Mr. Popper’s Penguins Audiobook by Richard and Florence Atwater

Mr. Popper’s Penguins Audiobook by Richard and Florence Atwater, read by Nick Sullivan.

We had a homeschool field trip that was a bit of a drive. At the library I found Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, read by Nick Sullivan, and it was perfect. It’s just two discs, approximately two hours unabridged. It is so completely silly and sweet and my 6-year-old loved it. I asked him if he wanted me to turn it off for a little break and he said no, twice. It’s unrealistic a few times, of course, but the main character is easy-going and is gifted a penguin, then another, and well, he ends up with a dozen penguins and no way to afford them. The language is completely safe and there are no questionable themes. I’m quite certain my son will pick it up in the future and ask to hear it again.

 

 

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder AUDIOBOOK

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Unabridged Audiobook read by Cherry Jones)

Five and a half hours will pass too quickly with Cherry Jones reading The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I picked this one up at the library knowing it would be a good story, but not quite remembering all of the details of the story from my own childhood. Frankly, it was hard to give it back. My husband actually insisted we listen when he could participate, because he loved it as well. Laura Ingalls Wilder describes pioneer life with such clarity that the book could almost be a suggested map for trying it yourself. It’s hard to listen to their life and NOT learn about determination and humbleness. It sure can make you proud of early Americans, and also help you and your children analyze your own lives and possessions. Cherry Jones was no accidental choice for this story, and frankly I think we’re going to listen to all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books on audiobook because she adds so much to the story. Enjoy listening for the sheer entertainment of it, but you’ll be hard pressed not to walk away with something deeper.