The Hobbit Read Along
Two weeks from today on Monday, November 5th, our Great Hobbit Read Along Adventure begins! We’ll cover two or three chapters of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien each week for five weeks, ending the first week of December, just before the release of the movie version by Peter Jackson. We hope it will be an exciting adventure for individuals, families and youth groups who choose to join us, with insights from a number of Christian authors and cultural commentators to help you get more from your reading.
Don’t have time for a read along right now? That’s ok, too. We think you’ll still enjoy the insights from our guests. And you can always have your own read along later! So what sort of adventures will we get into? Here’s a sneak peek:
- Worldview/Theological Insight: Jim Ware, author of Finding God in the Hobbit (as well as numerous Adventures in Odyssey for kids), will join us with stories from Tolkien’s life and thought, as well as insights into the story itself and how Tolkien’s Christian worldview informs it.
- Guest #1: John Erickson on Reading Aloud. Author of the Hank the Cowdog series for kids has narrated his own audiobooks for years now, which he says is the most natural medium for his stories. Over seven million parents and kids agree, making his CDs staples among many homeschoolers and other Christian families today. (One mom told me recently that while listening to one of his audiobooks in her car, she laughed so hard she had to pull over. He’s THAT good.) In our first week, he’ll share some secrets to reading aloud, including how you can create memorable characters just using your voice, as well as some simple props that can go a long way.
- Week #1 Contest: Radio Theater for Kids: Using John’s insights about reading aloud, you and your kids are invited to record a page or two reading aloud. Try out a scary Smaug voice or a goofy troll voice, and we’ll let our readers pick the best ones! And the prize? (There has to be a prize, of course.) How bout a copy of one of John Erickson’s audiobooks? And maybe more on top of that!
- Hobbit-ize Your Dad: Ever wondered what your dad or brother would look like if they were a hobbit? Or maybe a troll? We hope to give away a free caricature to one reader, in which you can choose one of the Hobbit characters and have yourself or a loved one drawn in that style. And if you don’t win, you can still purchase them from our caricature artist to create some unique Christmas gifts. (For instance, my daughter says she wants to hobbit-ize our cats….)
And that’s just the tip of the ice berg!
The Hot Chocolate Adventure
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a family read along, as Douglas Bond will mention later this week in his interview, is sharing a sweet or salty snack together. Toward that end, I thought it would be fun to share some fantastic recipes for hot chocolate with each other. (Be sure to scrounge up your family favorite to share with us later!)
It turns out that hot chocolate is a perfect fit for our Hobbit’s tale, since it’s had quite an amazing adventure itself to make it to our tables. For instance, did you know that hot chocolate first appeared in the ancient Mayan culture of Central America, and that it was adopted by Spanish conquistadors who introduced it into European culture (despite the fact that they didn’t use any sugar at all with the drink, yikes!). Today, hot chocolate is still a traditional drink in Mexico, though usually without the Mayan flare (i.e. chiles).
I thought that each week we could try some new kid-friendly hot chocolate recipe. I’ve drawn the first recipe below from the blog of David Lebovitz, a Parisian chef and writer, and the second from Beatriz, as a Hispanic friend of mine who grew up in Mexico. Why not stock up on some dark chocolate, sugar and heavy cream/half and half at the store this week to prepare? (I won’t tell if you start your taste-bud adventure this week!)
2 cups whole milk
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
3 oz. sweet chocolate bar
optional: 1/4 tsp chile powder or 1 stick cinnamon
Directions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk with the cocoa powder and salt, whisking constantly until it comes to a full boil. Add cinnamon stick or chile powder if desired. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, whisking gently until it’s completely melted.
If you don’t have time to make it from scratch, here’s a store bought version that will get you out of your comfort zone…just like our hobbit hero.
