Books listed in this issue of Talking Book Topics were recently sent to cooperating libraries. The complete collection contains books by many authors on fiction and nonfiction subjects, including animals, geography, nature, mystery, sports, and others. Contact your cooperating library to learn more about the wide range of books available in the collection. Cassette books, labeled with the code RC, play at 15/16 ips. To order books, contact your cooperating library.
The Truth about Mary Rose RC 40999
Jericho RC 42206
by Janet Hickman
read by Barbara Rappaport
1 cassette
Angela is not happy that her family is spending its vacation
helping her grandparents and her great-grandmother. There are no
girls her age in the tiny town, and her depressed GrandMin
doesn't remember who Angela is. Angela's visit is described
alongside the story of her great-grandmother's youth in the same
town. GrandMin as a young person is quite different from the
helpless, forgetful woman Angela knows today. For grades 5-8.
1994.
Poppy RC 42709
by Avi
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
The deer mice know they must ask Mr. Ocax the owl for permission
before they wander far from their home. Poppy's father says it
is because Mr. Ocax wants to protect them against porcupines,
but Poppy soon learns otherwise. While she and her boyfriend,
Ragweed, are out for a forbidden night stroll, Mr. Ocax eats
Ragweed. If Poppy cannot convince her father and the other mice
of the danger, she must somehow protect them. For grades 3-6.
1995.
Arthur, High King of Britain RC 43414
by Michael Morpurgo
read by Marilyn Gleason
2 cassettes
The epic legend of King Arthur is presented within the tale of a
twentieth-century boy who is rescued from drowning and brought
to a sea cave by Arthur Pendragon. Arthur tells the boy stories
of his own rise to the throne, of the Knights of the Round
Table, and of triumph and tragedy in the kingdom of Camelot. For
grades 5-8. 1995.
Red Ranger Came Calling: A Guaranteed True Christmas Story
RC 43470
by Berkeley Breathed
read by Ray Hagen
1 cassette
In 1939 a nine-year-old boy calls himself Red Ranger of Mars
after a movie hero, Buck Tweed. Red wants a Buck Tweed bicycle
for Christmas but knows his aunt can't afford one. When he
discovers an ancient man who claims to be Santa Claus, Red
(although a nonbeliever) asks him for the bike. For grades 4-7.
1994.
The Snowy Day RC 43471
by Ezra Jack Keats
read by Chuck Young
1 cassette (Reissue)
Young Peter is thrilled to wake up to snow piled high. He spends
the day crunching, sliding, building a snowman, making snow
angels, and having a great time. Caldecott award winner. For
grades K-3. 1962.
Fall-Out RC 43530
by Gudrun Pausewang
read by June Carter
1 cassette
Fourteen-year-old Janna and her brother, Uli, are alone when an
accident rocks the nuclear power plant near their home in
Germany. As they flee, Uli is killed by a car. Janna learns that
the disaster has claimed the rest of her family, loses patience
with the public apathy, and joins antinuclear activists. For
grades 6-9. 1987.
Meet Felicity: An American Girl RC 43761
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
Felicity and her family live in 1774 Williamsburg, where her
father runs a general store. Felicity helps at home, but she
would rather be working with her father. And when she discovers
that old Mr. Nye is mistreating his new horse, Felicity knows
what she must do. Prequel to Felicity Learns a Lesson (RC
43762). For grades 2-4. 1991.
Felicity Learns a Lesson: A School Story RC 43762
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
Felicity, almost ten, is to begin lessons in being a polite
colonial Williamsburg gentlewoman. She will take classes with
two girls who have just arrived from England. But when the
colonists decide to boycott English tea, Felicity has some
choices to make. Sequel to Meet Felicity (RC 43761). For
grades 2-4. 1991.
