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It's that spooky season and Kansas Talking Books' “Horror in October” blog series has come crawling back to take over the blog for the month once again. Starting off this series is a gathering of collections of horror short stories. These stories cover all kinds of horror, from terrifying creatures that haunt your nightmares to realistic tales that make you double check your locks during the day to science experiments gone wrong and more. New authors mingle with classic masters, making for treasures of nostalgia and fresh takes. If you've ever wondered where to get started reading horror, let one of these books take you through the many realms of terror.

Don't be scared by how creepy fast you can download these books and start reading them by using BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download. It's a online service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and Kansas Talking Books making almost all the books in the collection available to all patrons at the same time. No waiting on books to come in the mail. Visit the Kansas Talking Books website for more information.

DB 118309 Best new horror, volume 30 edited by Simon Kurt Unsworth

“In this latest edition of the world's longest-running annual showcase of horror and dark fantasy you will find cutting edge stories by such authors as Ramsey Campbell, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Alison Littlewood, Graham Masterson, Michael Marshall Smith, Damien Angelica Walters, Reggie Oliver, and Thana Niveau, amongst many others. You'll also find the usual Introduction: Horror in 2018 and a Necrology of those who have left us.” –- Provided by publisher. –- Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex.

DB 84404 The best horror of the year, volume eight edited by Ellen Datlow

In addition to the editor's overview of the genre of horror for 2015, this collection contains twenty short stories she has chosen as the best of that year. Authors include Neil Gaiman, John Langan, Kelley Armstrong, Laird Barron, and Stephen Graham Jones. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2016.

DB 119904 Halloween carnival: volume one edited by Brian James Freeman

“Robert McCammon, Kevin Lucia, John Little, Lisa Morton, and Mark Allan Gunnells put the horror back in Halloween with a quintet of devilishly delightful tales, curated by acclaimed author and editor Brian James Freeman. STRANGE CANDY by Robert McCammon Chocolate bars and sour suckers are trick-or-treat staples, but beware the odd sweet at the bottom of your bag. You never know who it's from--or what it might do to you. THE RAGE OF ACHILLES by Kevin Lucia Father Ward should have heeded the warning about hearing confession on All Hallow's Eve. Because a man is about to tell him a secret more haunting than any he has heard before. DEMON AIR by John Little Fear of flying is not uncommon. But on this transpacific airline, the real danger isn't the flight itself. It's whoever--or whatever--is up in the air with you. LA HACIENDA DE LOS MUERTOS by Lisa Morton Trick McGrew, former cowboy star of the silver screen, has never believed in tall tales. But down in Mexico, the land of La Llorona, he's about to find out just how real urban legends can be. #MAKEHALLOWEENSCARYAGAIN by Mark Allan Gunnells Some people will go to any lengths to rack up retweets, likes, and follows on social media, no matter who they end up hurting … or even killing.” -- OCLC. -- Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex.

DB 71350 American fantastic tales: terror and the uncanny from Poe to the pulps edited by Peter Straub

Forty-four eerie tales from the early days of American literature to the 1940s. Includes works by Robert Bloch, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Robert E. Howard, Washington Irving, Henry James, H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and others. Some violence. 2009.

DB 71371 American fantastic tales: terror and the uncanny from the 1940s to now edited by Peter Straub

Forty-two tales of horror and the supernatural. In Richard Matheson's “Prey” a woman buys a Zuni fetish doll as a present, but trapped inside it is the evil spirit of a hunter. Includes works by Shirley Jackson, Joe Hill, and others. Some violence and some strong language. 2009.

DB 63044 Gathering the bones: original stories from the world's masters of horror edited by Ramsey Campbell

Thirty-four tales of terror and dark fantasy from Great Britain, Australia, and the United States. The compilation is described as encompassing “the traditional and the avant-garde, the quiet and the vividly shocking.” Includes Ray Bradbury and others. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2003.

DB 74786 The weird: a compendium of strange and dark tales edited by Ann VanderMeer

Anthology of 110 tales by H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and others. In Jackson's The Summer People a couple grow increasingly isolated after deciding to stay in their New England vacation cottage past Labor Day. Some violence and some strong language. 2011.

DB 76053 The mammoth book of body horror edited by Paul Kane

Twenty-five short stories focusing on the transformation or mutation of the body into something unimaginable. Covers genres from traditional horror to disturbing science fiction and includes works by Clive Barker, John W. Campbell, Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and others. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2012.

