An Audio Book for Gertie

Yes, it is true. Gertie Saves the Day is now an audio book! I couldn’t be more excited for children to read and listen to my Groundhog Day story. An audio book for Gertie was something I had been thinking about last spring. It seemed like a great deal of work to do it on my own and to do it well. I put the idea to side for future consideration. But … when I was invited to participate in the Little Monsters Read Along Audio Books, my answer was an enthusiastic YES!

Little Monsters Read Along

Studio Story Monsters is bringing audiobooks to a new demographic with Little Monsters Read-Along Books. Encouraging children, from around the world, to read along to children’s books with a cast of child narrators! All of the Little Monsters Read-Along Books are read and recorded by children, for children.

What impressed me the most about the Little Monsters Read Along was that each of the narrators had to audition to be a part of this program and were between the ages of 9-15. I liked the fact that children were reading to children. Another highlight is the fact that this is being offered as a read along which means they are encouraging children to read the physical book while listening to the audio.

Audio Books and Literacy

I enjoy listening to audiobooks and I understand that not everyone feels the same about audio books. I have heard comments such as “That’s not really reading, is it?” or “I won’t let my students listen to audiobooks because that’s not reading.” But I see things differently.

“Literacy” refers to the ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively. Listening to a book being read aloud is certainly different from reading the book yourself. But the ability to listen is a key literacy skill that is essential for academic success and future opportunities.

Benefits of Audio Books

Audiobooks help children develop listening skills, introduce them to material above their current level of reading, and introduce children to different literary styles. They also give children the chance to hear books read aloud by incredibly talented storytellers!

Audiobooks can be used to:

• Model good reading
• Teach critical listening skills
• Introduce new genres that students might not otherwise consider
• Introduce new vocabulary or difficult proper names or locales
• Provide a read-aloud model
• Provide a bridge to important topics of discussion for parents and children who can listen together.
• Children love to be read to and in this case, older children are modeling good reading.
• Audio storytelling engages readers especially when they are supported by print books.

Where You Can Find These Audio Books?

Almost everywhere! The Little Monsters Audio Books have been distributed to over 50 retail and library channels such as: Barnes & Noble, Apple, Overdrive, Nook and more. Over 50,000 teachers, librarians, and parents will also be receive information about the audio books.

If you have any trouble finding the audio book you can contact Little Monsters Read Along Audio Books and they will be happy to help you.

Thoughts …

There are many benefits to listening to audiobooks, including improved vocabulary, enhanced comprehension skills, emotional and moral development, stress reduction, and more. According to various studies, listening to audiobooks is just as valuable as reading.

Want to take advantage of the benefits of audiobooks? If so, you’re likely wondering – what are some good audio books for children? Why not start with Gertie Saves the Day!

Early Alert

World Read Aloud Day is February 5th. This is one of my favorite days of the year. It is a free event and I can visit classrooms all of the United States and read my books. It is important to book early so if you are thinking about a visit please contact me as soon as possible. Learn more about World Read Aloud Day here.

With gratitude …

I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying. 

I am now booking author visits for the spring, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After school Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit. 

My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families. 

Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. The holidays are quickly approaching and books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!

Call to Action … 

You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here.  Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.