Books to read over Christmas

A nice article on the npr website about books to read over the Christmas period, which as well as some recommendations of books to read includes some advice on how to overcome any apprehension about reading aloud:

"But some parents feel self-conscious when they read aloud, says Judy Freeman, the author of a guide to read-aloud books called Books Kids Will Sit Still For. Freeman says they should get over their inhibitions.

"Your kids don't know the difference. They just want to be warm, and they want to hear your voice, and they associate the words with you," she says. "It turns them into readers. If you want your kids to read, you have to read to them."

Reading aloud to kids is a good idea no matter what time of year, says Freeman, but the holidays can be an incentive to get started."

Good stuff.