DB 121659 You like it darker: stories by Stephen King

“You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life--both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in You Like It Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again. “Two talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream," a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny's most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance--with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful. King's ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 121016 Howls from the Dark Ages edited by P.L. McMillan

“Uncover the secret annals of untold history in these eighteen medieval manuscripts. Each tortured scribe will bring you face to face with ancient horrors lurking in cursed castles, wild woodlands, haunted hamlets, and mysterious monasteries.” -- Amazon.com. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 119869 Classic monsters unleashed edited by James Aquilone

“Stories from famous monsters in a new horror anthology featuring Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, and many others. Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Moreau, the Headless Horseman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Wicked Witch of the West--they're all here, in this collection of horror short stories that reimagine, subvert, and pay homage to our favorite monsters and creatures. Written by the biggest names in the genre, including Joe R. Lansdale, R. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Morton, Owl Goingback, Richard Christian Matheson, Seanan McGuire, Maurice Broaddus, Dacre Stoker, Linda D. Addison, Alessandro Manzetti, Tim Waggoner, John Palisano, Mercedes M. Yardley, Lucy A. Snyder, Gary A. Braunbeck, Rena Mason, and Monique Snyman.” --OCLC. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 117262 Never whistle at night: an Indigenous dark fiction anthology edited by Shane Hawk

“A bold, clever, and sublimely sinister collection of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and gritty crime by both new and established Indigenous authors that dares to ask the question: ”Are you ready to be un-settled?" Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night. this belief ranges far and wide and takes many forms; for instance, Native Hawaiians believe it summons the Hukai'po, the spirits of ancient warriors, and Native Mexicans say it calls a Lechuza, a witch that can transform into an owl and snatch the foolish whistlers in the dark. But what all these legends hold in common is the certainty that whistling at night can cause evil spirits to appear-and even follow you home. In twenty-five wholly original and shiver-inducing tales, bestselling and award-winning authors including Tommy Orange, Rebecca Roanhorse, Cherie Dimaline, Waubgeshig Rice, and Mona Susan Power introduce readers to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creature, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge. Introduced and contextualized by bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones, these stories are a celebration of Indigenous peoples' survival and imagination, and a glorious reveling in all things an ill-advised whistle might summon." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 116396 Out there screaming: an anthology of new Black horror edited by Jordan Peele

“A cop begins seeing huge, blinking eyes where the headlights of cars should be that tell him who to pull over. Two freedom riders take a bus ride that leaves them stranded on a lonely road in Alabama where several unsettling something await them. A young girl dives into the depths of the Earth in search of the demon that killed her parents. These are just a few of the worlds of Out There Screaming, Jordan Peele's anthology of all-new horror stories by Black writers. Featuring an introduction by Peele and an all-star roster of beloved writers and new voices, Out There Screaming is a master class in horror, and-like his spine-chilling films-its stories prey on everything we think we know about our world…and redefine what it means to be afraid. Featuring stories by: Erin E. Adams, Violet Allen, Lesley Nneka, Arimah, Maurice Broaddus, Chesya Burke, P. Dje`lí Clark, Ezra Claytan Daniels, Tananarive Due, Nalo Hopkinson, N. K. Jemisin, Justin C. Key, L. D. Lewis, Nnedi Okorafor, Tochi Onyebuchi, Rebecca Roanhorse, Nicole D. Sconiers, Rion Amilcar Scott, Terence Taylor, and Cadwell Turnbull.” -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 101821 Tiny nightmares: very short tales of horror edited by Lincoln Michel

This collection features forty-two short stories of 1,500 words or less by a mix of literary and horror writers, including Brian Evenson, Samantha Hunt, Stephen Graham Jones, Hilary Leichter, Kevin Brockmeier, and more. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2020.

DB 110739 Isolation: the horror anthology edited by Nina Allan

“Lost in the wilderness, or alone in the dark, isolation remains one of our deepest held fears. This horror anthology from Shirley Jackson and British Fantasy Award finalist Dan Coxon calls on leading horror writers to confront the dark moments, the challenges that we must face alone: survivors in a world gone silent; the outcast shunned by society; the quiet voice trapped in the crowd; the lonely and forgotten, screaming into the abyss.” -- Provided by publisher. -- Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex.

