Puffin Audiobooks: feedback for Laugh out Loud titles…find out what MNers think PLUS non testers - chance to win £75! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 125 Mumsnetters and their DCs who listened to a Laugh out Loud audiobook from Puffin. Testers could choose from one of the following audiobook titles:

1. Wimpy Kid, Dog Days by Jeff Kinney read by Ramon de Ocampo (age 7+)
   
2. The Twits by Roald Dahl ready by Richard Ayoade (age 5+)
   
3. Danger is Everywhere by David O?Doherty ready by David O'Doherty (7+)
   
4. Dennis the Menace by Steven Butler read by Steven Butler (age 6+)
   
5. The Dinosaur That Pooped the Planet by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter - read by authors (age 5+)
   To listen a clip from each of these audiobooks click here
   
   Puffin say "We are absolutely delighted to have so many eager ears listening to our marvellous audiobooks this summer and taking part in our Audiobook Club
   We believe that audiobooks are a brilliant way for families to share the laughter, thrill and excitement of a good story. Whether you listened just before bedtime or on those long and winding ‘are-we-nearly-there-yet’ car journeys.
   All we ask is that you use the discussion threads to let us know what both you and your little ones, thought of the experience."
   
   Non testers: Share on this thread what your favourite audiobook is and why and you will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £75 voucher for either iTunes or Amazon so you can buy audiobooks!
   
   Testers: Puffin would love to know what you and your children thought by answering these questions:
   
   
6. How old is the child who took part?
   
7. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   
8. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   
9. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   
10. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
    
11. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
    We'd also like you to add a review of the audiobook on MN (using the links sent to you on the email).
    
    All testers who add feedback and post a review will be entered into a prize draw where two MNers will each win a £75 voucher from either iTunes or Amazon so you can buy audiobooks!
    
    Thanks and good luck!
    
    MNHQ
    Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[hbakfam]

The Twits because I remember listening to it on tape when I was a child!

[rocketriffs]

The Harry Potter books read by Stephen Fry because he is a brilliant storyteller.

[Miaow1234]

Aged 5

The Twits by roald Dahl

Listened to in the car on a day trip to seaside.

Cars CD player

She wasn't too keen at first as she wanted music! But as we listened she became more interested and captivated. She loved Mr Twits beard and all the things living in it!

I would definitely buy more audio books in the future as they are great for all the family to share on your travels.

[MeHearty]

How old is the child who took part?
6 nearly 7
2) Which audiobook did your DC choose?
Danger is everywhere
3) What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
In the morning. Initially in the car and then continued at home in the playroom
4) On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
CD player
5) What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
They usually like audio books but this one did not appeal to them hugely. I think they weren't quite old enough to get the humour.
6) Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
Yes - this one was a little disappointing so will be looking for another that appeals more for our next big car journey

[MeHearty]

Forgot to say - thank you for including us!

[strandednomore]

I can't do a review - we only receieved this the other day as we are overseas and we haven't had a chance to listen to it yet! However I am SURE it will be brilliant for the long journeys we have planned (we live in South Africa) and we're looking forward to having it on. We will also almost certainly be buying some more at some point :)

[strandednomore]

Oh I thought I was on the Alice in Wonderland thread and wondered why everyone was talking about the humour....

[Maiyakat]

Non-tester. When I was younger we would always listen to audio books on long journeys - my favourite was The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. My Grandma lost her sight in later years so experienced Harry Potter via audio book!

[Wheatley]

1. How old is the child who took part?
   My son has just turned 12
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   Danger is everywhere by David O'Doherty
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   At bedtimes
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   Cd player in bedroom
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
   My son thoroughly enjoyed the story and has listened to the whole story about 12 times since we recieved it. He loved the irish narrators accent and the fact that it was not a story as such but short sections of information and very humorous. 'What can I listen too next?' was his response which says everything about his impression of the experience.
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
   I am always on the lookout for audiobooks as my son just loves this form of storytelling. He loves it when we tell him made up stories at bedtime and I just can't get enough of the genres that he likes. also they are ridiculously expensive compared to paperbacks. I have been through the whole of our local libraries section and just wish there was more. Particularly for books that he is studying at school in English. The more formats they have, DVD, AUDIO, BOOK and of course live plays the better is there understanding of the context of the story.
   Thank you for giving him this experience

[nicandjul]

1. How old is the child who took part?
   He's 8 and his younger sister is 5.
   
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   We chose 'Danger Is Everywhere' by David O'Doherty.
   
