Jess slid out of bed and into his overalls. that creates it.'īa-room, ba-room, ba-room, baripity, baripity, baripity, baripity-Good. 'People bring their own lives to the book, their own images. 'It's been absolutely miraculous to me over the years that people have not only read the book but they have loved it,' she says. Paterson says that the books we read in childhood are a rehearsal for experiences later in life.

Writing the book brought Paterson emotional understanding about terrible events, but over the years, critics have wondered whether its themes are too heavy for children. Now a screenwriter, he adapted his mother's famed novel for the big screen, a project he says has taken the better part of 17 years to get right. Paterson's son, David, gave her permission to publish the book more than 30 years ago. They create a make-believe world of their own and forge a fast friendship before a tragic end. The novel tells the story of Jess Aarons, a fifth-grade boy who befriends the new girl in his rural Virginia town. The book has since become a classic and was just released as a Disney film. Ages 9-up.Award-winning children's author Katherine Paterson was inspired to write The Bridge to Terabithia after her son's childhood friend was struck and killed by lightning. Contemporary instrumental interludes featuring guitar, piano and drums signal the beginning and end of each tape side. His careful and authentic handling of Jess's anger and grief in the aftermath of the accident is sure to touch listeners. Leonard deftly interprets the strands of humor, realism and heart-wrenching emotion woven into Paterson's fine tale. But one morning a tragic accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's life is changed forever. Together, they create an imaginary, secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only by swinging across a creek bed on a rope. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school.

Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. Paterson's Newbery-winning novel becomes an entertaining and dramatic audiobook via Leonard's accomplished reading.

Book of terabithia