Recent Posts

December 2024 Staff Picks

Enjoy some of your holiday free time by checking out one of the books the Kansas Talking Books staff have been reading recently.Michael Lang, DirectorDB 122602 The witchstone by Henry H. Neff "Meet Laszlo, eight-hundred-year-old demon and Hell's least productive Curse Keeper. From his office beneath Midtown, he oversees the Drakeford Curse, which involves a pathetic family upstate and a mysterious black monolith. It's a sexy enough assignment--colonial origins, mutating victims, et cetera--but Laszlo has no interest in maximizing the curse's potential; he'd rather sunbathe in Ibiza, quaff martinis, and hustle the hustlers on Manhattan's subway. Unfortunately, his division has new management, and Laszlo's ratings are so abysmal that he's given six days to shape up or he'll be melted down and returned to the Primordial Ooze. Meet Maggie Drakeford, nineteen-year-old Curse Bearer. All she's ever known is the dreary corner of the Catskills where the Drakeford Curse has devoured her father's humanity and is rapidly laying claim to her own. The future looks hopeless, until Laszlo appears at the Drakeford farmhouse one October night and informs them that they have six days--and six days only--to break the spell before it becomes permanent. Can Maggie trust the glib and handsome Laszlo? Of course not. But she also can't pass up an opportunity to save her family, even if it means having a demon as a guide ... Thus begins a breakneck international adventure that takes our unlikely duo from a hot dog stand in Central Park to the mountains of Liechtenstein, a five-star hotel in Zurich, and even the time-traveling vault of a demonic crime boss. As the clock ticks down, tough-as-nails Maggie and conniving Laszlo will uncover a secret so profound that what began as a farcical quest to break a curse will eventually threaten the very Lords of Hell." - (dust jacket) -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.DB 124700 Playground by Richard Powers "Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world's first aqualungs. Ina Aroita grows up on naval bases across the Pacific with art as her only home. Two polar opposites at an elite Chicago high school bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game; Rafi Young will get lost in literature, while Todd Keane's work will lead to a startling AI breakthrough. They meet on the history-scarred island of Makatea in French Polynesia, whose deposits of phosphorus once helped to feed the world. Now the tiny atoll has been chosen for humanity's next adventure: a plan to send floating, autonomous cities out onto the open sea. But first, the island's residents must vote to greenlight the project or turn the seasteaders away." -- book jacket -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.Dylan Calhoon, Patron Services Manager DB 124757 On earth as it is on television by Emily Jane "First Contact stories have never been as intoxicating and fun as in Emily Jane's novel of the sudden arrival-and equally sudden departure-of spaceships above Earth"-- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.Jason Brinkman, Production ManagerDB 42315 The lady in the lake by Raymond Chandler A swaggering businessman hires hard-boiled Philip Marlowe to find his wife, who has been missing for a month. She sent her husband a note to say she was running off to remarry, but her "intended" denies seeing her. When a woman's body is pulled from the lake where the wife had been staying and the caretaker's wife also turns out to be missing, Marlowe begins expertly piecing the puzzle together. Some strong language and some violence.Ryan Lauber, Library AssistantDB 119147 Gods of the Wyrdwood by R. J. Barker "Cahan du Nahare is known as the forester a man who can navigate the dangerous Deepforest like no one else. But once he was more. Once he belonged to the god of fire. Udinny serves the goddess of the lost, a goddess of small things; when she ventures into the Deepforest to find a lost child, Cahan will be her guide. But in a land where territory is won and lost for uncaring gods, where temples of warrior monks pit one prophet against another Cahan will need to choose the forest or the fire-and his choice will have consequences for his entire world." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.Maggie Witte, Outreach LibrarianDB 97443 The bromance book club by Lyssa Kay Adams Baseball player Gavin Scott's marriage is in trouble, and to fix things, he's going to need some assistance. He finds a secret book club of other men who have used romance novels to fix their own relationships, and they agree to help him win back his family. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.DBC02962 The man who invented Christmas: how Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol rescued his career and revived our holiday spirits by Les Standiford With warmth, wit, and good cheer, Standiford shows how the unlikely success of "A Christmas Carol" revitalized Charles Dickens's languishing career and revived the celebration of the near-forgotten Christmas holiday....

