Never-Ending Stories

When children are exposed to the magical world of stories they are never alone. Stories expand the imagination and vocabulary. Reading can also help a child learn to cope with emotions they may find difficult to identify but can observe and relate to in the realm of stories.

Listening to stories on tape or CD also helps children develop audio skills and comprehension. For children with visual impairments, developing these skills is even more important.

To further strengthen children's love for stories and storytelling Lesley Potgieter has written a selection of Never-Ending Stories and recorded them professionally onto CD. Listening forms an integral part of reading and these stories allow children to listen and play at the same time. Each story is about 20 minutes long. The language is designed to extend the listener's vocabulary. The CD's are recommended for ages 4-10.

You can listen to one of her stories here.

Questions at the end of each story test comprehension. In some of the stories there are activities that can be done with the parent and form an extension of the story itself and also help the child draw from their own experience.

Lesley lives in South Africa and is offering her stories on CDs to WonderBaby readers. The prices on her Order Form are in South African Rand, but she is very happy to accept international orders as well. Prices are as follows (in US dollars):

1 story: $5.50
3 stories on 1 CD: $12.35
The full set: $34.00
Printed stories with CD (per story): $1.20
Postage & Packaging: $2.50

You can learn more about Lesley and her Never-Ending Stories on her Facebook page or you can email her directly for more info.

Here is a full list of Lesley's Never-Ending Stories:

Harriet the Hippo: The adventures of Harriet the Hippo and her friends at the Swanzi watering hole.
Simon and David's Misunderstanding: Two brothers learn to sort out their differences without fighting.
Simon and David Go it Alone: How the two brothers deal with the older sibling going off to "big school."
Henry's Grand Adventure: Henry the hamster goes home from the pet shop with Sally only to find that it is a big world out there.
Henry Goes to School: Henry goes to school with Sally and has an adventure in the playground.
Henry Goes on Holiday: Sally learns that even on holiday your pets are a responsibility.
Henry Discovers the Outdoors: Henry discovers another new world outside.
Toby's Gift: Toby's drawing of a robot comes to life because of his love for his mom.
Gerald the Germ: Gerald the Germ must contend with the body's protection system led by Annie Antibody and Ian Immuno.
Nathan the Forest Gnome: Nathan must protect the forest and it's creatures from people.
Joseph & the Secret Panel: Joseph goes on adventures after finding a secret panel in his cupboard.