This book/CD combination is a Baby Boomer’s delight, and a teacher’s dream. To start, Tom Chapin reads the song lyrics slowly enough for young listeners to follow along with the words while looking at Michael McCurdy’s simple woodcut illustrations. Children get a view of a vintage America that, for the most part, has disappeared, wonderful train noises and other sound effects, and a map that shows where the historic train traveled. Once children (and adults) have enjoyed the poetry, Tom Chapin sings the song through, adding music to the imagery of “that magic carpet made of steel.”
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 10 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Liam Aiken skillfully brings this series finale to a satisfying conclusion. Finally, Lemony believes he has answers to his many questions--but does he really? The story's train setting is unique and adds a thrilling sense of place as Stain'd-by-the-Sea is left far behind. Aiken presents the story's clever wordplay and vocabulary in a lively manner that will appeal to young listeners. Lemony must ascertain who murdered one of his heroes, librarian Dashiell Qwerty. Because he loves libraries, librarians, and books, Lemony's sadness is audibly apparent in Aiken's tone. As Lemony and his associates sift through clues, they share tidbits about their favorite authors and books. It's a challenging listen as the suspects continually shift. Aiken's best creation is Hangfire, whose sarcasm and creepy voice will keep listeners on edge.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2015
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781478959656
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Murphy has used Robert Louis Stevenson's 1879 trip across America and entries from Stevenson's own journals to recreate this wonderful slice of Americana. Davidson's outstanding ability to capture the sound of early American voices makes this at once interesting and enjoyable for young listeners. Stevenson's horrendous experience crossing the Atlantic and his equally harrowing train trip across the United States are rendered in a style reminiscent of a great teacher or storyteller relaying a tale that modern Americans can barely imagine. Davidson splendidly enhances an interesting story with minimal dramatic flourishes. This excellent and easy way to learn American history is not to be missed.
(Ages 10+)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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