Family Friendly Audio Described Movies

Kansas Talking Books' Audio Described MoviesDid you know Kansas Talking Books has audio described movies, in both DVD and VHS formats, you can borrow from our library absolutely free? Note, however, that we do not provide DVD, VHS, or combination players. Audio described movies are movies that have a special audio track that runs while the movie or show is playing that describes what is happening on screen, such as what the characters are wearing, the action taking place, the setting, and other information, without interrupting the dialogue or speaking of the characters/narrators. We have all kinds of movies and shows from superheroes to westerns to biopics to comedies and more.But since this time of year is all about the warmth of family and friends, we've gathered a list of some family friendly movies perfect for all ages to watch this season. To get a complete list of movies available or to learn more about requesting any of these movies and loan periods, please contact our machine clerk, Nataly Renfro, at 1-800-362-0699 ext. 3 or 620-341-6283.DVDBig Hero 6 (2014)A special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)When Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who givers her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a 10-foot hound in her New York City apartment. With her mother away on business, Emily and her uncle set out on an adventure.Encanto (2021)The Madrigals live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift – except Mirabel. However, she may be the only hope after she discovers that the magic is now in danger.Frozen (2014)When Queen Elsa accidentally uses her power to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to save the day.The Grinch (2018)When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realizes there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to steal Christmas.How to Train Your Dragon (2010)Hiccup is from the island of Berk, where fighting dragons are a way of life. His progressive views and weird sense of humor make him a misfit, even though his father is chief of the clan.Mary Poppins Returns (2018)Now an adult with three children, Michael Banks learns that his house will repossessed. His only hope is to find a missing certificate that his father left him. Just as all seems lost, Mary Poppins arrives to save the day.Minions (2015)Minions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.Moana (2016)In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the Demigod to set things right.Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011)Mr. Popper is a successful businessman who gets an unexpected present: six penguins. Soon Popper's rambunctious roommates turn his swank New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland - and the rest of his world upside down.Ralph Breaks the Internet (2019)Video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope's video game. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet to help navigate their way.The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2020)Max the terrior encounters canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes, and a scary turkey when he visits the countryside. Luckily for Max, he soon catches a break when he meets Rooster, a gruff farm dog who tries to cure the lovable pooch of his neuroses.VHSBeauty and the Beast (1991)This animated adaptation of the fairy tale received six Academy Award nominations.Beethoven (1992)Your family will fall in love with the big-hearted, wet-nosed star of this fetching canine comedy hit.Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang learn the true meaning of Christmas in this animated classic.A Christmas Carol (1984)Charles Dickens' holiday classic in which a bitter old man discovers the true meaning of Christmas.Cinderella (1950)An enduring rags-to-riches story of a beautiful girl who, with the help of her fairy godmother, has all of her dreams come true.Finding Nemo (2003)Marlin is a paranoid Clown Fish searching for his young son, Nemo. This computer-animated comedy features the voices of Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres.Home Alone (1990)An eight-year-old is accidentally left at home during a family Christmas vacation. He rigs booby-traps for two bumbling burglars.How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)Celebrate the holidays with Jim Carrey as the Grinch in this live-action remake of the Dr. Seuss tale, narrated by Anthony Hopkins.Lilo and Stitch (2002)A young Hawaiian orphan adopts an unusual pet named Stitch, which turns out to be a notorious, extraterrestrial fugitive.Mary Poppins (1964)Julie Andrews stars as the irrepressible nanny who soars out of the London skies and into the hearts of everyone she encounters. Dick Van Dyke also appears.Miracle on 34th Street (1947)Does Santa Claus really exist? A child's faith is tested in this holiday classic starring Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn, and Maureen O'Hara.Polar Express (2004)On Christmas Eve, a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. Tom Hanks appears as the train's conductor.