Stacia Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 (edited) A friend of mine (from another board & GoodReads) made me aware of the following: NPR is starting a 'backseat book club' for kids ages 9-14. The first book they are covering is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. You can listen to Neil Gaiman read the book in its entirety here. The dc & I listened to chapter 1 today & it's awesome to hear Gaiman reading it. The dc loved it (as I knew they would). We're looking forward to listening to the rest of the book, then tuning in for NPR's program w/ Neil Gaiman on Oct. 28. Edited October 25, 2011 by Stacia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 I loved this book! It made me cry. Thanks for the link! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Great! We own it and they will love this! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extendedforecast Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 A family favorite! I can't wait to see which book they pick next. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 As I'm sure is the case with many of you, I have quite a good relationship with our Children's Librarian. Last year I asked her for some book recommendations. She asked what kind of book he might be interested in? I said he has a really good sense of humor so "funny" books are always good. Her eyes lit up, and she said I've got one you have to read. She marched us across the library and pulled Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book off the shelf and handed it to me. Then a look of concern crossed her face, and she asked if my son was "sensitive." Seemed a strange question, but I said, "not at all" and she seemed relieved. Now anyone who has read this book will know why the next time I saw her I said, "If you think that book is "funny" then you have a very weird sense of humor." :D We loved it BTW. Very well written. It is really a pleasure to find a young adult author who is so accomplished in his use of language. But "funny" it ain't :tongue_smilie: Bill (who wonders if it might give "sensitive types" nightmares?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 So AWESOME! I actually just purchased the Nook version of Graveyard Book last week to do as a read aloud. I read the first chapter, but I'd much rather sit back and have Mr. Neil read to me, too! Thanks a bunch for posting this :001_smile:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 I read about book club on NPR's website. I have a question about the book. I read the first chapter at the library and think the description of murderer walking around the house, hunting down the baby would freak out my 10yo dd. She is very sensitive. If I summarized that part for her, would the rest of the story be good? I had assumed I would just shelve the choice for a few years, but I keep hearing great things about the book. Dd loves NPR, and would enjoy being "in their book club"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineW Posted October 24, 2011 Share Posted October 24, 2011 As I'm sure is the case with many of you, I have quite a good relationship with our Children's Librarian. Last year I asked her for some book recommendations. She asked what kind of book he might be interested in? I said he has a really good sense of humor so "funny" books are always good. Her eyes lit up, and she said I've got one you have to read. She marched us across the library and pulled Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book off the shelf and handed it to me. Then a look of concern crossed her face, and she asked if my son was "sensitive." Seemed a strange question, but I said, "not at all" and she seemed relieved. Now anyone who has read this book will know why the next time I saw her I said, "If you think that book is "funny" then you have a very weird sense of humor." :D We loved it BTW. Very well written. It is really a pleasure to find a young adult author who is so accomplished in his use of language. But "funny" it ain't :tongue_smilie: Bill (who wonders if it might give "sensitive types" nightmares?) I love this book, but it will be a long time before I give it to my sensitive 5 year old son. He still has separation anxiety and the first chapter alone would definitely result in bad dreams and in him wanting to sleep with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 I have a question about the book. I read the first chapter at the library and think the description of murderer walking around the house, hunting down the baby would freak out my 10yo dd. She is very sensitive. If I summarized that part for her, would the rest of the story be good? I had assumed I would just shelve the choice for a few years, but I keep hearing great things about the book. I was actually already reading (& loving) this book before I heard about the NPR thing. I was reading it *for myself*, pretty much knowing/assuming neither of my kids would read it. Neither one likes creepy, scary stuff at all & something titled "The Graveyard Book" kind-of automatically puts it into that category. Both my dc are sensitive to stuff like that, esp. my 10yo ds (though he is less sensitive w/ movies & video games :tongue_smilie:). I agree w/ you about the first part being a bit creepy/scary for sensitive kids. However, after you're past that, it's really just a great story & nothing really scary, imo. I did exactly what you mentioned -- I told my kids about the beginning being scariest (at least so far as I have read, which is about 2/3 of the way through the book) & what it was. Knowing about it ahead of time made it ok & both dc thoroughly enjoyed listening to the author read the first chapter & are looking forward to listening to the rest. Sounds like you're in a similar situation to what I was & by explaining the beginning ahead of time, my dc were fine w/ it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I read about book club on NPR's website. I have a question about the book. I read the first chapter at the library and think the description of murderer walking around the house, hunting down the baby would freak out my 10yo dd. She is very sensitive. If I summarized that part for her, would the rest of the story be good? I had assumed I would just shelve the choice for a few years, but I keep hearing great things about the book. Dd loves NPR, and would enjoy being "in their book club"! My 9 year old daughter is the sensitive one in our family. I told her what was going to happen in the first chapter. Her anticipation is often worse than her actual fear, but she ended up being fine with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 Hey, RootAnn just pointed out to me that I posted an incorrect date for the radio show. The show w/ Neil Gaiman will be on Oct. 28. (I've corrected my original post too.) Thanks, RootAnn! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I read it before putting it on one of the house bookcases and thought it was a great read. I just asked my kids who have read it (age 12-16). The just turned 12 year old had no issues and says it would probably be okay for our 9 year old, but he told younger brother not to read it aloud to the 7 year old or youngers ones. And yeah, great book, but not a funny book. All the kids that have read it looked at me like :001_huh: when I asked if they thought it was a funny book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Can someone who's read it tell me, is the scariness comparable to say the unfortunate events series scary? Is it graphic/gory? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwg Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Fun! Do you know what time the program will air? I want to set up a reminder while I am thinking of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I would like us to listen to it, but you can only stream it, not download it. I don't have a smartphone or a data plan where we could listen to it in the car. I just put a request in at our library for the CD's. I should be able to have them by Thur. I think my kids will enjoy the book. We are in the car a lot, so we will hear it all in a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Can someone who's read it tell me, is the scariness comparable to say the unfortunate events series scary? Is it graphic/gory? :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 (edited) Can someone who's read it tell me, is the scariness comparable to say the unfortunate events series scary? Is it graphic/gory? Hmmm. The incest craving uncle was worse to me. I would say The Graveyard Book is more sophisticated writing but not really more gory. There is speculation that there is a vampire and certainly a werewolf (both good guys) and ghouls and such. And people are killed. Edited October 25, 2011 by Martha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Awesome! I will mention it to my (non-sensitive, ghost story loving) 10 year old tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claire up north Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 Thanks for posting this! I just LOVE NPR! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 25, 2011 Author Share Posted October 25, 2011 Fun! Do you know what time the program will air? I want to set up a reminder while I am thinking of it. You will need to check your local progam listings. If you miss it, I think you will be able to hear the program later through the webpage: http://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted October 25, 2011 Share Posted October 25, 2011 I couldn't find a way to download the readings to my iPod (there isn't a way, right?) , so I'm going to check this audiobook from the library tomorrow, just in time for Halloween. I can't believe DH read this without suggesting it to us! I'm always on the lookout for the best children's books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 29, 2011 Author Share Posted October 29, 2011 In case you missed it, here are the audio file & transcript of today's interview w/ Neil Gaiman: http://www.npr.org/2011/10/28/141766112/kids-book-club-a-graveyard-tour-with-neil-gaiman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Thanks so much for this, Stacia!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Stacia, thank you for this :D. Dd wants me to order it for her. I know she'll love it. Also, based on all the glowing reviews here - Mrs. Mungo, Spy Car, etc. - I know it's something that she will like. 2 Questions: 1. Should I have her read it herself OR should we do this as a read-aloud? Dd loved the Lemony Snicket books. I started those off as read-alouds, but ds and I could not stand them. Are these similar? 2. Is there a link as to how often the NPR Book Club will change, basically to know what their next book is? Do they have an actual link for their kids book club? The link posted here seems to only be for this book. Thank you. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 30, 2011 Author Share Posted October 30, 2011 I'd do it as a read-aloud. I hated the Snicket books(and movie) but we all really enjoyed this one. Hey, it's Neil Gaiman, how could he be anything but superb?? :iagree: I don't know if you've looked at one of the links I gave, but you can watch/listen to Neil Gaiman himself reading the entire book. Each chapter runs approx. 45 min. - 1 hour. I read the book myself, but the dc & I are also watching/listening to Neil Gaiman read the book. I love listening to him (& I am not a person who likes audio books). My sensitive ds even loves it so far. Neither of my dc ever read Lemony Snicket, so I can't really compare. But, I tried to read the first LS book a few years ago & didn't really like it. FYI, here's the NPR main page about the book club: http://www.npr.org/series/141728003/nprs-back-seat-book-club Looks like the next book is The Phatom Tollbooth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 As I'm sure is the case with many of you, I have quite a good relationship with our Children's Librarian. Last year I asked her for some book recommendations. She asked what kind of book he might be interested in? I said he has a really good sense of humor so "funny" books are always good. Her eyes lit up, and she said I've got one you have to read. She marched us across the library and pulled Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book off the shelf and handed it to me. Then a look of concern crossed her face, and she asked if my son was "sensitive." Seemed a strange question, but I said, "not at all" and she seemed relieved. Now anyone who has read this book will know why the next time I saw her I said, "If you think that book is "funny" then you have a very weird sense of humor." :D We loved it BTW. Very well written. It is really a pleasure to find a young adult author who is so accomplished in his use of language. But "funny" it ain't :tongue_smilie: Bill (who wonders if it might give "sensitive types" nightmares?) My kids laughed every time it read, "...said the 33rd president of the United States." :D They are finding the book kind of funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 The next book is Phantom Tollbooth. Does that work well as a read aloud? I've never read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 The next book is Phantom Tollbooth. Does that work well as a read aloud? I've never read it. :hurray::hurray::hurray: One of our absolute favorite books. It is a WONDERFUL read aloud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 :hurray::hurray::hurray: One of our absolute favorite books. It is a WONDERFUL read aloud. I'm glad to hear it! For some reason, I was thinking it might be like Westing Game- which is really better if you are actually looking at the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 My kids heard the interview with me the other night and were so upset that they missed the October club. They can't wait to read the Phantom Toolbooth for November (they want to do it as a RA, but it seems like it might not be good for that... too many homophones). I've put Gaiman's book on hold for me to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I'd do it as a read-aloud. I hated the Snicket books(and movie) but we all really enjoyed this one. Hey, it's Neil Gaiman, how could he be anything but superb?? Thanks. Never read Neil Gaiman, so it's good to know. :) I read the book myself, but the dc & I are also watching/listening to Neil Gaiman read the book. I love listening to him (& I am not a person who likes audio books). Thanks, Stacia. It's unlikely that we'll find time to listen to it, but I haven't ruled that out yet. May do so. Thanks for the link. One of our absolute favorite books. It is a WONDERFUL read aloud. Oh dear. We tried to read this a year or so ago. Didn't care for it too much and I think we gave it away. I hope not. I'd like to try it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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