New audio books for young readers

If you haven't yet discovered the joys of audio books for kids, there are still a few weeks of summer left — a perfect time to give one or two a whirl. I was able to listen to a number of these books during several long road trips, and the hours whizzed by.

When I hear a story instead of reading it, sometimes it resonates inside of me differently. Polished readers — often seasoned actors — usually add their own dimensions to a well-written tale; they can even salvage a mediocre one.

I actually found myself missing several of these tales a day or two after I finished them; the readers were able to introduce me to the main characters in innovative, refreshing ways. Pop one in your CD player and enjoy!

"Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose: One Hundred Best-Loved Verses" (unabridged) selected by Mary Engelbreit, performed by Lynn Redgrave (Harper Children's Audio, 30 minutes/1 CD, $13.95, ages birth-5). Redgrave's soothing voice contributes a gentle — albeit spirited — quality to these nursery rhymes.

"The Frances Audio Collection" (unabridged) by Russell Hoban, performed by Glynis Johns (Harper Children's Audio, 45 minutes/1 compact disc, $13.95, ages 3-8). That Hoban understands child psychology is evident in his portraits of Frances and her family (a lively group of talking badgers). This recording offers an excuse to revisit these humorous but true-to-life children's classics. The collection includes "Bedtime for Frances," "A Baby Sister for Frances," "Bread and Jam for Frances" and "A Birthday for Frances." Johns had the challenge of creating her own melodies for the original tunes regularly composed and sung by Frances. They're lots of fun.

The work of author Roald Dahl must lend itself to the audio format, as the Dahl recordings below were a cut above all the others:

"The Giraffe, the Pelly, and Me" (unabridged) by Roald Dahl, performed by Richard E. Grant (Harper Children's Audio, 40 minutes/1 compact disc, $13.95, ages 4-8). One of Dahl's gentler yarns, this tale is about the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company — which includes a giraffe (no need for a ladder), a pelican (no need for a bucket) and a monkey (who does the actual cleaning). Young Billy (a boy) unexpectedly finds himself the manager of this operation. Grant came up with some interesting voices for this cast of characters.

"The BFG" (unabridged) by Roald Dahl, performed by Natasha Richardson (Harper Children's Audio, 4 hours/4 compact discs, $25.95, ages 8-12). Richardson brings a great deal of heart to this children's classic about a Big Friendly Giant, the only giant of his lot unwilling to eat "human beans."

"The Twits" (unabridged) by Roald Dahl, performed by Simon Callow (Harper Children's Audio, 1 hour/1 compact disc, $13.95, ages 8-12). Callow's rendition of this story about a most disgusting couple — Mr. and Mrs. Twit — had me howling.

Lemony Snicket 's "A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning" (unabridged), performed by Tim Curry and others (Harper Children's Audio, 2 ½ hours/3 compact discs, $22, ages 10-up). In this recorded version (actually more a reader's theater production) the now-classic story of a resourceful trio of children and their evil guardian sometimes loses its droll quality, becoming pretty frightening in places. Indeed, some scenes enhanced by lots of sound effects — not to mention effective acting — feel a bit too real. Save it for older fans. That said, serious aficionados of the series should love Curry's macabre narration.

"Behind the Curtain: an Echo Falls Mystery" (unabridged) by Peter Abrahams, performed by Colleen Delaney (Harper Children's Audio, 8 hours/6 compact discs, $27.95, ages 10-up). "Down the Rabbit Hole," the first installment of this stylish mystery series starring eighth-grader Ingrid Levin-Hill, received high marks. This second volume isn't quite as inventive, but mystery buffs still have plenty to look forward to. From the beginning, Delaney grabs hold of this tale and pulls tight.

"Criss Cross" (unabridged) by Lynne Rae Perkins, performed by Danielle Ferland (Harper Children's Audio, 5 ½ hours/5 compact discs, $25.95, ages 10-up). Perkins won the Newbery Award for this gentle story — actually a series of vignettes — featuring a handful of philosophical teens on the brink of recasting their lives. Some listeners might miss the charming illustrations available in the 'book book.' Ferland delivers an upbeat performance.

"Jumping the Scratch" (unabridged) by Sarah Weeks, performed by Stephen Spinella (Harper Children's Audio, 3 hours/3 compact discs, $22.95, ages 10-up). After his Aunt Sapphy develops amnesia due to a bad accident, fifth-grader Jamie Reardon and his mother are forced to move into a trailer park in Traverse City, Mich. He begins this new segment in his life with a grumpy attitude, which only gets worse after he has to deal with school bullies and a weird neighbor named Audrey Krouch (who also happens to be in his class). Besides, it is clear Jamie is harboring a difficult secret. Spinella's deadpan voice is perfect for the story.