Learn to Listen

Whether you're getting ready to hit the road for a summer vacation, looking for an audio solution to help entertain toddlers who are beginning to resist nap time or (as I talked about last week) seeking an alternative to traditional story time, audio stories are a great way to entertain little ones without resorting to TV.

The other weekend we were in the car with the kids running a series of errands.  Chris had the radio tuned to CBC radio 2 and they were running a version of Peter and The Wolf featuring narration from Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard).  The minions were immediately captivated by this symphonic story, which must run in the family since my dad is obsessed with it and it was a childhood staple in our house.  They both requested to hear it again just a few days later.

Horton, Thing 1 & Thing 2 at Sarasota's Children's Garden Florida

Here are some interesting Books on CD that you might want to explore with your little ones.  I know we'll be grabbing a few of these before we begin our summer road trips up north.  I have provided links to Amazon, or you may want to see what your local library has in stock before you charge your credit cards.

Peter & The Wolf
This is the one that really captivated the minions featuring Patrick Stewart.  It has music and a great story although some kids might find it a little scary.

Charlotte's Web
We watched this movie with the kids for the very first time after it was recommended by another parent at daycare.  This story quickly became a favourite of Jack's, someone whose attention is a little harder to keep, so this will be on our shortlist of audio purchases.

The Gruffalo & Friends
Grandma and Grandpa bought Molly and Jack the book The Gruffalo's Child as a present last year and this quickly became one of their most requested stories.  It could be interesting to explore The Gruffalo's other adventures via CD.

Murmel Murmel Munsch
It's no surprise to many readers that the minions are both pretty crazy about Robert Munsch stories. This collection includes some of their favourites including: Murmel Murmel Murmel, Andrew's Loose Tooth, Pigs and Mud Puddle.

The Cat in the Hat and Other Stories
This gives you 11 Dr. Seuss stories with voicework including Billy Crystal, Kelsey Grammer, John Cleese, Dustin Hoffman, John Lithgow and more....

I'm thinking we might be setting up two library cards in the very near future....

What are your favourite audio stories, pre-schooler, big kid or adult?

To read about three digital videos that Jack has always enjoyed click here.

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Read All About It - Book Review: We Share Everything

My parents are in the habit of taking advantage of their senior discount at the local Goodwill to keep us well stocked in a variety of children's books.  A couple of months ago they grabbed us a book that became a fast favourite: We Share Everything by Robert Munsch.

Book cover image care of Scholastic

Why We Bought It
Growing up my younger brother was a big Munsch fan so anything by Munsch, whether we already have it or not is on my parents must buy list when thrift shopping.  When we get duplicates we pass them along to friends or have a spare for when the minions decide they need to sleep with and systematically destroy  a favourite story.   Munsch trends towards repetitive themes and words which the kids love repeating.  This helps them (Jack in particular) build their vocabulary.

Book Summary
Amanda and Jeremiah are used to getting their own way until they enter kindergarten and learn that being in kindergarten means that we share, "We share everything" - even pink pants (which may also explain why Jack adores this book.)

Read-Out-Loud-Ability
The verse provides an easy story to read out loud to children with many opportunities for them to "read along" to choice quotes.  Jack in particularly loves the onomatopoeia sound effects in this and any Munsch book.  Try to say BLUMPH and GAWCK without smiling, I dare you!

What Molly and Jack Think of the Book
The kids request this book daily.  We hide it sometimes because we read it so often and often trick visitors into reading it to the kids so we can get a break.

Ideal Age
I'd say this book is best suited for kids 2-5 years old.  It would be a great gift for a child who is entering pre-school or kindergarten for the first time.

What We Paid for the Book:
My parents bought this book for 99 cents.

Would Recommend for..
A classic favourite.  Good for any preschooler or kindergartner collection.

Overall Rating
5/5 - it's not Munsch's fault that Jack requests this book daily, sometimes more than once.  On another note, Jack is convinced that Munsch is my father and screams "PAPA" whenever he sees the author photo on the back of  cover.

To read my book review of Oliver Jeffers Stuck click here

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