Long before he was our Grammy and Odyssey Award winning producer, Arnie Cardillo was a high school baseball star. Celebrate Arnie and the other boys of summer with these baseball titles:

Baseball Saved Us 

Illustrated by Dom Lee

"...poignant story about a young Japanese American boy in a internment camp and the baseball diamond that gave the internees a purpose in life and a way of passing the time. The young boy's triumph in a game played while in captivity helps him when he returns home and continues his baseball career."--School Library Journal  

Satchel Paige   

Illustrated by James E. Ransome

Read by Dion Graham

"Well-placed, never overwhelming background sounds (cracking bats, whiffing balls, roaring crowds, pealing church bells) echo the images and descriptions, creating atmosphere and excitement. Ragtime piano riffs lend a honky-tonk air and underscore the era. Graham hits a grand slam with his silky-smooth, evocative reading, perfectly pitched to the narrative and illustrations..."--Booklist  

And speaking of boys of summer, don't forget:

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

Read by Fred Berman, Jasper Newell, Teddy Walsh

"Light-hearted music sprinkled with hints of campfire songs opens Marla Frazee's humorous Caldecott Honor book about two boys and their summer vacation experience. Narrators Fred Berman, Teddy Walsh, and Jasper Newell bring the characters to life as young Eamon is joined at his grandparent's beach house by his pal James."--School Library Journal  

When she's not managing our inventory or talking with our fabulous customers, you can often find Debra Cardillo in the kitchen, cooking up goodies to share with friends, family and the occasional (lucky!) customer.   Cook up some summer fun of your own with these titles:

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake
By Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrated by Stephanie Jorisch
Read by Katherine Kellgren

 

"Through tonal changes and vocal expressiveness, Kellgren captures Betty's defiance, determination, and lack of patience. In her portrayal of Betty's parents, Kellgren effectively conveys their love and occasional frustration with temperamental Betty. Appropriate and low-key background sound effects, including laughing, opening doors, clanking dishes, automobile engines, playground sounds, and more enhance Kellgren's reading of television writer Kaplan's debut children's book, featuring Stephane Jorisch's watercolor illustrations depicting flop-eared Betty and family attired in modern, casual clothes."--Booklist, starred review  

 

Chato's Kitchen
By Gary Soto
Illustrated by Susan Guevara
Read by Willie Colon

 

Chato is the hippest cat in East L.A. When a family of fat mice move into the house next door, he invites them to a neighborly "dinner" with a menu that includes chorizo con mice! Deliciously delivered, this is a delightful readalong not to be missed. 

 

Puppy Mudge Has a Snack
By Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Isidre Mones
Read by Suzanne Toren

 

In these pre-level one books, the big, drooly dog from the best-selling Henry and Mudge series is a puppy, and his adventures with his beloved friend Henry are playful and simple - perfect for just-beginning readers! Mudge wants Henry's snack and the drooly puppy is too cute for Henry to resist! 

If you're coming to ALA, visit us at Booth #1422 and let us show you a demo of our eReadalongs, an exciting new digital format for our award-winning audio productions. We'll enter you in our contest to win a FREE IPAD!  

Don't want to wait? Click here for a 7-day FREE TRIAL and you can also check our site for the full list of available titles.

A Full Moon is Rising

By Marilyn Singer

Illustrated by Julia Cairns

Read by a multi-cast

All around the world people are affected by and in awe of a full moon. In this poetic exploration of the lunar wonder, places near and far provide the backdrop for discovering celebrations, beliefs, customs and facts about the moon.   

Tortuga in Trouble

By Ann Whitford Paul

Illustrated by Ethan Long

Read by Brian & Rosi Amador

A witty variation of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, with a southwestern flavor. With a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, this clever collaboration also includes a glossary.   

Happy Endings A Story About Suffixes 

By Robin Pulver

Illustrated by Lynn Rowe Reed

Read by John Beach

The high-energy, whimsical team that delivered the three previous titles in this Language Arts Library now presents - ta da! - word endings! Entertaining and enthralling, this readalong makes learning about suffixes memorable - and fun!