Here’s round 2 of some excellent eBooks (and audiobooks) I’ve been purchasing for you!
First of all, I wanted to make sure you can still access all your favorite series. We now have all ten of The Bad Guys books in eBook format, as well as all of the Baby-sitter’s Club graphic novels, including the newest Little Sisters book. I also picked up all of the Wings of Fire downloadable audiobooks. If you’re wanting something a bit more haunting, try Mary Downing Hahn’s eBooks and audiobooks.
New Chapter Books Online
“Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom” written by Louis Sachar, illustrated by Tim Heitz
Guess when the last Wayside School book came out? 1995! 25 years later and we have the next book in this delightful series. While I haven’t read this newest one yet, what I loved about the first books is the perfect combination of comedy and kindness in each chapter. Definitely check out this new book, but if you want to go back and read the others first, we have all of those in eBook format as well.
“Narwhal On a Sunny Night” written by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by AG Ford
Here’s another new book to try! This is the latest in the Magic Tree House series, in which Jack and Annie get to meet Lief Erikson—and narwhals of course. We have this one in eBook and downloadable audiobook. Once you’ve finished it, bring in a little nonfiction fun with the companion book “Narwhals and Other Whales.”
“Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” written by Kwame Mbalia
Fans of Percy Jackson should definitely check out this Rick Riordan Presents book. Mbalia crafts an adventure with African-American folklore, West African mythology, and a relatably imperfect hero. When Tristan accidentally punches a hole into another world, he must team up with John Henry and other heroes to save that world.
eBooks from the Sixties
Finally, I wanted to highlight some nostalgic reads. This extra time at home could be a great way to introduce your kids to some books you loved growing up.
We now have all of “The Chronicles of Prydain” on audiobook. First published in the 1960s, and inspired by Lloyd Alexander’s time in Wales, this series is a prime example of high fantasy. As a bonus, try watching Disney’s version of the “The Black Cauldron” after you listen to these and compare the two.
For another classic from the 60s, we have Jean Craighead George’s “My Side of the Mountain” on audiobook. I loved this one growing up. The main character leaves home and forges a life for himself in the Catskill Mountains. A tale of survival, adventure and growing up, I think the focus on isolation and the power of community is especially relevant today. We also have the next two books in the trilogy as well.
When sitting at home more than we’re used to, it can be easy to fall into the doldrums. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster is the perfect remedy! Now is a great time to introduce a new generation to Milo and the Kingdom of Wisdom. With all the delightful wordplay and emphasis on learning, “The Phantom Tollbooth” is just right for kids learning from home. We have it in audiobook and eBook format.