Felicity's Surprise: A Christmas Story RC 43763
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
Just before Christmas in colonial Williamsburg, Felicity
Merriman is surprised to receive an invitation for a dance
lesson at the governor's palace. The other girls will have new
gowns, and Felicity's mother decides to make her one. But then
Mrs. Merriman becomes ill. Sequel to Felicity Learns a Lesson
(RC 43762). For grades 2-4. 1991.
Happy Birthday Felicity! A Springtime Story RC 43764
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
When Felicity's grandfather arrives in colonial Williamsburg for
a visit, he brings her a birthday surprise--her grandmother's
guitar. Felicity promises not to take it out of the house, but
is overcome by her longing to have Miss Manderly tune the guitar
and teach her to play it. Sequel to Felicity's Surprise (RC
43763). For grades 2-4. 1992.
Felicity Saves the Day: A Summer Story RC 43765
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
Felicity's colonial family is spending the summer at
Grandfather's plantation on the York River. When Grandfather
gets some new horses, Felicity recognizes Penny, a colt she
helped escape from its mean owner. Then her father's apprentice,
Ben, is hurt, and Penny helps save the day. Sequel to Happy
Birthday, Felicity! (RC 43764). For grades 2-4. 1992.
Changes for Felicity: A Winter Story RC 43766
by Valerie Tripp
read by Kimberly Schraf
1 cassette
Felicity's favorite horse, Penny, is going to have a foal. But
there is trouble in colonial Williamsburg. The father of
Felicity's friend Elizabeth is in jail for being a Loyalist, and
Jiggy Nye is there for debt. Grandfather helps them both, but
the cold costs him his life. Sequel to Felicity Saves the Day
(RC 43765). For grades 2-4. 1992.
Meet Samantha: An American Girl RC 43841
by Susan S. Adler
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Samantha, a nine-year-old orphan, is more interested in playing
with her friend, Nellie, who works next door, than in learning
the values her wealthy grandmother thinks are proper in 1904.
When Grandmary's seamstress leaves suddenly, the girls take a
midnight trip to find out why. Prequel to Samanatha Learns a
Lesson (RC 43842). For grades 2-4. 1986.
Samantha Learns a Lesson: A School Story RC 43842
by Susan S. Adler
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Samantha, a girl of the early 1900s, is delighted to learn that
Grandmary has found a job for Samantha's friend Nellie and her
family at a nearby house. Best of all, Nellie and her sisters
will be going to school. But after her first day, Nellie vows
never to go back. Then Samantha has an idea to help. Sequel to
Meet Samantha (RC 43841). For grades 2-4. 1986.
Samantha's Surprise: A Christmas Story RC 43843
by Maxine Rose Schur
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Samantha is sure Christmas 1904 will be the best ever. She has
been invited to a party and has a new dress to wear. Then
Grandmary tells her that Uncle Gard is bringing his girlfriend
Cornelia with him for the holidays, and Samantha is afraid her
plans will be ruined. Sequel to Samantha Learns a Lesson (RC
43842). For grades 2-4. 1986.
Happy Birthday, Samantha: A Springtime Story RC
43844
by Valerie Tripp
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Aunt Cornelia's twin sisters, Agnes and Agatha, have come to
visit Samantha for her birthday. They have wonderful ideas for
celebrating, but some of them turn out not quite as hoped. So to
make the day even more special, they invite Samantha to spend
some time in New York City with them. Sequel to Samantha's
Surprise (RC 43843). For grades 2-4. 1987.
Samantha Saves the Day: A Summer Story RC 43845
by Valerie Tripp
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Samantha's family is spending the summer of 1905 at Grandmary's
mountain home. While Grandmary is entertaining her long-time
English friend, Admiral Beemis, Samantha and her cousins find
lots to do. One day, after discovering Samantha's mother's old
sketchbook, they decide to take a trip to Teardrop
Island--alone. Sequel to Happy Birthday, Samantha! (RC
43844). For grades 2-4. 1988.