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1993)Christmas is canceled until a shunned reindeer with a glowing nose guides Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.Santa Claus (1994)Mistaking Santa Claus for an intruder, Tim Allen causes the jolly old elf to tumble off his roof. A legal technicality requires him to be Santa's permanent replacement.Sister Act (1992)Whoopi Goldberg stars as a sassy lounge singer who witnesses a brutal murder by her gangster boyfriend. Force to hide in a convent, she disguises herself as a nun.Toy Story (1995)This computer-animated film brings a child's room full of toys to life. From Disney-Pixar, Toy Story features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles and Annie Potts.Streaming Services Audio Described MoviesNot only does the Kansas Talking Books library provide audio-described movies, but most streaming service platforms have many audio described movies and shows. Here is a list of some family friendly holiday movies available through these platforms. If you would like to find more, please visit The Audio Description Project's curated list of Christmas-themed movies.NOTE: Kansas Talking Books DOES NOT provide subscriptions to any of these streaming services. You must subscribe to them yourself if you are not already.Apple TV+A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)"Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas." – from IMDB. CBS Animated Movie; Rated TV-GMariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special (2020)"Faced with a holiday cheer crisis, the North Pole knows there's only one person who can save the day: Santa's great friend Mariah Carey. The Queen of Christmas creates a fabulous and star-studded spectacular to make the whole world merry!" – from Apple TV+. Rated TV-GSnoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021)"After find out her grandmother won't be visiting for Christmas, Lucy decides to cheer herself up by throwing the ultimate New Year's Eve party. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown tries to fulfill one of his resolutions before midnight." – from IMDB. Apple Animated Movie; Rated TV-GDisney+An Almost Christmas Story (2024)“Moon, a curious young owl, finds herself trapped in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Trying to escape the city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on an adventure.” – from IMDB. Short Disney Animated Movie. Rated PGA Christmas Carol (2009)“Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old moneylender is visited by three Christmas spirits on Christmas Eve. Scrooge embarks on a journey of self-redemption to mend he miserly ways.” – from IMDB. Rated PGMickey saves Christmas (2022)"Mickey, Minnie and their pals attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin; when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North Pole on a quest to save Christmas." – from IMDB. Rated TV-GNoelle (2019)"Santa's daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, gets cold feet." – from IMDB. Rated GThe Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)“Scrooge, an old miser who dislikes Christmas, is visited by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life.” – from IMDB. Rated GThe Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)“Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.” – from IMDB. Rated PGNetflixA Boy Called Christmas (2021)“In this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy--with a loyal pet mouse and a reindeer at his side--sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.” – from IMDB. Rated PGChristmas with You (2022)“Follows a pop star who's got a career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love.” – from IMDB. Rated TV-PGDolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020)"Seasonal cheer comes to a screeching halt when a cold-hearted woman tries to sell her hometown's land. Can music, magic and memories change her mind?" – from IMDB. Rated TV-PGJingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)"An imaginary wold comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter, and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever." – from IMDB. Rated PGKlaus (2019)“A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.” – from IMDB. Rated PGThat Christmas (2024)“It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans, including Santa's.” – from IMDB. Rated PGThe Christmas Chronicles (2018)“The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.” – from IMDB. Rated PGPrime VideoBeethoven's Christmas Adventure (2011)“A Christmas Elf accidentally takes off in Santa's sleigh, crash lands in a small town, and loses the magic toy bag. Beethoven must rescue the Elf, recover the bag from greedy crooks, and return the sleigh to Santa in time to save Christmas.” – from IMDB. Included with Prime; Rated PGCandy Cane Lane (2023)“A man is determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win--and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.” – from IMDB. Included with Prime; Rated PGIt's a Wonderful Life (1946)“An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.” – from IMDB. Included with Prime; Rated PGSanta Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)“A mailman reveals the origin of Santa Claus.” – from IMDB. Included with Prime. Rated ALLWhite Christmas (1954)“A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.” – from IMDB. Rated 13+...

