Notable Children's Recordings

Preschool-Grade 2. If a city garbage truck could talk, it would undoubtedly have the gruff, streetwise voice Andy Richter uses to read Kate and Jim McMullan's picture book.

Grades 3-8. Lili Taylor's childlike reading captures Ida B.'s trials and tribulations as she comes to terms with her mother's illness in Katherine Hannigan's lighthearted novel.

Grades 3-7. Fred Berman's youthful narration perfectly voices Andrew Clements' humorous story featuring popular student Hart Evans and his beleaguered music teacher.

All ages. Magic Maestro Music presents a musically-extended version of Virginia Lee Burton's classic story through symphonic interpretation, narration, and learning experiences.

Grades 2-6. With sensitivity and warmth, Glenn Close reads Patricia MacLachlan's fourth book about Sarah and her family.

Preschool-Grade 2. Music, sound effects, and William Dufris' voice augment this humorous picture book of three young veggie-loving bunnies and the farmer they outwit.

Grades 3-6. Johnny Heller's deadpan narration lends credibility to Amy MacDonald's humorous story of what happens when Aunt Mattie becomes the substitute teacher in Simon's 5th grade class.

All ages. Maurice Sendak narrates his Yiddish retelling of "Peter and the Wolf," with musical accompaniment by the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra.

Grades 6 and up. Narrator Clea Lewis captures Meg Cabot's Princess Mia as she contrives to go to the prom, endures her mother's pregnancy, and ponders global concerns.

All ages. Music, sound effects, and Alfred Molina's perfectly accented reading make this poem and the story of artist Juan Quezada come alive.