Getting through the Monster Hour

Like many mothers, I sure do my share of daily driving. We have always had fun playing music, moving from the Wiggles to CDs my husband has made for the boys (heavily influenced – ahem – by Daddy’s taste in musical genres). Then the other week at the library we noticed something overlooked before: Audio books.

We are totally loving audio books! It has been so much fun in the van, particularly after school or when we go to get their Daddy from work during that cranky-before-dinner time we refer to as the Monster Hour. Audio books are magical antidotes to grumpy kids, fighting brothers and an equally impatient crabby mummy. They were a lifesaver when we visited friends in the US a few weeks ago and had to wait two hours at the border crossing both going and returning to Canada.

My first choice, Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, was met with some misgivings by my two older boys because it was about GIRLS. Their determination not to enjoy it was matched only by my determination to play it anyway. And they loved it. They loved Howie and adored Ramona’s mischief. We’ve now listened to two more Ramona books, Henry Huggins and the Paper Route and Henry and Ribsy.

I love Beverly Cleary’s books still and I’m glad my children are enjoying them as much as I did. And we’re going to keep borrowing audio books to get us through the Monster Hour by stretching our imaginations.