Health & Family Audiobooks

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma

The New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Joanna Ho, delivers a poignant biography about the musician Yo-Yo Ma, immigration, and using music to build bridges. “Everyone can benefit from Ho’s message of music bringing calm and peace to the world.” —Booklist  Joanna Ho’s lyrical writing tells an inspiring story of Yo-Yo Ma, who challenges conventions, expectations, and beliefs in order to build bridges to unite communities, people, and cultures. A beautiful biography to enjoy and share in the home and the classroom. Before Yo-Yo Ma became one of the most renowned and celebrated cellists, he wanted to play the double bass. But it was too big for his four-year-old hands. Over time, Ma honed his amazing talent, and his music became a reflection of his own life between borders, cultures, disciplines, and generations. Since then, he has recorded over a hundred albums, won nineteen Grammy Awards, performed for eight American presidents, and received the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just to name a few accomplishments. Staying true to himself, Yo-Yo Ma performed at the US-Mexico border at the Rio Grande on April 13, 2019, as part of his multi-continent “Bach Project” tour to prove a point—through music, we can build bridges rather than walls between different cultures.

Joanna Ho (Author), Kevin Shen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Keeping It Real

Marigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie? Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson. Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight. As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family. Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.

Paula Chase (Author), Eboni Flowers (Narrator)

Audiobook

Faceless

Newbery Honor winner Kathryn Lasky, author of the Guardians of Ga’hoole series, delivers a riveting adventure about young British spies on a secret mission in Germany in WWII.  “Fascinating and riveting, especially for history buffs and spy aficionados.” –Kirkus “A page-turner, particularly for readers intrigued by WWII.” –Booklist “With a well-detailed historical backdrop and a puzzling familial mystery, this novel delivers intrigue.” –Publisher’s Weekly Over the centuries, a small clan of spies called the Tabula Rasa has worked ceaselessly to fight oppression. They can pass unseen through enemy lines and “become” other people without being recognized. They are, essentially, faceless.  Alice and Louise Winfield are sisters and spies in the Tabula Rasa. They’re growing up in wartime England, where the threat of Nazi occupation is ever near. But Louise wants to live an ordinary life and leaves the agency. Now, as Alice faces her most dangerous assignment yet, she fears discovery, but, most of all, she fears losing her own sister. This upper middle grade novel is a mix of espionage and historical adventure and will appeal to fans of Elizabeth Wein and Ruta Sepetys. Lasky masterfully spins a tale filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue that will have readers hooked. Faceless is also a springboard for the study of Word War II, with special interest to classrooms that would like to teach subjects such as Hitler, the Nazi regime, and anti-Nazi resistance.

Kathryn Lasky (Author), Jennifer Jill Araya (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Circus at the End of the Sea

A vibrant and enchanting debut novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus, perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead! Maddy Adriana knows that magic is real. All her life, her heart has pulled her towards things too perfect to be ordinary. One day, that tug leads her to a magical street circus, hidden in plain sight among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach. For the first time in Maddy’s life, she finally feels like she belongs. But the circus is in grave danger. Maddy will need to confront the frightening side of magic, as well as her own deepest fears, if she’s to have any hope of saving the place she dreams of calling home. This unforgettable debut shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you belong. 

Lori R. Snyder (Author), Angel Pean (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Little Elliot Complete Collection: Books 1-5

Little Elliot, Big City: Book 1 - Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend. Little Elliot, Big Family: Book 2 - When Mouse heads off to his family reunion, Little Elliot decides go for a walk. As he explores each busy street, he sees families in all shapes and sizes. In a city of millions, Little Elliot feels very much alone-until he finds he has a family of his own! Little Elliot, Big Fun: Book 3 - Little Elliot, the polka-dotted elephant, and his friend Mouse go to the amusement park to see the sights and ride the rides—water chutes, roller coasters, carousels, and more. But Elliot isn't having much fun—the rides are too wet, too fast, too dizzy, and just plain too scary—until Mouse figures out a way to help him overcome his fears. Together, Mouse and Little Elliot can do anything! Little Elliot, Fall Friends: Book 4 - It's autumn in the Big City! Little Elliot and Mouse love the hustle and bustle of the city streets. But sometimes it feels like there are too many people, too many noises—just too much! The best friends decide to get out of town for a vacation in the countryside. There, they'll discover the sights and smells of autumn in the country. Everything is more fun when shared with a friend! Merry Christmas, Little Elliot: Book 5 - Little Elliot the elephant isn't quite sure what Christmas spirit is, but he suspects he doesn't have it. Not even a visit to Santa Claus can put Elliot in the right mood. But when chance blows a letter for Santa into Elliot and Mouse's path, the two friends discover what Christmas is all about—and make a new friend, too.

Mike Curato (Author), Mark Sanderlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

My Skin, Your Skin: Let’s talk about race, racism and empowerment

Brought to you by Ladybird. My Skin Your Skin is a powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. This book was specifically written by Early Years expert and children's media creator, Laura Henry-Allain MBE, to support parents, teachers and guardians to explain what racism is, why it is wrong, and what children can do if they see it or experience it. It also explores how important it is for children to celebrate their achievements and greatness. My Skin, Your Skin is aimed at children aged four and above. Containing explanations on key words and concepts written in child-friendly, accessible language, with relatable examples, this book supports children's understanding in building an anti-racist stance from an early age. It is perfect to read at home, and in classrooms, to support your child's life-long learning journey. © Laura Henry-Allain MBE 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Laura Henry-Allain Mbe (Author), Laura Henry-Allain Mbe (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Elliot, Big City: Book 1

Whether it's meeting that special friend, or finally getting that long-awaited cupcake, it's the little things that count in this sweet story of a little polka-dotted elephant, Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City. Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

Mike Curato (Author), Mark Sanderlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Elliot, Big Family: Book 2

Elliot and Mouse are back in Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big Family! And this time, Elliot finds more than a friend—he finds a family. When Mouse heads off to his family reunion, Little Elliot decides go for a walk. As he explores each busy street, he sees families in all shapes and sizes. In a city of millions, Little Elliot feels very much alone-until he finds he has a family of his own!

Mike Curato (Author), Mark Sanderlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Elliot, Fall Friends: Book 4

It's autumn in the Big City! Little Elliot and Mouse love the hustle and bustle of the city streets. But sometimes it feels like there are too many people, too many noises—just too much! The best friends decide to get out of town for a vacation in the countryside. There, they'll discover the sights and smells of autumn in the country. Everything is more fun when shared with a friend!

Mike Curato (Author), Mark Sanderlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mister Fairy

In fact, all the animals laugh when he tries to copy what the other fairies do. So, Mister Fairy travels far from his forest home to another place where, almost by accident, he discovers and shares his special gift. Sometimes your talent is hiding in plain sight; it just takes the right time and place to reveal what was there all along. Mister Fairy is a touching, humorous story about fitting in, self-discovery, and finding one's place in the world.

Morgane De Cadier (Author), Susannah Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Before We Sleep

Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story, knowing they will be together again in the spring. This gentle friendship story is the perfect allegory for the bedtime ritual. And the reassuring message is clear: "I will be there for you when you wake."

Giorgio Volpe (Author), Simon Vance (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mindy Kim, Class President

It's time to pick a class president, and Mindy's big campaign is all about: 1. FRIENDSHIP! 2. KINDNESS! 3. SNACKS! But there is one thing that Mindy is not sure she can do: make a speech to her class about why they should vote for her. Can Mindy face her fears and prove to the class-and herself-that she can be the best class president ever?

Lyla Lee (Author), Jaine Ye (Narrator)

Audiobook