Let's hear it for the girls!

CD audiobooks, or what I still call " books on tape ," are my secret weapon against boredom in the car. Our newest gem is Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder which follows in the footsteps of its much loved predecessors, Tell Me a Story a…

Let's hear it for the girls!
CD audiobooks, or what I still call "books on tape," are my secret weapon against boredom in the car. Our newest gem is Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder which follows in the footsteps of its much loved predecessors, Tell Me a Story and Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic. And, as the mother of two girls, I am thrilled that the heroes of these new stories by Amy Friedman are actually heroines.

In just over an hour's drive, my kids move from Cambodia to Turkey to the old, Wild West in these six stories culled from legends and folktales from the past. And while many stories from days gone by focus on those important (male) gods, soothsayers and heroes, in all of these stories, it's the girls who save the day in this audiobook, using their brains, their cunning and, sometimes, their brute strength.

The clever Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind uses all three in her American tall tale which is narrated by the perfectly-suited voice of Paula Poundstone. The Whisker of the Lioness turns the tables on typical "stepmother" stories in such a totally clever, yet meaningful, way that I think all new stepchildren deserve to hear its message.

Laura Hall, who I remember as the affable pianist on the improv TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has created a lively score to suit each story. And since none is longer than 14 minutes, even a short car ride can squeeze in one or two. It's even been a hit with my son who thinks all superheroes are "he's." -Christina

Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder kids' audiobook CD is available from CD Baby or our affiliate Amazon.

Congratulations to Shannon B., lucky winner of a copy of Tell Me a Story 3!

More in KidsView all picks →

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be all backpacks, supply lists, and new sneakers. Sometimes the best way to mark a new school year is with something that feels a little more fun—and a lot less practical. Enter Build-A-Bear , where …

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Back-to-school shopping has a funny way of turning into a negotiation. Parents want shoes that are comfortable and durable. Kids want the pair everyone will notice in the hallway. Luckily, Shiekh makes it a little easier to keep everyone…