Changes for Samantha: A Winter Story RC 43846
by Valerie Tripp
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Now that Grandmary has married an admiral, Samantha lives in New
York City with her aunt and uncle. Her friend Nellie promised to
visit when she wrote Samantha that she and her sisters were
moving to the city. But when weeks go by with no sign of Nellie,
Samantha sets out to find her. Sequel to Samantha Saves the
Day (RC 43845). For grades 2-4. 1988.
Willie Jerome RC 44362
by Alice Faye Duncan
read by Connie Winston
1 cassette
Willie Jerome plays his trumpet up on the tenement rooftop all
day long. His sister Judy loves to listen to his "sizzlin'
red hot bebop" and can't understand why the rest of her
family and neighbors think he's just making loud noise. For
grades K-3. 1995.
Klara's New World RC 44388
by Jeanette Winter
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Klara and her parents live in Sweden, but her father is having a
hard time with the rocky farm. When friends write them of the
rich land in America, Klara's family decides to move there. For
grades 2-4. 1992.
Murphy and Kate RC 44389
by Ellen Howard
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Kate has grown up with her dog Murphy, and they have always been
the best of friends. Both are fourteen when Murphy dies and Kate
must carry on without him. For grades 2-4. 1995.
The Long, Long Letter RC 44390
by Elizabeth Spurr
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
When a little boy's mother gets a card from his Aunt Hetta
begging for mail, his mother sits down to pen "a long, long
letter, one she will not forget!" And it is a long
message--for his mother writes through fall, winter, spring, and
summer. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey RC 44405
by Susan Wojciechowski
read by Chuck Young
1 cassette
Wood-carver Jonathan Toomey is called Mr. Gloomy by the village
children. Since the death of his wife and baby, Toomey has been
sad and grumpy. When widow McDowell moves to the village with
her young son, she requests a special Christmas favor from
Toomey. For grades 2-4. 1995.
Space Brat Three: The Wrath of Squat RC 44415
by Bruce Coville
read by John Polk
1 cassette
Now that Blork has become a hero for saving the city, he has
been invited to the Galactic Celebration--the biggest party in
history. But his old enemy, Squat, decides it is time to seek
revenge for having been humiliated by Blork. Sequel to Space
Brat Two: Blork's Evil Twin (RC 44414). For grades 2-4.
1994.
Space Brat Four: Planet of the Dips RC 44416
by Bruce Coville
read by John Polk
1 cassette
As they head for the Galactic Celebration in their spaceship,
Blork and his friends are accidentally hurtled far out into
space. They land on the planet of the Dips, where the
inhabitants think Blork's pet, Lunk, is their long-lost lord.
Sequel to Space Brat Three: The Wrath of Squat (RC
44415). For grades 2-4. 1995.
Feliciana Feydra LeRoux: A Cajun Tall Tale RC 44507
by Tynia Thomassie
read by Robin Miles
1 cassette
Of all his grandchildren, Feliciana is Grandpa Baby's favorite.
Maybe it is because they are both the tail end of a LeRoux crew.
But when Grandpa Baby goes alligator hunting and leaves
Feliciana behind, she sneaks out and joins them. Includes
author's note describing Cajun people and their customs. For
grades 2-4. 1995.
The Cheater RC 44512
by R.L. Stine
read by Nona Pipes
1 cassette
Judge Phillips is not happy with his daughter Carter's scores on
her math achievement test, so she is going to retake it. But she
knows she's not capable of getting a high enough score for
Princeton. When a classmate offers to take the test for Carter,
she is relieved. Then the blackmail begins. For grades 6-9.
1993.
Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman RC 44518
by Alan Schroeder
read by Robin Miles
1 cassette
In this fictional account of Tubman's childhood, young Harriet
dreams of escape while working as a slave on a Maryland
plantation in the 1820s. Her father helps her prepare for her
journey by teaching her how to fish, hunt, swim, and read the
signs of a tree and the stars in the night sky. For grades K-3.
1996.
