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.
Breaking Free RC 40067
The Best School Year Ever RC 40069
by Barbara Robinson
read by Barbara Rappaport
1 cassette
In this sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (RC
38118), the six Herdman children are still terrorizing their
Woodrow Wilson School classmates. Beth, who is in the same grade
as Imogene Herdman, is worried about this year's big assignment:
coming up with compliments for every person in the class. What
in the world can she say about Imogene? For grades 3-6. 1994.
Wish on a Unicorn RC 40501
by Karen Hesse
read by Celeste Lawson
1 cassette
Sixth-grader Mags has a lot of responsibility. Her mother works
at night, and Mags has to take care of eight-year-old Hannie,
who is brain damaged, and six-year-old Mooch, who steals food.
On the way home from school one day, Hannie spots a stuffed
unicorn in a field and insists on keeping it. It may be old and
dirty, but Hannie is sure it is magic. Perhaps she is right,
because life begins to look better for the family. For grades
6-9. 1991.
A Taste of Smoke RC 40637
by Marion Dane Bauer
read by Susan McInerney
1 cassette
Thirteen-year-old Caitlin goes camping with her college-aged
sister, Pam. Before they enter the park, they stop off at a
museum to learn about the Hinckley fire that destroyed a whole
town about a century earlier. But when Pam's boyfriend shows up
at the campsite, Caitlin feels left out until she meets Frank,
the ghost of one of the boys who died in the fire. And before he
disappears, he gives Caitlin a gentle kiss. For grades 5-8.
1993.
Your Mother Was a Neanderthal RC 40670
by Jon Scieszka
read by Ray Hagen
1 cassette
Sam, Joe, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio who first appeared in
Knights of the Kitchen Table (RC 36216), travel back to
the Stone Age and are immediately in trouble. First, they're
completely naked (Sam still has his hat and Fred his glasses)
and, second, they no longer have The Book that enables
them to travel in time. They have plenty of other problems, too,
with cavegirls and a woolly mammoth. For grades 3-6 and older
readers. 1993.
Cara's Beach Party Disaster RC 41477
by Elaine L. Schulte
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
Cara Hernandez can't understand why her seventeen-year-old half
sister, Paige, is so mean to her. Paige has even caused the
members of the Twelve Candles Club to be upset with Cara. But
the Christian club members are quick to forgive Cara, and she
takes a lesson from this. Maybe she should try to please God and
learn to forgive. Meanwhile the club continues to raise money
working at parties, babysitting, and washing cars. For grades
3-6. 1993.
Double Trouble for Jess McColl! RC 41490
by Elaine L. Schulte
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
Jess McColl and her four friends belong to the Twelve Candles
Club and do odd jobs to raise money. This summer Jess and
Melanie are going to Israel as babysitters on a tour. Jess's
father, who recently became a Christian, and Jess's mother are
going too. Mrs. McColl wants Jess to concentrate less on
gymnastics and more on becoming glamorous, but Jess turns her
attention to learning about Christ. For grades 3-6. 1995.
Jess and the Fireplug Caper RC 41494
by Elaine L. Schulte
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Jess and the other members of the Twelve Candles Club are at
Jess's house trying on their new clown costumes when they hear
strange noises coming from the backyard. Then they get a phone
call but the caller just hangs up, and the car alarm in Jess's
mother's car goes off. What is going on? For grades 3-6. 1992.
The Great Brain Is Back RC 41605
by John D. Fitzgerald
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
In this final book about the Great Brain (the manuscript was
found after the author's death), J.D. narrates eight more tales
about how his big brother, Tom, now thirteen, continues to
swindle people out of their money. Tom convinces J.D. to sell
bars of soap, he almost outwits Polly Reagan in the spelling
bee, and he helps rescue a gang of outlaws. For grades 4-7.
1995.
O the Red Rose Tree RC 41615
by Patricia Beatty
read by Kerry Cundiff
1 cassette (Reissue)
Amanda and her friends attempt to find seven different shades of
special red cloth so that old Mrs. Hankinson can make the quilt
of her dreams. The girls' search leads them to Dr. Perkins's red
flannel chest protector and to a visiting opera star's red
petticoat. For grades 5-8. 1972.
The Case of the Weeping Witch: A McGurk Fantasy RC
41620
by E.W. Hildick
read by John Polk
1 cassette
Jack P. McGurk and his classmates are studying the Puritans, and
Ms. Ellis has encouraged the students to do some research at the
library. Soon the members of the McGurk Organization find
themselves back in 1692 where they try to help a
thirteen-year-old girl who has been charged with witchcraft.