The Pre-made Version
At your local grocery story, check the Hispanic foods section for Abuelita hot chocolate tablets made by Nestle. (My friend says she gets them at Publix and they have an old woman on the front.) It also comes in a powder, but she doesnt like these as much. To make, mix 1 cups of water, 3 cups of milk, and one tablet in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil until chocolate is melted. It will be “really chocolatey”, so you might want to eat it like she and her brothers and sisters do–with a very plain bread (maybe a scone for those with a sweet tooth?) dipped in the chocolate. I expect you could also add a little sugar to give it a kick.
The Bookshelf Giveaway Soiree
To wrap up our Library Month and start The Hobbit Read Along, we’d like to give someone a new shelf of kids’ books! We’ve gathered up more than 20 great kids’ books and we’ll put them in several winners hands on November 5th, at 7 pm. Not only can you win books, but you can try out one of our hot chocolate recipes and meet other folks who’ll be doing the read along with you. CLICK HERE to like this Facebook event and find out more!
Would you like to be added to a Hobbit Read Along email list? Just leave us a note saying so in the comments below. We’ll email you each week with the read along materials, just in case you miss them! You’ll automatically be added to the Bookshelf Giveaway, and you won’t have to be present to win! And if you’d like to get started already, here is Week One!
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What a lot of fun things planned! It’s enough reason to look forward to November, which from a Wisconsin perspective is hardly a month to look forward to!
Thanks Hayley! I’m really looking forward to it too! So glad you’ll be reading with us.
I was planning on reading this anyway in preparation for the movie release! Can’t wait to read along!
I am looking forward to reading along!
My son and I just read The Hobbit. I’m excited about this series you are doing!
It’s no surprise to me that I’m so out of touch with movies that I had no idea that The Hobbit was about to come out, but BOY am I excited! That was one of my favorite books as a kid! This is going to be fun!!!
Hmmm, looks like our family may have to amend our typical hot chocolate season for this! On the other hand, if the temps don’t fall below 80 degrees soon, maybe not:-) Eiher way, please sign us up for The Hobbit read-along email list. Tolkien is a family favorite!!
Sounds great! We will be joining your read-long as well!
I already started reading but would love to get the emails.
I read this in high school and never since. I think I want to pick it up again. Count me in.
You guys are so cool. (But maybe I’m a little prejudiced….)
Yes, please add me too!
Would love to be on the Hobbit reading list. My 6th grade class is about to start reading it together!
Emily,
I met you at the wonderful Pilgrim’s Progress event in Hartsville! My family is eagerly looking forward to the Hobbit read-along. Please add us to the email list.
Yes, please add me. We need to re-read The Hobbit before the movie comes out and since our rainy weather started this week, we’ve already started drinking hot chocolate (and hot tea & spiced cider…) so we’re all ready to participate. This read along & your guests will make (re)reading The Hobbit even more fun.
I’m really happy to see that you are planning a Hobbit read along. I was just talking to my son about how, since it was still a little challenging for him to read on his own we would read it together. Now, I’ll wait until this starts up in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to it.
we would like to take part in the read a long
Oh, add me to the list! I’m definitely going to be reading it again before the movie and I might as well follow along. 🙂
Love the hot chocolate ideas!! Can’t wait-thanks!!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll be reading along with you and my youngest son.
Add me. Thanks!
Please add me to the email list. This is a great idea and I think my oldest daughter is just now old enough to introduce her to The Hobbit!
Add me please.
Yes, please add me to the list! We’re completely new to the Hobbit so this will be quite the adventure 🙂
This will be fun! I just this week started listening to the audiobook of The Hobbit read by Rob Inglis — he does a marvelous job with all the voices and even sings the songs. I’d love to be on your read-along e-mail list.
I would love to be added to the Hobbit e-mail list. I’ve been wanting to read it before the movie came out, and this is the perfect way to get started!!
+1 for the hobbit read along.
Definitely in for the read. I’ll probably be drinking chai latte instead of hot chocolate though.
We are looking forward to reading along.
Please add me to your list.
