Listen Up to Audiobooks November/December 2006
By Lisa Von Drasek

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article Getting Crafty click here

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, read by Johnny Heller (Recorded Books, 1999, ISBN: 1-428-11424-6, 2 CDs, 45 minutes, $12.75).

Johnny Heller is one of the top narrators of children's and young adult titles in the country. His narrations for Recorded Books have garnered him over 10 Golden Earphone Awards. Heller's narration hits just the right note voicing Viorst's classic picture book about the day in a young boy's life when nothing goes right. Alexander doesn't get the prize from the cereal box, he doesn't get a window seat in the car, the shoe store doesn't have the shoes he wants – and these are just the highlights. Children will identify with his struggles while agreeing that "Some days are like that."

Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker by Megan McDonald, read by Nancy Cartwright (Imagination Studio, 2006, ISBN: 0-739-3355-3, 1 CD, 51 minutes, $15.95).

From the author of the best-selling Judy Moody series, this is the sequel to the early chapter book Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid (Candlewick, 2005). Stink discovers a huge jawbreaker candy and is disappointed when it doesn't really break his jaw. The sequel is just a hilarious as the first book, especially when read by the actress who is also the voice of Bart Simpson. This early chapter book's animated short chapters are perfect read-alongs for reluctant readers.

Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz, read by Arthur Morey (Listening Library, 2006, ISBN: 0-739-33639-8, 6 CDs, 7 hours, 21 minutes, $39.00).

Set in 1890 Tokyo, we follow 16-year old Toyo Shimado as he starts his first year at an exclusive boarding school. The story begins with his uncle committing ritual suicide as we witness the changing society of turn-of-the-century Japan. Morey's reading captures the time and place as well as the camaraderie of the young first-years as they band together against the tyranny of the senior students. Within this society is also the excitement and love of baseball.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, read by Jim Dale (Listening Library, 2006, ISBN: 0-739-33690-8, 6 CDs, 6 hours, 30 minutes, $29.95).

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, read by Tim Curry (Simon and Schuster, 2006, ISBN: 0-743-56452-6, 5 CDs, 5 hours, $29.95).

Oh, how to choose? These two versions of this classic story are both read by fantastic professional, award-winning actors. Both readers capture the detached and unique humor of Barrie. Both voice numerous characters with charm. As a huge fan of Peter Pan, I was delighted to listen to Jim Dale, who has won numerous awards for his readings of Harry Potter, describing the adventures of Wendy, Peter, Michael and all of the Lost Boys. Tim Curry, well-known for his film work, captured my heart as the voice of Lemony Snicket in the audio editions of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Curry draws the listener into Barrie's world with the deliberate tone and pacing of an experienced storyteller.

To read Lisa Von Drasek's related article Getting Crafty click here

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

November/December, 2006, Vol.37, No.3