Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson books about an amusing pig who happens to love toast (among other treats) are delightful early chapter books for beginners. Do beginners really need a recording of a book they can read? Well, maybe sometimes. Reading and listening are not unconnected. For some kids hearing a book first may actually provide a welcome way into the solo reading experience. Remember, young children like to hear and re-hear their storybooks and the same often holds true of beginning readers. Ron McLarty’s narration allows them to preview the story and enjoy it before tackling the printed page on their own. Listening without the book helps kids comprehension. They need to supply the pictures in their heads…the pictures that are made from the words alone. This is what we must do when we read alone, so listening is the first step in using the mind’s eye. There is also benefit from following along with the book itself. Following as the narrator reads can help kids develop eye sweep and provides a model for reading with expression. The Mercy Watson Collection is a solid choice since the pages are not dense with words, but the text goes beyond a picture book to the next level up while being entertaining. 

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of Steig’s best, Dominic packs his things and takes off to see the world. Pretty soon he meets up with the Doomsday Gang and so his adventure begins as he proves himself a match for their greedy ways. When word gets around, all who have been subjected to these villains seek Dominic’s help. A tale about the ups and downs of winning one's independence while learning about life and death, love and loss, and a genuine love of life! This is a story adults can savor along with their kids.   2 hrs. & 43 minutes on 3 CD’s. A good choice for a long car trip or flight.  

 

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Martin Waddell’s well loved storybook about a little bear who cannot sleep comes to life in this wonderful combo package that includes a book, DVD, CD, and activity stickers with play scene. The DVD includes a lightly animated version of the story adapted from Barbara Firth’s illustrations. It is narrated by Dan Russell and is accompanied by music that fits the soothing bedtime storybook. Turn the disk over and it can be listened to with the picturebook. One track includes signals for turning the pages. Packed in a carry case, this is an ideal take along for plane or auto rides and quiet times when a story is just the ticket. 3-6

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

If you only know the Disney version of Peter Pan—you are in for a big surprise—and a very special treat. I’m not sure how many parents today will wade into that world J.M. Barrie created early in the 20th Century. But with Jim Dale as the storyteller, no problem! As he did with his masterful readings of the Harry Potter books, Jim Dale creates a special magic with a unique voice for each of the featured players. You will love his take-charge Peter, his snide Captain Hook and his smotherly, motherly Wendy. Take this along on the next long drive you do or dole it out a few chapters at a time as an after dinner treat. Dale will take you off to Neverland with his magical performance. Think lovely thoughts!

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

You may not want to admit it, but if you have never gotten through all of Lewis Carroll’s Alice, let Jim Dale take you down the rabbit hole and beyond. Who better than this master storyteller can navigate you through the world of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and all the other whimsical characters created in 1865? Dale’s reading makes this classic live with a new vitality.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

We liked this oversized paperback book with tons of ants to count and a camp song to sing. Now a new edition has come out with a CD that has two tracks. One has the song being sung while the other is for karaoke singers.  Enjoy!

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009.