Count me in for this adventure! Thank you.
[…] Redeemed Reader is hosting a read-along of The Hobbit leading up to the release of the first installment of Peter Jackson’s much-anticipated movie version of The Hobbit in December. She has some fun activities, giveaways, and guests scheduled. HT to Challies. […]
I’d love to receive the Hobbit read-along by email. I will be teaching it next semester to grade 8 for the first time, and any insights would be great (like the book mentioned above, Finding God in the Hobbit–thanks!).
I just dusted off our copy of The Hobbitt for my husband & I to read prior to the release! Please add us to the list! Thanks.
Please add us to the list! Sounds like a lot of fun!
Love The Hobbit and love hot chocolate. Too bad my children are all grown up and moved away! Nevertheless, please include me; I’d love to read along.
Please add my family to this list.
Please add me to the list, Thanks!
Would like to be included. Thanks!
Please add me to the list. Thanks.
Add me to the list, please.
Sounds good – include me please in the emails.
Please add me the list as well. I’m excited about starting the Hobbit adventure.
Sounds fun! Add us to the list.
please include me too. I started reading this book last month to my son. I can’t wait to read the insights from others.
We are looking forward to the movie, and were planning to re-read the book. Reading the book with others and sharing insights (and hot chocolate!) sounds great!
Sign me up! Sounds great!
Add me to the list please, we will read along.
Sounds like fun … count me in!
Please add us to the list!
Please add me to the list for the read along
Please add me to the read-along Hobbit list. Thanks!
Please add me to this list. Very excited about this!
Yes, please include me in the read along. Sounds like fun!
Count me in!
Please add me to the list read along. This sounds like a LOT of fun!
Would love to participate!
Please add me to the list.
Please add me to the list! Thank you
It’s been a while since I read this with my daughters so I’m adding it to my AutumnWinter reading list. Looking forward to reading along,
Please add us to the Hobbit read along. We’re new to this; please help us understand how we need to prepare. Thanks a bunch!
please add me to the list
Please count me in and add me to the list! This sounds fantastic! 😀
My husband just started reading The Hobbit to our children on a car trip. Please add me to the email list for this read-along 🙂
I would like to receive the emails for the Hobbit read along.
Please, sign us up.
Thanks!
Please add my to the Hobbit read along email list.
Please add me to the list. Thanks!
I’ve already read this book a few times, but wouldn’t mind reading it again! Add me please!
Please include me on the reading list
Please add me to the email group, thank you.
Please add the Bronkar family to your list. Thank you so much. 🙂
Please add me to the mailing list.
I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never read The Hobbit (or any of the LOTR books), and I’d like to be included in this reading group
Include us!So exciting,
Please add me to your list. My homeschool coop will love this!
Add us please!
Please add me to the list! Thank you.
Please add my family to the list! This is such a great book and will be great movies!
Please add me to the Hobbit Read-Along email list!
Please add me to the Hobbit read-along email list. Thank you!
I have never read this & have 7 kids who have all read it, so I’m in. pLease email me the details. thanks!
Great idea and add me to the list
Please add us to the read along list… looking forward to it!
Please add me to the Hobbit read-along email list. Thank you!
Please add me to The Hobbit read-along. I’m currently reading it and look forward to all the added discussion!
yes, please add me to the Hobbit reading list! Great idea.
Please add me to the list and thanks!
Please sign me up!
Please add me to the ‘read-along’ list!
Many thanks =]
We would love to read along as a family with you!
Yes! Count me in. Looking forward to reading along!
Thanks for adding me to your list!
Count me in too! 🙂 Thanks!
Us too! Us too!
I’m in!
Please add thanks!!!!
What great ideas! Looking forward to the discussion. Thanks!
Deeply humbled by all your responses, and I’m so thrilled we get to read such a rich book together! Can’t wait to get started in just over a week!
Please add our family. Thank you!
Please add us to the list! Thank you
Please ad my family to the list. God bless!
