Literacy in the Library

TOOLS FOR INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME LIFELONG READERS AND LEARNERS

Take a Reading Road Trip!

July/August 2008

Hitting the road this summer on a car trip with the kids? Stop by the library before you head out and make it a reading road trip! Whether you’re looking for books, bookpacks (book & CD together) or even downloadable audio eBooks, you’re sure to find something you and your kids will enjoy together.

Bookpacks are a fun way to introduce a little variety into your reading time with your preschooler. Bookpacks usually contain a print copy of a picture book and a CD recording of the book together in a plastic bag with a snap handle. At the beginning of the recording, there are instructions on when to turn the pages.

Summer is the perfect time to explore gardening themed bookpacks. Try Lois Ehlert’s Planting a Rainbow, complete with original music on the recording to accompany the book’s vibrant illustrations. For a bit of garden mischief, check out Candace Fleming’s Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! and discover whether Mr. McGreely wins his battle against some very crafty bunnies.

Have preschoolers and elementary age kids traveling in the car together? Take turns reading aloud the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo. Mercy is no ordinary pig -- she’s a “porcine wonder” with a penchant for buttered toast. Chris Van Dusen’s humorous illustrations add visual delight to these fun-loving adventures.

The Mercy Watson books are also available on CD or as downloadable audio eBooks. If you’re looking to travel light, audio eBooks are the way to go. We have a wide variety of titles you can download to your PDA, computer or mobile device. New to audio eBooks? Find answers to frequently asked questions about digital materials.

Our Travel Entertainment page is also a great resource to check before you hit the road. You’ll find book and music CD recommendations, along with suggestions for car games that will make the miles fly by!

By Ann Schwab, Children's Librarian, Central Library, The Denver Public Library

Literacy in the Library

Take a Reading Road Trip!

July/August 2008

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