Listen Up to Audiobooks April 2006
By Lisa Von Drasek

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article For the Love of Read-Alouds click here

Precious and the Boo Hag by Patricia C. McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss, read by Sisi Aisha Johnson (Recorded Books, 2006, ISBN: 1-419-35019-6, 1 CD, $12.75, ages 4+).

When Precious stays home with a stomachache, her older brother tells her the scary story of tricky Pruella the Boo Hag who can change shape. Mama warns her, "Don't let nothing and nobody in this house." The narrator's light folksy tones perfectly describe a day home alone and then change ominously with the arrival of the Boo Hag. This ALA notable book is sure to be a hit heard again and again. Teachers can pair with other warning tales like The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Flush by Carl Hiaasen, read by Michael Welch (Listening Library, 2005, ISBN: 0-307-28070-1, 1 unabridged CD, $30.00, ages 10+).

The second novel by the Newbery honor winner for Hoot is a fast-paced, ecologically based humorous story that starts with a bang when Noah visits his father in jail. His father's impulsive action of protest – sinking a casino boat that has been illegally dumping – is just the beginning as Noah gathers a motley crew to fight against pollution and save the beaches.

Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall Smith, read by the author (Recorded Books, 2006, ISBN: 1-419-37033-2, 1 CD, $12.75, ages 9+).

The best-selling author of the adult book Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency wrote this early chapter book in 1990. Akimbo accompanies his father on an African game preserve where they discover an elephant that had been murdered by poachers for its ivory tusks. While his father works, Akimbo devises a dangerous plan to capture a ring of elephant poachers. This becomes an engaging adventure as Akimbo declares war on the poachers.

Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains by Deborah Hopkinson, read by Jessica Almasy (Recorded Books, 2006, ISBN: 1-419-38406-6, 1 CD, $12.75, ages 4+).

The narrator, a young girl named Delicious, tells this tall tale of natural forces of flood, hail and cold that threaten the young fruit trees. The journey is described in a light-hearted vernacular as we root for the survival of this pioneer family and their precious cargo. The tale is loosely based on a real-life fruit pioneer, Henderson Luelling who brought the first fruit trees to Oregon and planted the first orchard there. Page-turn signals make this a nice companion for use in class with the picture book.

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article For the Love of Read-Alouds click here

Lisa Von Drasek is Children's Librarian at the Bank Street College of Education in New York, NY.