City Green RC 44519
by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
read by Robin Miles
1 cassette
When a building is torn down on Marcy's city block, the empty
lot makes her sad. One day she and her neighbors learn that they
can rent the lot and grow a garden. All of the neighbors agree
to participate except grumpy Old Man Hammer, who used to live in
the building. For grades K-3. 1994.
A Baby Just like Me RC 44520
by Susan Winter
read by Robin Miles
1 cassette
Martha tells her friend Sam about the new sister her mother is
bringing home from the hospital. They make plans to include her
in their games, but when the baby comes home, she isn't at all
what they expected. When will she become like Martha? For grades
K-3. 1994.
Little Bear's Visit RC 44914
by Else Holmelund Minarik
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette (Reissue)
While visiting his grandparents, Little Bear hears stories about
his mother when she was a girl. Companion to Little Bear (RC
44738). For grades K-3. 1961.
Joe and Betsy the Dinosaur RC 44920
by Lillian Hoban
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Joe and his pet dinosaur, Betsy, live in a cave. When the
weather is nice they go out and play with their friends. When it
snows, no one comes out, so Joe and Betsy go visiting. But they
cause a lot of trouble for their buddies. For grades K-3. 1995.
The Fire Cat RC 44921
by Esther Averill
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette (Reissue)
Pickles is a stray yellow cat with black spots in his fur and
very big paws. Pickles also has big plans. But he lives alone in
a big old yard, and the only thing he has to do is chase little
cats. Then he chases a cat up a tree, and the firemen have to
come get Pickles down. Soon Pickles has something to do. For
grades K-3. 1960.
The Case of the Cat's Meow RC 44922
by Crosby Bonsall
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Snitch is certain someone is going to steal his cat Mildred even
though his brother, Wizard, and their fellow sleuths, Tubby and
Skinny, scoff at the idea. Sure enough, Mildred is soon missing
and the four boys must put their investigative skills to work.
For grades K-3. 1965.
Hester Bidgood: Investigatrix of Evill Deedes RC
45022
by E.W. Hildick
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
The residents of Willow Bend, just south of Salem, are leaving
the meetinghouse when they discover Goody Willson's kitten half
dead and branded with a cross. Most villagers immediately accuse
Goody of being a witch. But young Hester Bidgood and Rob
MacGregor know Goody as a kind old lady and set out to find her
enemy. For grades 3-6. 1994.
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig RC 45040
by Eugene Trivizas
read by Christopher Walker
1 cassette
Once upon a time there were three little wolves who lived with
their mother. One day she tells them it is time to go out into
the world and build their own house. But they must beware of the
big bad pig and build a very strong house. The wolves have a
hard time building the right house. For grades K-3. 1993.
Always My Dad RC 45046
by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
A young girl lives with her mother and brothers and doesn't see
her father very often. She and her brothers are spending the
summer with their grandparents when their father comes for a
short visit. Before he leaves, he explains to his daughter that
wherever he is he's always her dad. For grades K-3. 1995.
Old Home Day RC 45071
by Donald Hall
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
A fictional account of the evolution of an area now called
Blackwater, New Hampshire. Hall weaves a story beginning tens of
thousands of years ago, when glaciers melted and formed rivers
and ponds, up to 1999, when the town celebrates the bicentennial
of its founding by Enoch Boswell, a farmer who was looking for a
place to build a cabin, keep a cow, and raise a family. For
grades 3-6. 1996.
When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing: The Adventures of
Bruh Sparrow, Sis Wren, and Their Friends RC 45076
retold by Virginia Hamilton
read by Jamie Horton
1 cassette
These stories about bats, buzzards, sparrows, wrens, and jays
are based on African American folktales from the South during
the plantation era and were collected by journalist Martha Young
after the Civil War. For grades 2-4. 1996.
The Ocean of Story: Fairy Tales from India RC 45078
retold by Caroline Ness
read by Gabriella Cavallero
1 cassette
Eighteen tales from India's oral folklore tradition. Some of the
stories have themes similar to those of the Brothers Grimm,
Aesop, and the Arabian Nights. Included are "The Magic
Lamp," "Three Fussy Men," and "The Boy and
His Stepmother." For grades 4-7. 1995.
