It's Monday...Time For a Christmas Read-Aloud

Since we only have four Mondays before Christmas, I wanted to spend each one of them with a read aloud about this time of year! The first one is Silver Packages-An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant.  The story is taken from something that really happens. There is a real train that rolls through the Appalachian Mountains every Christmas season. From the train toys are thrown out to the children who wait patiently for them. This has happened every Christmas since 1943.

In the story a young boy waits each year for the train to bring him a special present. Not just any present, but a particular present. Each year, instead of what he wants, he gets things that he really needs. The story is a lesson in expectations and the power of kindness.

The book is illustrated by Chris K. Soentpier with watercolor paintings. The pictures make the story all the more realistic and enjoyable. This is a book you can use for teaching writing craft as well as the deep meaning behind the story. Well, of course you can, it was written by Cynthia Rylant after all!!!  Enjoy!