So, there I was snacking down on rice crispie treats, watching the tiny person soak herself in the only bit of water available at low tide at The Filberg when it was revealed to me.
The kiddo, she was soaked…and cold…and would eventually fall hands-first into a big, red jellyfish.
But, at least I knew that when I got home something totally cool would be waiting for her.
It’s no secret I am among those who cherish the label library-obsessed.
Obviously, though, I haven’t been obsessed enough. Because it turns out that the library has one very seriously cool online feature that I had no clue about it until that fateful conversation with Stacey at the NeighbourWood Walk wrap party – the TumbleBooks Library
All you do is enter your library card number and you are off to the races with a series of online books (including children’s author greats like Robert Munsch.) that are voiced over so that your kiddos can read along with them as the stories are told.
As the tiny person gets more and more into the computer, I am always looking for ways to keep learning – and reading books out loud is just about one of the best uses of a computer I can think of in the preschool universe.
The books that are a part of this are so memorable that our daughter is already repeating her favourite verses back to us and asking for more and more story time.
And, I have to be frank – this is the best way to get 15 minutes to yourself for a shower or whatever needs doing I have ever seen.
So, check out TumbleBooks over at the library.
You’ll be amazed at the incredible amounts of storytelling of which your computer is capable.
Literacy Lasts a Lifetime
Inspired by stories as a child, Robin spends a whole lot of time reading with her family. She reviews books that bring imagination to life for kids of all ages twice a month.
If you are interested in having a book reviewed, recommending excellent reads or touching base with Robin about our work to promote early literacy in Canada and around the globe, contact her at editor@ourbigearth.com
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The kids aren’t even up yet, and I’ve already watched four of my favorite stories… What a fun way to enjoy books – and no late fees!
Kale and Sam will LOVE this.
Oh, I feel a tiny bit famous this morning!
I was just thinking, maybe people would like the grown-up version too. Library To Go Audiobooks are fantastic for those who love books and multi-tasking. You need to download a piece of software (provided for free), then just use your library card to “check out” books, download them to your computer and listen while you cook, craft, or just zone out. Some titles can be burned to CD for listening on the go. The books “expire” after two weeks.
With nearly 800 titles to choose from in fiction, non-fiction, classics, there is something for everyone.
This link provides all the info about it:
http://www.virl.bc.ca/main_content/digital_resources/LibrarytoGo.html
and here is the library itself:
http://downloads.bclibrary.ca/B63AF474-A224-4E4B-AAE9-B9F0AF6CDA3D/10/325/en/default.htm
Stacey
I’ve just discovered this as well – very cool! My kids are loving it! Another fave at our house is http://www.starfall.com/ .
We too have fallen in love with the tumblebooks! Thanks Stacey – we went home from the wrap party and tried it out immediatley- a HUGE hit for Mom and kids alike!!!! I emailed all my friends with the info it is too cool not to share!!!
I am another one who raced home from the Filberg to check out Tumblebooks – Love it! We also super love starfall!
Hi Robin, I recently bought a new computer, and now I can not access the Tumblebooks Library, it says the page is not available or something…. The link in your post here is no longer working for me either. Is it working when you click on it? Can you let me know? Thanks!