Mon, Feb 6, 2023
"Jabari Jumps" is written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall and read by Sheryl Lee Ralph. Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.
Mon, Mar 6, 2023
"The Giving Tree" is written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein and read by Keith Carradine. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.
Mon, Apr 3, 2023
"My Brother Charlie" is written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, illustrated by Shane W. Evans and read by Holly Robinson Peete. Callie is very proud of her brother Charlie. He's good at so many things -- swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett. But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet. His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any other boy -- except he has autism. In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.
Wed, May 3, 2023
"The Sound of Silence" is written by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Julia Kuo and read by Simu Liu. "Do you have a favorite sound?" little Yoshio asks. The musician answers, "The most beautiful sound is the sound of ma, of silence." But Yoshio lives in Tokyo, Japan: a giant, noisy, busy city. He hears shoes squishing through puddles, trains whooshing, cars beeping, and families laughing. Tokyo is like a symphony hall. Where is silence? Join Yoshio on his journey through the hustle and bustle of the city to find the most beautiful sound of all.
Mon, Jun 5, 2023
"Being Frank" is written by Donna W. Earnhardt, illustrated by Andrea Castellani and read by Bob Odenkirk. "Honesty is the best policy." That's Frank's motto. But Frank's overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends and teachers. Not even his own mother is all that fond of Frank's "tell-all" attitude. So Frank turns to his grandpa for help. "Everyone is mad at me for being frank. I'm not sure honesty is the best policy anymore." "That used to happen to me, too," said Grandpa Ernest. A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.
Wed, Sep 6, 2023
"Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly" is written by Alan Madison, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes and read by Kyra Sedgwick. It's hard to be Velma, the littlest Gratch, entering the first grade. That's because everyone has marvelous memories of her two older sisters, who were practically perfect first graders. Poor Velma -- people can barely remember her name. But all that changes on a class trip to the magnificent Butterfly Conservatory -- a place neither of her sisters has ever been. When a monarch roosts on Velma's finger and won't budge for days...well, no one will forget Velma ever again.
Tue, Oct 10, 2023
"Memoirs of a Hamster" is written by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers and read by Melanie Lynskey. Night 1 / My life is perfect. / I have a bowl full of seeds, a cozy pile of wood shavings, and room to run. / I'm never leaving here. / Question: Who's the luckiest hamster in the world? / Answer: ME. Seymour the hamster has the perfect life. He has a spacious cage, a constant food supply, and a FuzzyBoy 360 exercise wheel that lets him run to his heart's content. Life could not be better. Or could it? When Pearl the cat tells Seymour of the goodies beyond the safe confines of his cage, he starts to think he's missing out. And out is the new in. It's only after Seymour is out of his cage that he begins to fully appreciate his safe and cozy home.
Sat, Dec 23, 2023
"Just SNOW Already!" is written and illustrated by Howard McWilliam and read by Julianna Margulies. Nothing is as fun as snow. At least that's what one little boy thinks. But while he stares up at the sky, he misses all the excitement down on the street. There goes a fire engine and a monster truck. And are those monkeys!? "Just SNOW Already!" captures children's love of snow and their frustration with waiting. Bursting with hilarious details, it offers a humorous observation about living in the moment and noticing what's around you.