Books with author Listening Library

Slowly, slowly, slowly...that's how the sloth lives. He hangs upside-down from the branch of a tree, night and day, in the sun and in the rain, while the other animals of the rain forest rush past him. "Why are you so slow? Why are you so quiet? Why are you so lazy?" the others ask the sloth. And, after a long, long, long time, the sloth finally tells them! Set in the lush world of the tropical rain forest, this original book has a meaningful message: Slow down! Take time to enjoy your world.

From master storyteller An Na comes the Printz Award-winning novel about a Korean girl who tells her firsthand account of trying to find her place and identity in America from the day she leaves Korea as a child to her rocky journey through the teenage years. At age four Young Ju moves with her parents from Korea to Southern California. She has always imagined America would be like heaven: easy, blissful, and full of riches. But when her family arrives, she finds it to be the opposite. With a stubborn language barrier and cultural dissimilarities, not only is it impossible to make friends, but even her family's internal bonds are wavering. Her parents' finances are strained, yet her father's stomach is full of booze. As Young Ju's once solid and reliable family starts tearing apart, her younger brother begins to gain more freedom and respect simply because of his gender. Young Ju begins to lose all hope in the dream she once held - the heaven she longs for. Even as she begins to finally fit in, a cataclysmic family event will change her idea of heaven forever. But it also helps her to recognize the strength she holds and envision the future she desires - and deserves.

This is the story of a kindhearted little girl named Fern who saves the life of a very small and very lucky pig named Wilbur. It is also the story of Charlotte A. Cavatica, the beautiful, resourceful gray spider who lives with Wilbur in the barn and who becomes his best friend. Surrounded by his barnyard pals and cheered by Fern's visits, Wilbur enjoys each new day...until the old sheep tells him what farmers do to pigs at Christmastime. Suddenly Wilbur is terribly afraid, but faithful Charlotte promises to spin a clever plan to save her humble friend. And with the help of Templeton the rat, she does just that. As moving and eloquent now as when it was first written 50 years ago, Charlotte's Web celebrates the sweetness of friendship, even when it is tinged by loss.

The unforgettable New York Times best-selling family saga from Markus Zusak, the storyteller who gave us the extraordinary best seller The Book Thief, lauded by the New York Times as "the kind of book that can be life-changing." Named one of the best books of the year by Entertainment Weekly and The Wall Street Journal. "One of those monumental books that can draw you across space and time into another family’s experience in the most profound way." (The Washington Post) "Mystical and loaded with heart, it's another gorgeous tearjerker from a rising master of them." (Entertainment Weekly) "Devastating, demanding and deeply moving." (Wall Street Journal) The breathtaking story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance. At the center of the Dunbar family is Clay, a boy who will build a bridge - for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his sins, for a miracle. The question is, how far is Clay willing to go? And how much can he overcome? Written in powerfully inventive language and bursting with heart, Bridge of Clay is signature Zusak.

The everyday power of prayer comes to life in this inspirational book written by 12-year-old budding singer Emme Muñiz. We all have moments every day where we can use a little help. Some are small, like waking up for school or getting along with a sibling. Others are big, like helping to save the planet and all its creatures - especially sloths! But asking God for help always brings us the strength to get through anything. Emme Muñiz shares her own daily prayers to offer families a way to embrace the peace and power of everyday faith.

This guided mindful meditation exercise featuring a colorful elephant helps kids feel focused, wherever they are. With Listen Like an Elephant, kids learn to slow down, listen to the world around them, and focus their attention - no matter how messy life becomes. Best of all, it can be done anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or even at a child's desk at school. Mindfulness Moments for Kids are easy-to-follow exercises kids can use to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions.

This must-have classic about a baby bird in search of his mother is the perfect gift for Mother's Day! A baby bird goes in search of his mother in this hilarious Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. When a mother bird's egg starts to jump, she hurries off to make sure she has something for her little one to eat. But as soon as she's gone, out pops the baby bird. He immediately sets off to find his mother, but not knowing what she looks like makes it a challenge. The little hatchling is determined to find his mother, even after meeting a kitten, a hen, a dog, and a Snort. The timeless message of the bond between mother and child make P. D. Eastman's Are You My Mother? a must for baby showers and Mother's Day.