Then they are accused of being witches themselves. For grades
3-6. 1992.
Eclipse RC 41621
by Kristine L. Franklin
read by Madelyn Buzzard
1 cassette
Trina is looking forward to a happy summer with her best friend,
Miranda, before they enter the seventh grade. But even before
they finish the sixth grade, things begin to go wrong. Trina's
father has lost his job and becomes so depressed that he has to
go to the hospital. The calf the family hoped to sell is born
deformed and has to be killed. And Trina worries about the baby
her forty-eight-year-old mom is expecting. For grades 6-9. 1995.
Brer Tiger and the Big Wind RC 41628
by William J. Faulkner
read by Jack Fox
1 cassette
In olden days, the creatures of the forest used to plant crops
just like menfolks. But one year, no rain came and the crops did
not grow, so the creatures of the forest were hungry. There was
one place where there was food and water, but it was guarded by
Brer Tiger who said he would eat up anyone who tried to get his
food. Then Brer Rabbit came up with an idea! For grades K-3.
1995.
Three Perfect Peaches: A French Folktale RC 41629
retold by Cynthia DeFelice and Mary DeMarsh
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
1 cassette
Long ago there lived a red-haired princess who had freckles on
her face. One day she awoke not feeling well and discovered the
color of her hair and the freckles on her face were fading. Very
quietly she wished for three perfect May peaches to make her
well. The king then promised her hand in marriage to the person
who could bring her three perfect peaches. For grades K-3. 1995.
Moominpappa at Sea RC 41674
by Tove Jansson
read by Ed Blake
1 cassette
Moominpappa is tired of living in the valley where his family's
house floated after the flood. He has decided to move to a tiny
island in the sea that has an empty lighthouse on it--and lots
of room. Also living on the island is a peculiar, silent
fisherman and the awful Groke. Moominpappa soon begins to wonder
why the sea acts so strangely. For grades 4-7. 1966.
Comet in Moominland RC 41675
by Tove Jansson
read by Ed Blake
1 cassette
The Moomin family has been living in the valley since their
house floated there during the big flood. Moomintroll and his
friend Sniff enjoy exploring the valley where they make lots of
discoveries. But strange things are happening, and when Muskrat
comes to the Moomin house looking for shelter during a storm, he
informs them that a comet is coming. For grades 4-7. 1959.
Bridesmaid Blues for Becky RC 41744
by Elaine L. Schulte
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
The members of the Twelve Candles Club notice that Becky
Hamilton is not her usual self. Becky's mother is planning to
marry Mr. Bradshaw, and Becky hopes to stop the wedding. Becky's
father died two years ago, and she can't see how her mother
could ever love anyone else. But Becky's friends and her faith
in God eventually help her understand. For grades 3-6. 1994.
Getting Something on Maggie Marmelstein RC 41779
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
read by Erik Sandvold
1 cassette (Reissue)
Thad Smith makes the mistake of calling classmate Maggie
Marmelstein a mouse because she has a squeaky voice. So when
Maggie catches Thad cooking, she threatens to spread her
discovery around school. Thad knows he has to get something
equally embarrassing on Maggie before she ruins his reputation.
For grades 4-7. 1971.
Before the Storm RC 41826
by Jane Yolen
read by Lindsay Ellison
1 cassette
On a hot summer day, the only thing worth playing with is the
hose. A boy and his sister, brother, and dog forget about the
heat as they frolic in the water. But when it starts to rain,
the boy is soon wishing for the hot sun again. For grades K-3.
1995.
Stacy Had a Little Sister RC 41827
by Wendie C. Old
read by Miranda Daniloff
1 cassette
Stacy is not very happy with her new sister, Ashley. Ashley gets
too much attention, and she isn't any fun yet. But one night
Ashley dies in her crib and Stacy misses her. Stacy's parents
explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome to her. For preschool-grade
2. 1995.
The Dinosaur That Followed Me Home RC 41836
by Bruce Coville
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette
Stuart Glassman had such an unusual adventure at Camp Haunted
Hills last summer that he is not planning to go again. But when
he receives an invitation from Harry Housen, the special effects
genius at the movie camp, Stuart can't resist. Soon Stuart, his
friend Brenda Connors, and her cousin Winston are involved in a
new movie that transports them into the past. For grades 3-6.
1990.
