"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 enduring–from its original bestselling release in 1843 through countless adaptations–to the place of fondness and tradition it has in so many of our homes today.

In this episode, you’ll 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 Dickens’s tale and what they love so much about A Christmas Carol.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why we love A Christmas Carol as a read-aloud for the whole family
• How Joe Sutphin illustrated and populated Scrooge’s world for Little Christmas Carol
• The real backstory of why Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, which inspired Samantha Silva’s novel

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/all-about-a-christmas-carol

• Get Christmas School
• Order a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts!

As homeschooling moms, we often focus more on what we’re not doing than what we are doing. We fret about the lessons we should be teaching or the projects we should be creating.

But here’s what we want you to remember (and what we try to remind ourselves): what you’re already doing is powerful. It’s purposeful. And best of all, what you’re already doing builds an enduring family culture.

In this bonus episode, you’ll discover the power of what you’re already doing and why the culture we create in our homes matters much more than whatever curriculum we use.

Today, we’re 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.

You’ll hear about all the things you’re already doing that make a significant impact in your homeschool. Plus, you’ll get an insider look at RAR’s framework for making rich and meaningful connections with your kids through books.

There are cupcakes involved.

Whether you’re 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 you’re already doing have a huge impact on your family culture.

Remember, you’ve 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. I’m praying for you.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
• The Vanderbeekers of 141st St
• Because Barbara
• A Place to Hang the Moon
• The Power of Moments
• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
• When the Sea Turned to Silver

Links:

• Find out more about RAR Premium!
  
  
• RAR #248: Nurturing Creative Dreams (Your Child’s and Your Own)
  
  

• Get Christmas School
• Order a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts!

How do you know a good book when you see it?

I remember walking into the big, beautiful children’s 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 we’re 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. We’re also going to share our best advice for being more confident in choosing books to bring into your home, whether it’s at the bookstore or the library.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How our booklists can help you choose quality books to share with your family
• Three quick questions to help you decide if a book is worth a longer look
• The qualities we look for in books we recommend

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-we-choose-books

• Get Christmas School
• Order a copy of Beyond Mulberry Glen by January 7, 2025 to get your free gifts!