Looking for something to do this summer? Looking for different ways to share books with your child? Do you miss storytime? (I do…)
The Burbank Public Library (as well as many other public libraries across the nation) offers its patrons an excellent electronic resource that can help get kids excited about books and reading: TumbleBooks!
By clicking on the library’s website and then following the link for “TumbleBooks” found on the homepage, our library users can gain access to an online collection of animated, talking picture books and games. From the comfort of your own home, you can gain unlimited remote access to this FREE program. [This is available to Burbank Public Library cardholders. People in other communities will have to check with their own local libraries to see if this service is available.]
**Here are some of the great features of TumbleBooks…**
Story Books: This is the collection of animated picture books that include favorite titles such as “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “The Paperbag Princess” and “Dairy of a Worm”. Users have the option of having the book read aloud to them or reading the book independently (without audio narration). (This collection is especially geared for toddlers, preschoolers and beginning readers.) There are also corresponding electronic puzzles and games to go with the books.
Tumble Readables: For older, more established readers, there is a collection of e-book classics such as “Anne of Green Gables” and “Black Beauty” for students to read independently (without the bells and whistles of animation and sound effects).
Language Learning: There is also a growing collection of books in Spanish and French as well as bilingual titles. (You also have the option of viewing the website in these languages.) This collection could be useful for ESL, bilingual, Spanish and French language learning and instruction.
Audio Books: Also for older students, there is a collection of full length, unabridged, streaming audio books for listening.
**Another website for free Virtual Storybooks**
Storyline Online: Online videos of actors reading picture books aloud.