To meet the growing demand for read-along books, Bucks County Free Library recently added hundreds of new fiction and non-fiction VOX books to the library’s read-along collection.
That’s great news for Jenn Wallover, a second-grade teacher who uses VOX books regularly in her Bensalem classroom.
Benefits of VOX Books
Jenn sees many benefits of VOX books, which are available only to schools and libraries. They can introduce world languages, keep children engaged, and even empower young readers.
“With a VOX book, kids can read a physical book without help from a grown-up because they can read along as it’s read to them,” Jenn says. “That gives them some independence.”
Each book’s audio recording is designed to be captivating and can even improve reading accuracy and comprehension.
They can also be less distracting than books downloaded to a tablet or smartphone.
“They’re a great alternative to a device,” Jenn says. “Phones and tablets can offer e-books, educational games and puzzles, but sometimes all those choices can be distracting. If you want a child to read, you need to put a book in their hand.”
In her classroom, Jenn uses VOX books with students who don’t speak English as a primary language at home. Bucks County Free Library offers VOX books in Spanish, Mandarin, French or Russian. Some are bilingual, and others are read entirely in a world language.
How VOX Books Work
VOX books combine the best of hardcover and audiobooks for ages 4 to 8. Kids push a button on the inside cover of the book to start, pause, or skip through the narration. While the audio plays, they can turn the pages to follow along.
They’re fully portable and can be charged with any standard micro-USB charger if needed. “They’re a great option for long card rides, waiting at the doctor’s office, or sitting in the grocery cart at the store,” Jenn says.
Readers can plug in a pair of headphones or listen through the book’s built-in speaker. No CDs, batteries, computers, smartphones or WiFi required.
“They’re are a perfect blend of the old and the new,” Jenn says. “As a parent and a teacher, I’m trying to put books in kids’ hands as much as possible, and VOX books enable that.”
Browse the updated list of read-along books, including VOX books. You can also find VOX books in labeled bins at all Bucks County Free Library branches.
