Listen Up to Audiobooks
By Lisa Von Drasek

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan, read by Jesse Bernstein (Listening Library, 2005, ISBN: 0-307-24530-6, 8 cds, $40.00). Percy Jackson has been in six schools in six years. Officially diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, his lack of self-control gets him trouble again and again. What if it isn't his fault? What if all of these outrageous incidents are the result of his being a demigod – the product of a human and Greek god relationship? His is a fast-paced, roller coaster adventure story that will capture those interested in Greek Mythology and inspire others to explore more.

The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson (Recorded Books, 2005, ISBN: 1-419-32001-7, seven cassettes, $61.75; read-along pack, $85.74). An old-fashioned story true to the time-honored children's book format, 12-year-old Annika was abandoned in a church when only a few days old and taken in by a household of eccentric single grown-ups. Master tale-spinner Ibbotson ( Secret of Platform Thirteen, Which Witch) sets the stage in pre-World War I Vienna, and I was charmed by Patricia Connolly's expert narration.

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Andersen (Listening Library, 2005, ISBN: 0-307-24613-2, two cassettes, $23.00). Marc Cashman's wry tone is the perfect match for this absurd, outlandish fantasy. Lily is just an ordinary girl who goes to work with her dad – and discovers that he works for an evil genius bent on destroying the world.

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