Audiobooks make great travel companions

Published 5:00 am Friday, July 27, 2007

Kid Culture features fun and educational books and toys for kids.

The last month of summer is already here, which is often the month of quick trips to the ocean or to a favorite camping spot. Listening to recorded books while the family is traveling in the car is an excellent way to share laughter, puzzle over mysterious happenings, or wonder together about other worlds and lives. Professional actors and actresses bring these stories to life, interpreting the different characters with myriad voices and just the right amount of drama. Here are three of the best from the past year that will appeal to children ages 5 and older, as well as the adults who are riding along.

‘Peter and the Shadow Thieves

Written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, narrated by Jim Dale

Anything read by Jim Dale is an absolute treat, including all of the Harry Potter books. This is the second in a series about Peter Pan before his time with Wendy, when he is just an orphan who meets a girl named Molly and becomes involved with pirates and the Mollusk tribe.

The voice of evil Lord Ombra will make the hairs rise on your neck, and youll want to drive around and around the block until you find out whether Peter and Tinker Bell are able to save the magical star dust. This is not a cutesy fairy tale, but a fantastic, sometimes hilarious, adventure on the high seas and tropical islands.

‘Araminta Spookie

Written by Angie Sage,

narrated by Katherine Kellgren

Araminta is a brave girl who lives in a haunted house with ghosts, vampires and other spooky characters, but there is nothing frightening about this story. Its silly fun, with Kellgrens distinctive voice performing a story about how Araminta saves the house from being sold by crabby Aunt Tabby, and another about finding the perfect gift for Sir Horace.

When you need something light and giggly to listen to, this is just right.

‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Written by Kate DiCamillo,

narrated by Judith Ivey

This lovely and endearing fable is the story of a china rabbit who believes himself to be superior to almost everyone. When he accidentally falls overboard during an ocean voyage, he begins an adventure filled with lessons about courage, sacrifice and love. A fishermans wife, a hobo, and a dying girl are some of the characters who touch Edwards heart and lead him back to the one who loves him most. Much like Charlottes Web and other enduring stories, you will not easily forget Edward.

‘The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow

Written by Kaye Umansky,

narrated by Jenny Sterlin

Solomon is on a quest to find his parents, with only the silver spoon that was found in his infant mouth as a clue. Along his way he is joined by several quirky characters, such as Prudence, who dreams of being a writer, the Prodigy, a precocious circus performer, and Freddy, a chimney sweep with secrets.

Occasional references to the Intelligent Reader create very funny moments, and the many twists and turns of this Dickensian novel will keep everyone guessing, right up to the last farcical surprise. The many voices that narrator Sterlin creates, especially that of the Prodigy, make the Journey of Solomon entertaining for everyone.