Check out these digital and audio book titles
Public libraries are full of materials to check out — books, DVDS, board games, music, and more! Did you know that even when the library building is closed, digital services still abound?
There are free online resources through your library that can offer access to ebooks, eaudiobooks, feature films, documentaries, magazines, music and more. Digital picture books offer vibrant illustrations, read-along capabilities, and a seemingly endless list of titles to choose from when you are on the go or staying at home.
I selected these titles because I think they make fabulous digital reading experiences whether you are listening together, practicing reading with a readalong book, reading an interactive book with baby, or looking for an adventurous read.
‘Winnie-the-pooh’ by A. A. Milne, read by Peter Dennis (audiobook)
You may have read tales from the Hundred Acre Wood with your family, but have you listened to them? It is a delight to hear the different voices narrator Peter Dennis gives each character, bringing them to life. Stories with familiar characters and plot are an ideal option to listen to with the whole family, regardless of age. These 10 stories make a great sit-down activity to practice auditory comprehension skills or to play in the background while you work on a craft, prepare a meal or begin/end your day. The songs and onomatopoeia offer opportunities for listeners to join in on the storytelling fun.
‘We Don’t Eat
Our Classmates’ by Ryan T. Higgins
A humorous story about a T. Rex named Penelope Rex, going to school for the first time. But she has trouble making friends because of her unending appetite for children. It’s relatable ... sort of. The story will keep you reading with its laughout-loud moments. The bright colors, bold lines, alternating vignettes and two-page spread detailed pages are a feast for the eyes. The illustrations of the classmates clearly indicate diversity in skin color, cultures and religious beliefs. This read-along book is a perfect fit for beginning readers.
‘Pat-a-cake,’ by Melissa Everett, illustrated by Mark Kummer
This interactive depiction of a nursery rhyme shines on a mobile device with its simple, bright color palette and two-page spreads. The illustrations focus on the rhyme actions, rather than extraneous details. Perfect for expecting or new parents looking for an introduction to nursery rhymes and
great practice for reading with baby. I recommend reading it aloud with baby, taking your time on each page as you point out the words and details. When you are ready to go offscript, try acting out the nursery rhyme with baby. This is called a fingerplay. You can do this by showing baby with your hands as well as going through the motions with baby’s hands. Combining action with a song helps baby’s language development.
‘Charlotte The Scientist Is Squished,’ written by Camille Andros, illustrated by Brianne Farley
The cover of this book implies a cute little story about a bunny named Charlotte who is a budding scientist — a nod at those looking for another STEAM read. But as you read the book, you find it is about something else. Charlotte is from a big family. Too big. She has so many brothers and sisters that it’s hard for her to conduct her experiments. The lack of space starts to noticeably stress her out. Left there, the story could be disheartening, but author Andros and illustrator Farley skillfully use these circumstances to show the importance of personal space. What Charlotte figures out, through the scientific method I might add, is that although there are many technological ways to carve out personal space, what really makes a difference is recognizing how you feel, what’s important to you — in her case, her family — and the importance of asserting and communicating your needs.