When I was a library school student, many of my classmates commuted by car from Suffolk County to Queens College. These were often the classmates that contributed the most to the “love of books on CD” discussions since many of them listened to narrated stories to and from school. Since I walked to school and my job (perks of working where you live!) I never got on the “book on CD” train. There have always been audio books for kids, you may find them in these plastic bags that have hangers on top in a small section of your public library with a book and tape together. While I still don’t listen to books in the car, I have found a new use for the book on CD – to assist with bedtime story time with one child when another needs tending to. Disney has recently launched a new Read-Along Storybooks and CDs series with characters/stories every child loves: Star Wars, Captain America, Ironman, Aladdin, Frozen, Inside Out and Finding Dory and more. With pictures of scenes straight from the movies and the voice talents of the actors and actresses in the films (Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man/Tony Stark to name a few), your children will be able to follow along and be entertained if they are too lazy to read the book themselves (or are starting to sight read and can’t quite read on your own yet). And if audiobooks are your thing, now you can include your child in the daily ritual of listening to books on the road.
Other New and Noteworthy Books From the masterminds at Disney Press:
For Finding Dory Fans:
Fish Talk – Suzanne Francis – This book is written in dialogue form (think a play or movie script with alternating colors and clear distinctions as to who is speaking and tells the story of the movie. Perfect for 2nd-4th grade readers who can follow along the style. I think it is a fun way to bring the movie home and a great introduction to learning how to read in different formats.
Three Little Words – Amy Novesky – Dory’s mantra “Just Keep Swimming” is what gets her through the toughest times and has become one of the most quotable quotes from a Disney Pixar movie. This book is a reminder that sometimes things don’t always go your way but if you remember these three little words you can get through all your rough times. The bright watercolor illustrations make you feel like you are floating through the ocean with Dory and her friends.
For Percy Jackson Fans:
Demigods & Magicians – Rick Riordan
If you’ve read the Percy Jackson series and The Kane Chronicles you are ready for this exciting new adventure where Percy and Annabeth meet the Kane kids and work together to destroy the evil walking around the streets of New York for the first time. If you haven’t read those series yet – (I am talking to you every 5th grader in the world), it is time to get reading!!
For The “Elephant and Piggie” Fans:
The Thank You Book – Mo Willems
It’s the end of an era!! Elephant and Piggie have one last story to share with us (as easy readers) and they send personal thank yous to everyone who has ever appeared in their books. We are all blessed to continue seeing these 25 books on our shelves, and hope Elephant and Piggie will be back with more adventures for us in the future (in the form of early chapter books)!
New Board Books:
My First Words – Jerrod Maruyama
Broken down by categories familiar to little ones, this brightly illustrated board books combines real life pictures with Disney characters to help young ones learn to sight read and recognize typical shapes, colors, animals and objects all around them.
Marvel Mighty Numbers and Marvel Mighty Colors
Brighten your young super hero’s day with these sturdy books that depict the famous super heroes and the colors they wear (or are) and count them as they fill each page!
