Audio books are a big part of our family life. Both children switch onto an audiobook after we have read to them from a traditional book. To begin with, I will admit, it was part laziness on my part to shorten bedtime, so I only had to read a chapter or two from a book. But I then realised what a profound effect listening to stories was having on them. My daughter (10), isn’t an avid reader, but she was vociferously listening to audiobooks, and had soon gone through a fair few. For both children, I found they were listening to stories that in book-form may have been a little beyond them. Audiobooks proved to be an excellent stepping stone to the next level of books.
Therefore, when Audible contacted me to review The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, we were more than willing. Another bonus to audible books is that they are often read by famous actors which lends a lot of theatre to the readings. The Jungle Book is no exception. The stellar reading cast includes Bill Bailey as Baloo, Richard E Grant as Kaa and Martin Shaw as Shere Khan. This clip here give a preview to the actors creating this story and just how theatrical it is:
Of course, the acting provides much drama to the reading, so much so during the part with Ankus and the killing of people, my son asked me to listen with him as it was so dramatic, he was a little scared! This aside, both children were enraptured with the reading. Through other mediums, they were aware of the storyline, and both compared the different versions they had previously heard. This traditional version complete with background sounds and dialogue really did fire up their imaginations and also their love for the story.
The Jungle Book is currently on download for free from Audible (find it here). Also, when you download it, 25p goes to the ZSL foundation which promotes animal conservation.
Now Audible is on my radar, I am looking forward to plundering their library. There are over 1000 for the children alone. My daughter has already spotted Judy Moody, Swallows and Amazons and the David Walliams books to download, whereas my son (8) is keen on How to Train your Dragon and Horrid Henry.
So go on, go and have a root about in the audible library – I am 100% sure you will find something both your kids and you will love to listen to.
Happy listening!
Disclaimer: I am a member of Mumsnet Blogger Network (www.mumsnet.com/blogger-network), a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not been paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity. I also received an incentive from Audible as thanks for this post.