Jip: His Story RC 45131
by Katherine Paterson
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette
When he was a little boy in 1847, Jip tumbled off a wagon in
Vermont. Now he lives on a farm for poor people where he enjoys
the animals. His gentle ways win him the friendship of a caged
lunatic, "Put"; his teacher; and her Quaker
sweetheart. When Jip learns his mother was an escaped slave, he
must make some difficult decisions. Companion to Lyddie (RC
33521). For grades 5-8. 1996.
Say Cheese and Die! RC 45185
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Greg and his friends, bored and looking for something to do,
wander into an empty mansion. There they find an old camera and
start taking pictures. There is just one problem: the photos
show things before they happen. For grades 4-7. 1992.
Say Cheese and Die--Again! RC 45186
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Greg Banks has to give an oral report of a true story for his
English class. But when he talks about the old camera he found
last summer, his teacher, Mr. Saur, doesn't believe him and
gives Greg an F. The only way Greg can get a better grade is to
bring the evil camera to school and take a picture. For grades
4-7. 1996.
Vampire Breath RC 45187
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
One night after a baby-sitting job, Freddy and Cara laugh about
how much they scared a little boy with their werewolf story.
Then it becomes their turn to be frightened when they discover a
hidden door in Freddy's basement opening on a long dark tunnel
and, at the end of the tunnel, a room with a coffin inside. For
grades 4-7. 1996.
The Dragonslayers RC 45191
by Bruce Coville
read by Annie Wauters
1 cassette
A dragon is stalking King Mildred's land, and the king has
promised half his kingdom and his daughter's hand in marriage to
the person who can slay the dragon. Only the old squire, Elizar,
and a young page, Brian, are willing to try. But unbeknown to
them, the king's daughter, Wilhelmina, has also set out to kill
the dragon. For grades 4-7. 1994.
Calling All Creeps RC 45199
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Because he must earn twenty points for after-school activities,
Ricky Beamer has signed up to work on the school newspaper. But
editor Tasha just doesn't seem to like Ricky, who is considered
somewhat of a nerd, and gives him silly assignments. Then Tasha
kicks him off the paper. Ricky is so furious, he seeks revenge.
For grades 4-7. 1996.
Beware, the Snowman RC 45200
by R.L. Stine
read by Ilona Dulaski
1 cassette
Jaclyn and the aunt she lives with have left their Chicago home
and moved to a tiny village close to the Arctic Circle. There is
almost no one around, and, to make things worse, there are
strange looking snowmen with deep scars on their faces in front
of every house. And Jaclyn's aunt won't tell her why. For grades
4-7. 1997.
How I Learned to Fly RC 45201
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Jack Johnson and his friend Wilson seem to spend a lot of time
involved in a contest. No matter what Jack does, Wilson seems to
do the same thing better. So when Jack finds a book about humans
flying, he figures this is one thing Wilson won't be able to do
better--or will he? For grades 4-7. 1997.
My Best Friend Is Invisible RC 45209
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
Sammy Jacobs is a science fiction freak. His parents are
research scientists, and just don't understand why Sammy doesn't
have an interest in real science. His parents begin to wonder
even more about Sammy when he starts claiming to see ghosts. For
grades 4-7. 1997.
Marvin Redpost: Why Pick on Me? RC 45214
by Louis Sachar
read by Rick Rohan
1 cassette
When a classmate accuses Marvin of picking his nose, everyone
begins to tease him, and his friends desert him. Lonely and
frustrated, Marvin must come up with a plan to set the record
straight. For grades 2-4. 1993.
Chicken Chicken RC 45224
by R.L. Stine
read by Ilona Dulaski
1 cassette
Crystal and Cole hate chickens, especially the ones they have to
take care of on their parents' farm. They are also afraid of
Vanessa, a rather weird woman living on the edge of town; people
seem to think she can cast spells. And perhaps she can, because
after Crystal and Cole cause Vanessa to drop a bag of groceries,
strange things begin happening to them. For grades 4-7. 1997.
