Five Great Family Read-Alouds

Helen Syski shares five favorite family read-alouds whose humor and creative twists will leave your family inspired. 

It’s that time of year for cuddling up on the couch by the fire for a family read aloud. Discovering a shared family canon makes memories and creates a literary legacy for your family. There is nothing like reading excellent writing to form minds that think deeply and write clearly. There is nothing like excellent stories of courage, virtue — and humor! — to shape our souls for heaven. 

As a family with 5 kids ages 2-14, we have a large range of interests, attention levels, and tastes for adventure. Here are five of our family favorites: 

The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers 

The story of David and Goliath through to the fall of King Saul, retold in the imaginative medieval world of Corenwald. Hero Aidan Errolson is minding his family’s sheep when he meets the insuppressible Drobro Turtlebane, a real-life Feechie! The Feechiefolk are my favorite literary characters of all time. These swamp dwelling, alligator wrestling, mama loving and honor-bound folks will keep you laughing ang guessing as Aiden keeps on doing the next right thing. 

Freddy the Detective by Walter R. Brooks 

As toys, dinners and rabbits go missing, the animals of Bean farm need a detective. Enter Freddy the Pig! This Sherlock-Holmes-educated pig has his wiles put to the test when his best friend is framed as the criminal! A truly humorous and light hearted read. 

By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman 

Race away in the Gold Rush with Praiseworthy the butler and his young master Jack! On a mission to save the family home by striking it rich, they catch crooks and befriend a cast of characters along the way. Humor, suspense (but not too much) and adventure galore, this will have your family racing to the fire for the next chapter. 

The Mitchells: Five for Victory by Hilda Van Stockum 

Daddy is away at war, leaving his children with the admonition “No Dogs!” What will he think of all the needy animals collecting in their home? The children form an alliance for helping the war effort—and their mother at home. Endearing sibling relationships and foibles collide with a troublesome neighbor and a war orphan to result in a delightful homecoming. You will laugh, cry and feel warm all over with this delightful tale. 

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster 

This classic is riotous chaos for the young, while your teens will love the thought-provoking personification of ideas and humorous play on words. Join Milo on his quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! 

Happy reading! 

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Copyright 2025 Helen Syski
Images: Canva