In the northeast, MAY usually means we can begin to think of spring. The titles featured below seem to announce this most hopeful of seasons to us – planting gardens, baby animals, butterflies migrating. These – and many other of our recordings – are also wonderful for EARLY CHILDHOOD collections. Our new series of PUPPY MUDGE readalongs and the series of books by Marion Dane Bauer about HOW OUR WEATHER WORKS are terrific for the youngest readers and listeners.

Why do we think our Early Childhood readalongs are important for children at early literacy stages and who are just learning to read? Audio supports literacy skills as well as listening skills and expands reading comprehension. Music and sound effects provide cues for sight recognition, the illustrations in the book provide contextual clues, and the narrative pacing allows time for visual clues to sink in. Listening to a professional audio production with expressive narration not only introduces new vocabulary but also stimulates a love of words and language while helping develop attention and imagination. Using readalongs helps create readers – it’s that simple.

Be sure to check out our newest release – CINCO DE MAYO. Happy May to all!