Misoso: Once upon a Time Tales from Africa RC 45230
retold by Verna Aardema
read by Lisette Lecat
1 cassette
Retelling of twelve African folktales and fables. Anansi the
spider returns to his starving village empty-handed even after
encountering entire villages of food in "Anansi and the
Phantom Food." In "The Boogey Man's Wife," a
disobedient wife finally obeys her husband's command--much to
his unhappiness. For grades K-3. 1994.
The Story of Little Babaji RC 45232
by Helen Bannerman
read by Suzanne Toren
1 cassette
Revised version of the story of a little boy in India who loses
his fine clothes to vain and bullying tigers. But Babaji has the
last laugh when he eats the melted tigers as "ghi" on
his pancakes. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.
Spotting the Leopard RC 45279
by Anna Myers
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette
Jessie's younger brother, H.J., would like to help her become a
veterinarian. When he tries to save a leopard that escaped from
the zoo, his courage and determination pay off in an opportunity
for Jessie to pursue her dream. Sequel to Red Dirt Jessie (RC
36739). For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1996.
The Carousel RC 45289
by Liz Rosenberg
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Two sisters walking home in a drizzly twilight hear noises
coming from the broken carousel in the park. Lifting the tarp,
the girls see the horses are very much alive and ready to give
them the ride of their lives. For grades K-3. 1995.
A Lion Named Shirley Williamson RC 45296
by Bernard Waber
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
The zoo director misunderstands a telephone call and thinks his
new lion is named Shirley Williamson. This brings the lion much
attention, but the other lions are peeved so the director
decides to change Shirley's name to Bongo. Losing her popularity
encourages the lion to escape. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.
Tarot Says Beware RC 45316
by Betsy Byars
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
Tarot is a parrot who belongs to Madame Rosa, a palm reader.
When Herculeah Jones sees Tarot outside the house with the front
door open, she knows something is wrong. She finds Madame Rosa's
body under a table and is determined to find her friend's
murderer. For grades 3-6. 1995.
Amber Brown Sees Red RC 45328
by Paula Danziger
read by Madelyn Buzzard
1 cassette
Everything is changing in Amber's life in the fourth grade. Her
mother is marrying Max, her father is moving back from Paris and
wants Amber to live with him part-time, and her own body is
growing out of control. For grades 2-4. 1997.
Orp and the Chop Suey Burgers RC 45368
by Suzy Kline
read by Rick Rohan
1 cassette
Seventh-grader Orville Rudemeyer Pygenski dreams of traveling
but never goes anywhere. Then one day he reads about a cooking
contest offering a trip to Disney World, and he knows there is
some Fu Chow soy sauce in the cupboard, so he decides to enter.
His creation, chop suey burgers, wins him a trip to the regional
finals. For grades 4-7. 1990.
The Best Way to Play RC 45511
by Bill Cosby
read by L.J. Ganser
1 cassette
When the TV show Space Explorers announces its video
game, Little Bill and his friends pester their parents to buy
it. Andrew shares the video with his friends. To the children's
surprise, however, they prefer their own version of the game,
which they play in a vacant lot. For grades K-3. 1997.
The Meanest Thing to Say RC 45512
by Bill Cosby
read by L.J. Ganser
1 cassette
Michael, a new boy in the second grade, wants to play a game to
see who can say the meanest thing. Little Bill's dad gives him
an idea of how to turn the game around, and Little Bill makes
friends with Michael. For grades K-3. 1997.
The Treasure Hunt RC 45513
by Bill Cosby
read by L.J. Ganser
1 cassette
At home on a rainy day, everyone in Little Bill's family finds
something special to do, except him. His great-grandmother comes
to Little Bill's room and together they discover his special
talent. For grades K-3. 1997.
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