Grandaddy's Place RC 41842
by Helen V. Griffith
read by Jill Fox
1 cassette
Georgia Music (RC 25639) describes the music Janetta and
her grandfather heard in the sounds of the country. Now Janetta
describes her first meeting with her grandfather. Janetta and
her mother take a long train ride out of the city to an old
farm. But when they arrive, Janetta is not happy with what she
sees--a mean looking cat, a hive of wasps, and a giant animal
that chases her. For preschool-grade 2. 1987.
My Two Uncles RC 41855
by Judith Vigna
read by Carole Jordan Stewart
1 cassette
Elly has two uncles, but only Uncle Ned, her father's brother,
is her real uncle. Uncle Phil is Uncle Ned's friend. Grampy and
Gran's fiftieth anniversary is coming, and Elly and Uncle Ned
have made them a diorama. Elly is upset when she learns that
Grampy will not allow Uncle Phil to come to the party. Elly's
dad says that some men love each other the way Elly's mom and
dad do and that some people are uncomfortable with gay couples.
For grades 2-4. 1995.
You Cheat! RC 41866
by Jamie Gilson
read by Bruce Huntey
1 cassette
Nathan and his brother, Hank, live eight stories up in the city,
but right now they are visiting Aunt Paula in the country. Hank
is bored and just plays with his video game, while Nathan learns
to fish. After Hank beats Nathan at the card game Go Fish,
Nathan challenges him to really go fishing. For grades K-3.
1992.
Arthur's New Puppy RC 41874
by Marc Brown
read by Andy Chappell
1 cassette
Arthur has a new puppy named Pal, and they love each other very
much. But Pal is a very naughty puppy, and Arthur is in danger
of losing him if Arthur doesn't get Pal to behave. For
preschool-grade 2. 1993.
Jingo Django RC 41875
by Sid Fleischman
read by Gary Tipton
1 cassette (Reissue)
Jingo has been in an orphanage for seven years when a man offers
two hundred dollars for him. The man tells Jingo he wants help
in finding Jingo's father, but Jingo secretly decides to lead
the man on a wild-goose chase that will put them in gold
country. For grades 4-7. 1971.
George Washington's Cows RC 41884
by David Small
read by Andy Chappell
1 cassette
George Washington's cows wear lavender gowns and have to be
begged to give milk. His hogs are happy to work when the
servants are sick, and his sheep are very smart. Washington soon
begins to think he should leave the farm and look for another
job. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994.
Apple Juice Tea RC 41885
by Martha Weston
read by Janis Gray
1 cassette
When Polly's Gran comes to visit for the first time, Polly is
unhappy. Gran wants to do things with Polly, but Polly doesn't
know her at all. Finally, when Polly's parents go out and leave
Polly and Gran alone, Polly discovers Gran is fun to be with.
For preschool-grade 2. 1994.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 RC 41921
by Christopher Paul Curtis
read by Christopher Hurt
1 cassette
The whole "Weird Watson" family drives from Michigan to visit
Grandma Sands in Alabama. She is the only one who can put some
sense into the head of Kenny's older brother, Byron, who acts up
just too many times. The kids have never been to the South,
where they experience segregation and racism. The family's sense
of humor helps, but life there holds serious problems. Some
strong language. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 1995.
Nibble, Nibble, Jenny Archer RC 41924
by Ellen Conford
read by Nona Pipes
1 cassette
Jenny Archer and her friend Wilson are waiting for Wilson's
mother in the shopping mall when they see a woman giving away
free samples. Although the brown, green, and yellow pellets
taste unusual, Jenny doesn't want to hurt the woman's feelings.
As Jenny proclaims the snack delicious and nutritious, a woman
with a video camera announces Jenny will star in a rather
surprising commercial! For grades 2-4. 1993.
The Brave Little Bunny RC 41930
by Linda Jennings
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
Millie is a lop-eared rabbit who lives in a hutch with her
brothers and sisters. But she longs to explore the outside
world. Millie's chance comes one day when someone leaves the
door open. She scampers across the yard, under a hedge, and
straight into the path of a fox. What will Millie do now? For
preschool-grade 2. 1995.
Belling the Tiger RC 41941
by Mary Stolz
read by Catherine Byers
1 cassette
The house mice get together and decide to bell the house cat
(not realizing that many mice have tried this and failed). They
pick small twin mice, Bob and Ozzie, to be the heroes. The
brothers find a cat collar with a bell, but before they can
complete their mission, they are chased onto a ship and sail
away. In a faraway land, Bob and Ozzie find the biggest cat
they've ever seen--and decide to bell it. For grades 3-6.
Newbery Honor Book. 1961.
