I have read this book twice now - once as an audiobook and once as an ebook, 7 years later. The second time was as grim but also as revealing and hopefI have read this book twice now - once as an audiobook and once as an ebook, 7 years later. The second time was as grim but also as revealing and hopeful and inspiring as the first. This is not necessarily an enjoyable book, being the autobiography of the amazing Maya Angelou. However it is a good read, filled with explorations of not only her life, but US society and culture and traditions from a time we often wish didn’t actually happen. I didn’t enjoy it either time but I did feel moved by it and felt connected and yet entirely privileged to be able to read it in comfort. Read as part of the ALA Banned Books challenge. ...more
A fun take about a fierce dragon librarian who renovates a school library but then won't let the kids touch the books. Demands from teachers don't fazA fun take about a fierce dragon librarian who renovates a school library but then won't let the kids touch the books. Demands from teachers don't faze her. A short-sighted girl walks in and starts reading a story aloud, drawing kids back to the library and helping the fierce dragon transform into a fun children-loving librarian. Lots of complex words all to do with fire. A good lesson on looking after books although a bit hidden - needs pointing out! Would have also preferred to end with a dragon too! ...more
A fun storybook exploring the orchestra and music. The audio version does add to the tale! Beautiful illustrations although I wish they were more realA fun storybook exploring the orchestra and music. The audio version does add to the tale! Beautiful illustrations although I wish they were more realistic! ...more
This is a gentle early reader book about Biscuit getting ready for bed. It is slightly ironic for parents - biscuit requires a lot of attention on theThis is a gentle early reader book about Biscuit getting ready for bed. It is slightly ironic for parents - biscuit requires a lot of attention on the way to bed. Fun, easy words. We listened to the audio cd and I appreciated it putting the turn the page version on first! ...more
This is a great book and now we have borrowed and listened several times over to the audio version whilst reading along. The book - fantastic, helps lThis is a great book and now we have borrowed and listened several times over to the audio version whilst reading along. The book - fantastic, helps learn colors and animals and is rhythmic and fun. The audiobook, as read by Gwyneth Paltrow, is good. I would always prefer the first version on a cd to be the one that makes bing noises when it is time to turn the page but for some reason it is always the second track. It was nice to have the third track in Spanish. ...more