Nick's Picks
Selected Resources from TeachingBooks.net
Nick Glass, TeachingBooks.net for Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 6/12/2008
As summer begins, this "Nick's Picks" selects a few favorite audio excerpts of monster books brought to life with memorable multimedia from TeachingBooks.net. If you have favorite online clips of monster books, please email them to me at nick@TeachingBooks.net . Now, "Let the wild rumpus start."
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Any column about monsters in children’s books should encourage a recitation of “Roared their terrible roars!” Join Tammy Grimes as she does just that in this audio version of the beloved classic, written by Maurice Sendak. (Harper Audio)
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
Despite a less-than-rosy portrayal of an educator (a very green, Mrs. Green), teachers and students will enjoy Mike Thaler’s personable reading of his popular picture book. (TeachingBooks.net and Mike Thaler, Inc.)
There’s an Alligator under My Bed by Mercer Mayer
I love it when authors share their stories on video, allowing children to meet them through another medium. Gather your students and click on the above link to watch Mayer read this familiar story of bedtime fears as you view the book’s vibrant illustrations. (Mercer Mayer and Orchard House Licensing Company)
Monsterology by Arthur Slade
In this hilarious audio interview with the Baba Yaga herself, the queen of mean gets a frog stuck in her throat (literally), while ranting about her nasty nature. Arthur Slade’s multimedia resource adds texture and dimension to a reading of his tidbit-full book highlighting creepy characters from literature, folklore, and myth.
The Boggart and the Monster by Susan Cooper
David Rintoul’s eerie reading (Listening Library) of an excerpt from the suspenseful sequel to The Boggart by Newbery medalist Susan Cooper will send your middle school students to the library for the full story.
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s books populate secondary summer reading lists, and this wonderful audio introduction to the six-inch-tall, red-haired, blue-tattooed, kilt-wearing, hard-drinking thieves called Nac Mac Feegle (read by Steven Briggs) will thrill listeners with a fun-hearted fear. (Harper Audio)
Nick Glass, the Founder of TeachingBooks.net, would love to know your favorite multimedia clips of monster books. nick@TeachingBooks.net