A Story, a Story RC 41943
by Gail Haley
read by John Horton
1 cassette (Reissue)
Once upon a time, the world had no stories. This is the tale of
how Ananse the spider obtained the Sky God's chest of
stories--and how he outwitted and captured three fantasy
creatures in order to do so. For grades K-3 and older readers.
Caldecott Medal. 1970.
No Foal Yet RC 41955
by Jessie Haas
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Nora is excited that her Gramp's mare, Bonnie, is going to have
a foal. But every morning when Nora wakes up and every afternoon
when she races to the barn from the school bus, Bonnie is still
pregnant. For grades K-3. 1995.
Plowie: A Story from the Prairie RC 41959
by Patricia Kirkpatrick
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
"A long time ago when there were still horses on the road," a
little girl lived with her family on an Iowa prairie farm. One
day while she followed her father as he plowed the field, the
girl found a porcelain doll in the prairie dirt. The doll,
Plowie, became her friend and was later passed down to the
girl's grandchildren who now tell the story of Plowie to their
own children. For grades K-3. 1994.
The Christmas Teddy Bear RC 41961
by Ivan Gantschev
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Christmas is only two days away when Ellen and her mother arrive
to visit Grandma and Grandpa at the country estate where they
work as caretakers. Ellen is hoping to get a teddy bear for
Christmas, and so one day before Christmas, Grandpa sets out on
the hour-long walk into town to find a teddy bear for Ellen. But
on the way home, he gets lost in a snowstorm. For grades K-3.
1992.
Summer's End RC 41963
by Maribeth Boelts
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Summer is ending, and that means that second grade is almost
here. For Jill, there will be no more swimming, baseball, or
visits from cousins. But school can mean lots of nice things
also, and soon Jill is looking forward to going back. For grades
K-3. 1995.
King Kenrick's Splinter RC 41967
by Sally Derby
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Today is the day King Kenrick gets to lead the Hero's Day
parade. But when he jumps out of bed, he yells "Ow!" and quickly
sits back down. Poor King Kenrick has a splinter in his big toe.
So he hobbles around and gets dressed, but the only shoes he can
put on are his slippers. Now what will he do? Will the splinter
come out by itself? Or will the king have to endure the queen's
needle and tweezers? For grades K-3. 1994.
Don't Fidget a Feather! RC 41969
by Erica Silverman
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Duck thinks she is a great swimmer, but one day Gander comes
along and challenges her. After they try to outdo each other in
swimming and flying, Duck suggests a freeze-in-place contest to
determine the "champion of champions." Funny things happen to
threaten their concentration, but neither one moves until they
are almost thrown into Fox's cooking pot. For preschool-grade 2.
1994.
Chato's Kitchen RC 41971
by Gary Soto
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Chato, a low-riding cat with six stripes, is sneaking up on a
sparrow when he hears noise coming from next door. He peeks
through the fence and discovers a family of five fat, juicy mice
moving in. Chato gets a wonderful idea--invite them for dinner!
Only Chato plans for them to be his dinner. The mice accept
Chato's invitation, but bring along a surprise guest. For grades
K-3. 1995.
Three Cool Kids RC 41973
by Rebecca Emberley
read by Laura Giannarelli
1 cassette
Three goat kids live in the city. They are called Big Cool,
Middle Cool, and Little Cool. Although the brothers and sister
like the lot they live on, it is becoming run down. They are
thinking about moving to a vacant grassy lot across the street,
but are afraid to walk by the big rat that everyone says lives
behind the sewer grate. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.
In the Land of the Big Red Apple RC 42000
by Roger Lea MacBride
read by Martha Harmon Pardee
1 cassette
In this sequel to Little Farm in the Ozarks (RC 40672),
Rose Wilder and her parents endure a cold, icy winter that
threatens their young apple orchard. But the year is not all
hardship. For her ninth birthday, Rose gets a mule to ride to
school and names him Spookendyke. Also, a new love begins for
their farmhand, and the Wilders experience the true spirit of
giving at Christmas. For grades 3-6. 1995.
The Hundred Dresses RC 42016
by Eleanor Estes
read by Pam Ward
1 cassette
Although Wanda Petronski comes to school each day in a faded
blue dress, she tells the other girls that she has a hundred
dresses lined up in her closet. Popular Peggy thinks this is
hilarious and teases Wanda about it. Peggy's best friend,
Maddie, is uneasy about the teasing and feels horrible when
Wanda stops coming to school. For grades 3-6. Newbery honor
book. 1944.
The Mud Flat Olympics RC 42055
by James Stevenson
read by John Horton
1 cassette
It is time once again for the Mud Flat Olympics! Three moles,
Kevin, Kimberly, and old Mr. Crenshaw, prepare for the deepest
hole contest. Five snails compete in the all-snail high hurdle.
