Read to Me: One Family’s Read-Aloud Journey

Christine Hanus recalls how reading aloud to her children united the entire family and left a lasting impression on her children. 

Over the years, we educated our children in conventional schools as well as home school, but regardless of their formal education, one thing we often did as a family was read aloud. I was always convinced that reading quality books and stories to my children would have a host of educational benefits, but what really amazed me is the family dynamic it introduced. We were a busy family on the highway of life, and reading together merged us all into the same lane, physically and mentally. It created experiences and feelings that, long afterward, became shared memories. 

Frankly, I loved reading to my kids. The older they got, the more I liked it! We read a variety of books. As a girl, Louisa May Alcott was one of my favorite authors, so, as a mother of four boys, I decided to read Little Men. When my kids were teens, we tackled David Copperfield, a verbose and formidable read which was made more easily digestible with my commentary and a few judicious omissions. Together, we were all captivated by the stories of O. Henry. Together, we laughed heartly at The Princess Bride as I read from a frayed paperback I had retained from my teen years.  

Lasting Impressions 

As I think about the memories of reading to my children, I can still feel my youngest son snuggled up to my side — his soft, kissable head resting against my arm. I can see my oldest son sketching intently while he listens from the near-by dining room table. My other two sons sprawl on the floor building with Legos. Their three-year-old sister, wanting to be part of it all, sits first with her oldest brother to draw, then climbs onto my lap with her blanket.  

Sometimes, even dad would join us. Once, locked in a car together on a cross-country trip, he heard The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and thoroughly enjoyed each new installment. 

Just for fun, I recently asked my grown children which read-aloud book was most memorable for them.  Here are some of their responses: 

30-year-old son: I remember you reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I almost want to say that it was the first book you read aloud, but I’m not sure if that is true. The annoying part was that your voice would give out, so we’d have to take breaks. I just remember being totally captivated by the story and the oddness of talking animals. It introduced so many new, fantastical ideas! 

29-year-old son: Emily of New Moon was memorable. I really enjoyed that book and how it was like Anne of Green Gables but with a bit of the “supernatural.” It also illustrated the process of finding a talent and fleshing it out. Also, The Princess Bride was super fun! 

27-year-old son: The Sea Wolf was my favorite. I think the relationship between the protagonist and the captain is so complicated and bizarre. The captain is a full-on nut. 

22-year-old daughter: It’s hard to pick a favorite because there were so many, but the ones I remember the most are Black as Night [by Regina Doman] and I Am Margaret [by Corinna Turner]. I really liked the mystery and suspense. 

Reliable Reading Resources 

If you are interested in learning the benefits of reading aloud, this resource from the Institute for Excellence in Writing is compelling. Check out Read-Aloud-Revival to find engaging podcasts on the subject, such as What Happens in Your Child’s Brain when You Read Aloud and Why We Should All Be Reading Aloud to Children.  

If you would like to read more books to your children, GoodBooksForCatholicKids.com lists book suggestions for every age level. And remember, reading can and should be enjoyable and even fun, but our goal as Catholic parents isn’t to get our children to read “just anything.” Reading, and the discussion that accompanies it, can plant seeds that grow beautiful and useful fruit, or it can plant seeds that bear poisonous fruit. The books we read should foster an appreciation of good writing, meaningful themes, authentic humor, and the goodness of truth. As the character Isola Pribby says in the novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, “Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.” I have certainly found this to be true! 

Further Information

This is the third in a series of three articles published at Catholic Mom to help parents fill their child’s mind with material that will inspire and strengthen them academically and spiritually. Check out Sing Your Way to Memorization and Furnish Your Child’s Mind by Helping Them Memorize Poetry if this subject interests you. Each article includes a number of helpful resources to help you get started.

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Copyright 2025 Christine Hanus
Images: Canva