Dear Great Book Guru, One of my 2026 resolutions is to set aside time every night for a family read-aloud session. I’m looking for something great to start us off - something that would appeal to both older children and adults. Any thoughts? Family Book Reader..... Dear Family Book Reader, There are lots of great books out there, but I just finished one I really enjoyed and think your family will too: THE WINTER OF THE DOLLHOUSE by Laura Amy Schlitz. Told in multiple perspectives in alternating chapters, the book is suspenseful and poignant. Tiphany (her mother was a huge fan of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but a bad speller!) is eleven years-old and pretty much the perfect child, but in her own eyes “plain and ordinary”. She soon becomes a dog walker, actor, thief, and rescuer. The person she rescues is Szilvia Rozsahegyi, an elderly Hungarian woman - owner of a magnificent albeit shabby dollhouse - who soon hires Tiphany to walk her dog. Mr. DeLuca is the cantankerous owner of a toy store who does not like children, especially Tiphany. Gretel and Red are small dolls who have lots to say. Throughout, the usual fairy tale stereotypes are upturned. Szilvia could very well be a witch but instead is an acerbic but loving friend to Tiphany. The girl’s stepmother Holly is devoted to her, and the “wolf” dog becomes her rescuer. There are lost jewels, missing dolls, and a century old mystery – all of which are resolved in a most satisfying conclusion. Definitely a good choice for a family read-aloud!