Cozy Reads this Holiday Season

Let your heart be light this holiday season by reading one (or all; there are no restrictions) of these cozy reads. These are books that tell stories of relatable, sometimes quirky characters and the relationships they build between each other without much, if any, explicitly graphic content. The term cozy is probably most well-known when referring to cozy mysteries but has expanded to use with many other genres and books for all ages.Cozy reads may seem pretty straightforward with endings that finish all neat and tidy but the real strength of these books are the warm, close relationships, comforting messages, and mostly happy endings. Immerse yourself in these books whenever you have time or need a second to yourself, and let them brighten your holidays. Happy reading and warm wishes for this holiday season!DB 98951 The house in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune As a case worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, Linus Baker spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. He is unexpectedly given a highly classified assignment: travel to a remote island orphanage where six dangerous children reside. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.DB 110401 The very secret society of irregular witches by Sangu Mandanna "As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don't mingle and draw attention. And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she's used to being alone and she follows the rules...with one exception: an online account, where she posts videos "pretending" to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously. But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and...Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he's concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat. As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn't the only danger in the world, and when peril comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn't know she was looking for." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.DB 111420 Legends & lattes: a novel of high fantasy and low stakes by Travis Baldree "Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior's life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune's shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve." -- Provided by publisher. -- Strong language, some violence. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller.DB 56114 Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm in Canada. There she proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her. Complete and unabridged text. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1908.DB 22906 Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak After being sent to bed without supper for misbehaving, Max puts on his wolf suit and sails away 'through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year' to where the wild things are. An imaginative fantasy for grades K-3. Caldecott Medal 1964.DB 44101 The BFG by Roald Dahl Sophie is taken from her orphanage by a big friendly giant ("BFG") who enjoys "dream blowing"-- sending happy dreams to children with his magical trumpet. Together they devise a plan to save the world from nine people-eating "cannybull" giants. For grades 3-6.DB 31831 Stuart Little by E. B. White When Mrs. Little's second son is born, everybody notices that he is not much bigger than a mouse. In fact, they soon discover that he is a mouse! Because of his size, Stuart is always getting lost, but this is the least of his unique problems. For grades 4-7.DB 106691 Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather S. Webber Anna Kate returns to a small Alabama town to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café. Despite her best intentions, Anna is drawn to the town her mother fled. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.DB 84392 A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman Ove has always been a grumpy man, and when he loses his wife and his job, he decides to commit suicide. But a lively family of new neighbors and a stray cat might give Ove a reason to keep living. First published in Swedish in 2012. 2013.DB 107924 Remarkably bright creatures by Shelby Van Pelt After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift cleaning at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2022.DB 104764 A psalm for the wild-built by Becky Chambers Centuries ago, the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and disappeared into the wilderness. When Sibling Dex, a tea monk, meets Splendid Speckled Mosscap, a robot, they are the first person to encounter a robot in years. Dex and Mosscap travel through the woods together, engaging in philosophical conversation. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2021.DB 78978 The storied life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin When his most prized possession, a rare volume of poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, is stolen, bookstore owner A.J. Fikry begins isolating himself from his friends, family, and associates. Then he receives a mysterious package that compels him to remake his life. Strong language. Bestseller. 2014.DB 115232 The wishing game by Meg Schaffer "Make a wish. . . . Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it's like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher's aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability. But be careful what you wish for. . . . Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he's finally written a new book. Even better, he's holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy. For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack "the Mastermind" Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever. . . . You might just get it." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.DB 119077 Sophie Go's lonely hearts club by Roselle Lim "Newly minted professional matchmaker Sophie Go has returned to Toronto, her hometown, after spending three years in Shanghai. Her job is made quite difficult, however, when she is revealed as a fraud-she never actually graduated from matchmaking school. In a competitive market like Toronto, no one wants to take a chance on an inexperienced and unaccredited matchmaker, and soon Sophie becomes an outcast. In dire search of clients, Sophie stumbles upon a secret club within her condo complex: the Old Ducks, seven septuagenarian Chinese bachelors who never found love. Somehow, she convinces them to hire her, but her matchmaking skills are put to the test as she learns the depths of loneliness, heartbreak, and love by attempting to make the hardest matches of her life." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.DB 23625 The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg On a dark Christmas Eve, a boy who believes in Santa Claus boards a mysterious train, the Polar Express. He and the other children, still in their nightclothes, drink hot chocolate and sing carols as the train races through snowy landscapes carrying them to a huge city at the North Pole to visit Santa Claus. For preschool-grade 2 and older readers. Caldecott Medal. 1985.DB 85266 The city baker's guide to country living by Louise Miller After pastry chef Olivia Rawlings accidentally sets fire to the Boston supper club where she works, she heads off to visit her best friend in rural Vermont. Olivia gets a job at the local inn and finds herself falling for fiddle player Martin McCracken. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2016.DB 25892 Howl's moving castle by Diana Wynne Jones As the eldest of three daughters, Sophie Hatter knows that--according to fairy-tale convention--she's expected to fail first and worst when she sets out to seek her fortune. When the Ingarian countryside is threatened by both the moving castle of Wizard Howl and the schemes of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds a kind of courage and determination she's never known before. A magical fantasy for grades 6-9.DB 67526 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows London, 1946. Writer Juliet Ashton corresponds with Dawsey Adams and other members of a literary society created as a front during the Nazi occupation of the British channel island Guernsey. Through letters, Juliet learns about their wartime experiences. Intrigued, Juliet sails to Guernsey, where she finds new inspiration. Bestseller. 2008.DB 89990 The story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg Grieving widower Arthur eats lunch in the cemetery every day, to be near his wife's grave. There he meets troubled teenage Maddy, and the pair form a friendship that helps them both out of their isolation. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2017....

Kansas Talking Books News Update - Winter 2024

Catch up on the latest from Kansas Talking Books and the National Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled. ...

Horror in October: Anthologies of Horror