by Robyn Woods
Is that Renaissance music coming from that book? If you were reading the Read Along version of Knight Owl by Christopher Densie, the answer would be “yes.”
What is a Read Along? A Read Along is a physical book that has an audio player attached to the book. Just press “play,” and the book is read aloud to you. The Knight Owl is a story about an owl who wants to become a knight. The addition of Renaissance tunes in the background helps make the book come alive. We have picture books, early readers, nonfiction, and chapter books in a Read Along format. Borrow one and listen to your next favorite.
The Adams County Library System has all-new ways for kids to listen to stories and media. We have Read Along books, Tonie boxes, and WhaZoodles. Each of these items can be borrowed for free from the Library. Children’s audio media has come a long way from books on tape. It is now easier than ever to hear music, stories, and more.
What about a WhaZoodle? A WhaZoodle is a portable device about the size of a donut. They provide fun and educational audio listening for kids. The WhaZoodle has three modes: recess, explore, and relax. Each of these modes can be accessed by pressing a button on the WhaZoodle. Each mode is designed to engage kids and enhance their learning and development in unique ways. Kids can hear jokes, listen to music, podcasts, and short stories, and be guided through meditation.
If you have enjoyed listening to a Read Along and a Whazoodle, borrow a Tonie box. We have Tonie boxes in our Library of Things collection. This box plays audio from a Tonie figure. When you place the figure on the box, audio related to that character is played. If it is a Disney character, it could be songs from the character’s movie. If it is a book character, it plays content related to that character and their book. This is a new way for kids to enjoy their favorite characters. If you have Frozen fans at your house, you can borrow Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. When you are done listening, you can “Let it Go” and return your Frozen friends to the library and check out a new set of characters. If you already have a Tonie box and just want to try out a new character, you can do that too. You can borrow just the characters. The characters have a magnet to attach to the box, so you don’t have to worry about wires or having to set anything up. The boxes and the characters are available to borrow from the library.
If any of these sound like good options to you (pun intended) come on down to the library and borrow one. I look forward to seeing you.
Robyn Woods is Youth Services Librarian/Coordinator for the Adams County Library System.