You can count me and my brother in!
Please add us too! We’ve been reading it ourselves, but are only a few chapters in and it sounds like so much fun to join in with you all.
Thank you for this! And, yes, please add me to the list!
Our family of six will be joining the fun! Thanks!
How does the read-along work? We are in hobbitland (new Zealand) and were wondering about the time difference. Thanks.
Mary,
Thanks for your question! I can see your concern. But we won’t have too many real-time events. By putting your name in here, you’re already entered to win the prizes at the Bookshelf Giveaway. We’re planning to hold that at 7pm Central Time in America, and if you can figure out the time difference, you’re welcome to join us if it isn’t the middle of the night there! As for the rest of the Read Along, most of our discussions will be via comments (which you can leave anytime). We will have some contests, too, but they will take place over the course of a week or two, so you should have plenty of time to participate in them.
Hope that helps!
Please add, thanks.
Count me in!
Count us in! Thanks!
Absolutely. Thanks
I’d like to try this, even though I’m busy this fall! 🙂 Please sign me up! natalieroth (at) windstream (dot) net.
I would love to be added to the list, looking forward to participating!
Add me to the list please, and thanks for doing this!
Please add me! 🙂
Add me:)
[…] set the date to watch it, I’m planning to join this reading challenge by RedeemedReader.com: The Hobbit Read Along. The challenge starts on November 5 and should end before the movie version is released. The good […]
I’d like to read-along with our kids.
I’ve never read it, but my husband is a huge fan.
Please add me!
My family and I would love to participate in this! Thank you!
Sounds like a lot of fun! I haven’t read it before but my husband has and our pastor has encouraged us to read it as well! 🙂 I work nights,..but I’ll try to keep up!
We weather Sandy and now ready for The Hobbit:)
I am neither a parent nor a youth (nor a child)–may I still be included? If it helps at all, I can produce substantial evidence (both documentary and testimonial) that I am young at heart …
please add me
Count me in! I’m hoping to motivate my little brother as well. 🙂 Great idea!
Count me in! I’m hoping to motivate my little brother as well. 🙂
Unfortunately, my kids are a bit too young for The Hobbit. But I’m not, and I’ll be joining without them. Please add me to the list!
Add me, please!!
Sounds like a fun opportunity! Let the journey begin!
Please add me to the read along list.
Please add us to The Hobbit read-along. Thanks!
My husband and I are in! Yay!
Our family of six is excited to join in!
would love to be a part of this!
please add me to the read-along email list! Thanks and God bless!
please add me to the email list
please add me to the e-mail list
Please add me!
Please add me to the mailing list! Thanks!
Please add me to your list.
Add me to the list.
Please add me to the read along. Thanks!
Please add us to your list. Thanks!
This sounds wonderful. I truly loved the Hobbit the two previous times I read it. I hope my children do too. Please add us to the list.
Sounds like fun! Please add me to the Hobbit e-mail list and the give away!
Very excited!!! Please add me to the list!
Please add me to the read along email list. Thank you!
My 3 boys and I will be joining in as well!
Joining at the last minute, but please add me to the email list!
Thanks
Looking forward to this! Please add us to the list!
add me!! :0 We may not follow along right now, but in the future!
Count us in for the read along!!–the Everts
Please add me to the email list!
Add Me Please!
Please add me to the read-a-long email list!
Please add me to the list for The Hobbit read-a-long! Thanks.
Hey guys! I just scheduled the first Hobbit Read Along email to hit your emails Thursday morning, Central time. Our sweet intern, Nathan, and I had to enter all these emails in by hand, though, so please let us know if you don’t receive yours. We double-checked, but I suspect there may still be one or two mistakes. (Hopefully, next time we’ll find a way to do this automatically! Until then, thanks for bearing with us.)
We’d like to join the read along for The Hobbit…hope we’re not too late!
Are we too late to be added for the email?
We too would like to join if not too late.