There is even a victory for old Mr. Tokay, who wins the
smelliest skunk contest. And a funny, wonderful time is had by
all. For grades 2-4. 1994.
The New King RC 42058
by Doreen Rappaport
read by Ed Blake
1 cassette
When Prince Rakoto's father dies, the young boy is very sad. He
orders the powerful men of the village to bring the king back to
life, but they cannot. Then the Wise Woman helps Rakoto see
that, like the young shoots of the banana tree, he can carry on
his father's work, keeping the memory of his father alive. For
preschool-grade 2. 1995.
Rhino and Mouse RC 42061
by Todd Starr Palmer
read by John Horton
1 cassette
Rhino is Mouse's best friend, but sometimes Rhino gets on
Mouse's nerves. On National Mouse and Rat Day, Rhino buys Mouse
a cat, paints his house in polka dots, and makes him breakfast
with catsup and hot fudge. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.
The Story of the Three Kingdoms RC 42064
by Walter Dean Myers
read by Ed Blake
1 cassette
Long ago, there were three kingdoms on the earth. Elephant ruled
the forest, Shark ruled the sea, and Hawk ruled the air. Each
thought his kingdom was the greatest. But then one day there
came to earth some new creatures, and they called themselves the
People. The People sit by their fire telling stories, and soon
Elephant, Shark, and Hawk are no longer the greatest. For grades
K-3. 1995.
Cat, You Better Come Home RC 42067
by Garrison Keillor
read by Christopher Hurt
1 cassette
Puff, an elegant cat who demanded to be allowed outside, now
refuses to come in even though her owner insists. (After all, it
is cold and dark outside, and the dogs are waiting to attack.)
But Puff isn't happy with the chow she has to eat. So she runs
away to Europe, stars in a cat food commercial, and becomes
quite rich. Then early one morning, her owner hears a
scratch-scratch-scratch on the windowsill. For grades 2-4 and
older readers. 1995.
Egg Monsters from Mars RC 42084
by R.L. Stine
read by Terence Aselford
1 cassette
At twelve, Dana Johnson wants to be a scientist when he grows
up. During his little sister's birthday egghunt, Dana finds a
very unusual egg--throbbing with veins. When the egg hatches
into a creature that looks like scrambled eggs with eyes, Dana
rushes it to a small science lab in his neighborhood.
Surprisingly the lab owner is not shocked by Dana's
discovery--he has a roomful of the egg monsters. For grades 4-6.
1996.
I Hate Company RC 42094
by P.J. Petersen
read by Rick Rohan
1 cassette
Dan hates it when company stays overnight with him and his
mother in their apartment because he has to give up his room.
Now Mom's newly divorced friend, Kay, is coming with her
three-year-old son, Jimmy, and they are staying until Kay finds
work. Since Jimmy is even worse than Dan imagined, he decides to
help Kay get a job and get out. For grades 2-4. 1994.
The Greatest Show off Earth RC 42096
by Margaret Mahy
read by Margaret Strom
1 cassette
Delphinium, a human calculator and the only girl on Space
Station Vulnik, is celebrating her tenth birthday, and she wants
to have some fun. Sadly, fun is not allowed on Vulnik because it
may cause the return of the Acropola: great, green, mysterious
aliens shaped like slugs that slime around sucking up
fun-energy. But it may be Delphinium's lucky day as she launches
herself and two others into hyperspace and the Wonder Show. For
grades 3-6. 1994.
One Brave Summer RC 42102
by Ann Turner
read by Margaret Strom
1 cassette
Katy is just getting used to a new school and house when her
mother decides they will spend the summer in a mountain cabin.
Certain that she will be bored while her mother writes her
novel, Katy has no interest in going. But a red-haired girl
named Lena May is waiting for them when they arrive. She is
determined that the two girls will have adventures whether
careful Katy wants to or not. For grades 2-4. 1995.
Sharing Susan RC 42112
by Eve Bunting
read by Michele Schaeffer
1 cassette
Susan Moretti, twelve, knows something is wrong at home but her
parents won't tell her what it is. Finally she learns it's not
the divorce she feared--it's something much worse: she was
switched at birth at the hospital. The girl who was really her
parents' daughter has just died in an accident, and the couple
that raised her want to meet Susan. For grades 4-7. 1991.
Next section of Talking Book Topics | Previous section of Talking Book Topics | Talking Book Topics Home Page
Go to the NLS Home Page