Read-Alouds: The Trapp Family Singers

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• Sumo

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We just finished reading The Trapp Family Singers. Yes, the book that led to The Sound of Music. 

As you know, Maria was preparing to become a nun when she was assigned to be governess to Baron Von Trapp’s motherless children.  She fell in love with the children, the whole family fell in love with her, and life seemed happy and secure for everyone.  Until the war came.  Then it all changed, and the family fled to the United States, supporting themselves by giving concerts.  Their lives were one adventure after another, from settling into their new country and finding a home of their own, to starting a music camp and aiding the poor back in Austria.  For the sake of the little ones, we skipped two gripping chapters of sickness, sadness, and death near the end.

What a joy this book was for all of us!  The children (7-16) were enthralled by the story line, the dramatic events, the lively characters, and all the humour.  We all enjoyed the history, the music, the nature, the many challenges overcome, the homesteading, and Maria’s incredible initiative.  Lots of faith, a little bit of homeschooling, and some hard-won wisdom round out this lovely book.

The Trapp Family Singers is perfect for a family read-aloud, one of my favourites after Heidi.  Enjoy!

For more about homeschooling and reading aloud, see Thirsty Thursday and Read Aloud Thursday.