A Must

I have used my local library and their great collection of award winning books on tape for years. It's my secret weapon. Books on tape are a must. They allow me to introduce more authors and their works than I could possibly do otherwise. They keep my children's minds occupied while in the car during the 20-30 minute trip into town (thus eliminating nearly all fussing and fighting) and they allow us all to enjoy a good book together....even dad, who usually misses out on read-alouds. We've just finished listening to Rascal by Sterling North, a Newberry Award winner....an excellent book! Here is the description from Books on Tape:

Eleven-year-old Sterling found Rascal–a mischievous, intelligent, and most engaging young raccoon–in a hollow stump in the woods. Adopted into a household that included Sterling’s absentminded father, four skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, and a half-finished 18-foot canoe in the living room, Rascal became Sterling’s constant companion–and ate, slept, and even went to school with him.
In a very special, adventure-filled year, Rascal and Sterling swam, fished, and explored the countryside together–until the spring day when everything changed.
This heartwarming and delightful memoir of a boy’s friendship with a wild animal and his growing awareness of the world around him has become a treasured classic–and Rascal has taken his place among literature’s most captivating and endearing animals.

Totally up O'dogs alley. We all enjoyed it, but Owen was transported to another place and another time. I love it when a book does that.





Now we are listening to the Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. Read by the author himself. What a treat! This is a must story to listen to. E.B. White's New England accent is mesmerizing, and the story itself is humorous and warm. The Trumpet of the Swan is the story of Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice. How will he woo a female without a voice? This story is just sooo delightful on so many levels. I love the way White teaches about these magnificent animals so naturally through the story telling. I love too how he inspires my children to imitate, do and learn more. What parent wouldn't love a book like that? I love the the tenderness of the Old Cob (the father swan).This I believe, is my favorite of all by E.B White. An absolute must! Even if you are 40 years old. Or twenty something. Go out and find a copy of this most excellent book on tape, read by the author. You'll thank me. Really. You will.