 30, 2024, youâll be entered into our raffle to be one of ten winners of an exclusive, all-around fabulous RAR tote bag (these currently arenât for sale, so donât miss your chance to win!)
Ready to party?
In this episode, youâll hear:
Some of my all-time FAVORITE pieces of wisdom from our guestsHow the RAR team developed a few of our best resources for homeschoolersEssential advice for teaching from restLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/top-10-in-10
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
When you hear the name Max Lucado, what comes to mind for you?
Max Lucado is best known as a pastor, speaker, best-selling inspirational author, and, in many Christian families, heâs a household name.
His books are written for everyoneâespecially those who are hurting, lonely, and discouraged. In his writing, he constantly points his readers back to the truth: that God loves you and you should let Him love you.
Max is also an author of childrenâs books, several of which are favorites around here. đ
Sarah invited him to Read-Aloud Revival to discuss his newest picture book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone, illustrated by Eve Tharlet. Itâs a cozy, gentle book, perfect for snuggling up and sharing with your kiddos.
How are stories uniquely positioned to help readers feel seen and understood? Which books did Max Lucado love as a child? And what does he hope his books will do in the lives of his readers, young and old? We dig into all of it.
Listen in to hear:
The power of stories to meet people where they are and touch their heartsWhy Max Lucado wanted to write a book about lonelinessHow reading with your kids builds their sense of comfort and safetyLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/max-lucado
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
Do you ever find yourself wishing you had more time to read?
Oh, every day? (Yeah, we get that.)
Weâre pretty confident that every mom wishes she had more time to read.
Carving out a little time to enjoy your own reading life is worthwhile, even in those seasons when you think itâs impossible. (Sarah has six kids, and when three of them were babies age one and under, it definitely felt like an impossible season!)
But reading makes us better humans, better mamas, and better women. It also makes us happier. And that matters.
Why? Because the key to a successful homeschool is a peaceful, happy mother.
When you know you can count on your reading life to be a source of joy and refreshment regardless of how tough the day is, you just might find yourself being a little happier. A little lighter. A little more joyful.
On todayâs show, weâre talking about how to make time for your own reading life, even when it feels like you donât have five minutes to spare.
Listen in for:
Ideas for sneaking in time to read (even on your busiest days)How to make the most of surprise pockets of timeStrategies for handling interruptions, prioritizing your reading, and finding time to pick up a book even when youâre exhaustedLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/make-time-for-reading
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! -
We all want our kids to read, right?
If youâre listening to this podcast, itâs probably safe to say that you want your kids to grow up to read more often than the average adult does. We want them to be lifelong learners and avid readers who read for pleasure.
So itâs worth considering how we can cultivate the habits of real adult readers in our kids so that they grow up to be the readers we want them to be. And it turns out some of those skills are actually in direct opposition to how we tend to approach reading with our kids.
In this episode, youâll hear:
How choosing what to read is a skill you can help your kids developEight habits of avid adult readersPractical tips for cultivating the skills of adult readers in your kidsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/lifelong-reading-habits
Get Christmas SchoolOrder a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts! - Show more
