Here at the Read-Aloud Revival, we’ve been asked more times than I can count to create virtue-based book lists. And I always say no.

Today, our Creative Director (and my eldest daughter) Audrey is back with me to talk about why we don’t make lists of books that specifically set out to teach kids about kindness, honesty, or other virtues.

The reality is, all good books have a powerful capacity to inspire us towards virtue, and the ones that are the most effective are the ones that don’t set out to teach. They just set out to tell a good story. Good stories, by their nature, form us in virtue.

We’re going to talk about what makes a story formational, and of course, share some of our favorite books that have been formative in our family.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why learning virtue doesn’t need a lesson plan or bullet points, and can even be delightful
• How stories invite us into the experiences of others, with all their human strengths and weaknesses
• The guiding question behind every book recommendation we make at RAR

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read-Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/books-forming-virtue

When you think about the various work that goes into making a children’s book, research probably isn’t at the top of your list.

It might not make it on your list at all!

But research is often an essential part of the process. And I can tell you from personal experience that research can be a time-intensive, sometimes overwhelming, but often the most delightful task.

Today on the show, we’re hearing from some incredible authors and illustrators about the research that goes into children’s books. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a curious reader, you’re in for some surprises.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Two big reasons why authors do research, whether they’re writing a biography, historical fiction, or even fantasy!
• How every research question can be a doorway, from talking with subject matter experts to primary sources to searching your own heart and mind
• The challenges and opportunities in having too little or too much information available about a person or topic

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/sparking-creativity-with-research

When I mention Shakespeare, a lot of people immediately conjure up visions of high school English class, struggling through Julius Caesar line by line.

Which is an absolute shame, because Shakespeare’s plays are meant to be experienced–performed, seen, heard, felt.

And experiencing Shakespeare with your kids is truly one of the most joyful things you can do together.

Today, I’m returning to my conversation with one of my favorite Shakespeare lovers, Ken Ludwig.

Ken is the author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare and one of our most celebrated, widely-performed playwrights. His plays are performed every single night of the year, and his enthusiasm for Shakespeare is utterly contagious and in this episode, we not only nerd out about our favorite plays, but share how to make teaching Shakespeare a true delight for you and your children.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Easy tips for breaking down passages for young kids to make them fun and memorable
• Why Shakespeare is the best way to introduce children to complex, inventive, and beautiful language
• How Shakespeare’s work informs all of the English literature (and plays and TV and movies!) that followed it

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read-Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/joy-of-shakespeare