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   During a long daytime car journey.
   
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   The CD player in the car.
   
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
   The whole family gave it the thumbs up. I knew we would listen to it in the car so we chose something we thought everyone could enjoy. My son definitely got the most from it but we all laughed, especially in particular chapters. We are still quoting lines from the book. Audiobooks are fantastic for travelling because both our children get carsick very quickly with books or tablets. This is more a 'shared' activity which I prefer!
   
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
   I'd definitely look for more audiobooks in the future but I'd probably get them from a library more than buy them. I'd buy 'collections' more than individual books.
   
   Thank you for the chance to join in!

[MirandaWest]

1. How old is the child who took part?
   9
   
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   The worst witch
   
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   Different times of day depending on when she wanted to listen.
   
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   On her iPad
   
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
   She liked listening to someone else reading a book she loves.
   
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
   I think we might do especially as I've found it easier than I imagined to get it onto the iPad.
   
   Thank you for choosing us for the test

[marymanc]

1. How old is the child who took part?
   6
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   Dennis the Menace
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   In the afternoon, around 4pm.
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   Stereo
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
   My son found the book hilarious and really enjoyed listening to it. It was the first time he listened to an audio book and he sounded really pleased afterwards.
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
   Yes, definitely.

[Dsiso]

1. How old is the child who took part? 5years
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose? Wind in the willows
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook? Morning school run and afternoon school run, in the car
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook? iPod through car stereo
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it? Liked it, although it was quite long. For me personally, I would've liked to have it split into different chapters. One long track made it hard to find the place we left off. Great characters though.
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience? Yes, live audiobooks. We often borrow them from the library.

[EmmelineP]

1. My daughter is 4 (nearly 5) and we had 2) the dinosaur that pooped a planet, 3&4) listened to (on repeat) on a long car journey in the daytime.
   
2. She loved it and especially enjoyed the sound effects, I like the voices and way that the authors read it so well, which will help with her reading skills.
   
3. We will definitely look for more audio books for car journeys and bedtimes when needed in light of having had this one, thank you Puffin.

[lilmiztam22]

Non tester: Our family look audiobooks by Michael Morpurgo, my favourite is Adolphus Tips as the whole family enjoys it as it is so interesting, engaging and fun to listen to such an amazing story!

[teabagsmummy]

1. 8 year old ds
   
2. diary of a wimpy kid dog days
   
3. in the afternoon in the back garden
   
4. portable CD player
   
5. ds loved it thought it was very funny. I enjoyed it too, very easy to listen to
   
6. yes we will prob try a few from the library first

[Cambam2010]

1) How old is the child who took part?
A 4 year old boy
2) Which audiobook did your DC choose?
We chose The Twits
3) What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
We listened to the book on a car journey at 11am
4) On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
We used the car CD played
5) What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
He enjoyed having a story to listen to instead of music or the radio. He felt that it gave him use of the car audio system instead of it just being my choices. Over all he enjoyed the story but had to have some bit explained to him
6) Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
For long car journeys these would be ideal as it is something everyone can enjoy and leads to great discussions afterwards. For home, we still prefer to read aloud from books as it gives me and my son a special time together to chill and relax before bed.

[SmileAndNod]

1. How old is the child who took part?
   7
   
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose?
   The Twits
   
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
   He listened to it in the car, and also on a portable dvd player - both during the day. We were camping so it was useful for the journey / quiet time in the tent.
   
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
   Car CD and DVD player.
   
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
   He loved the story, and particularly enjoyed the way the actor read it. He liked that he could choose when and how much to listen to. Though he got through the CD quite quickly and The Twits was the first thing he picked up to re-read when we returned home.
   
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
   Yes definitely.

[soufiesmum]

1. 7 year old boy
   
2. Danger is Everywhere
   
3. We listened at home in the mornining/afternoon player
   
4. CD player in kitchen/ family room
   
5. He loved the noises/ music & the catch phrases also really got the madcap humour. He loves the Tom Gates books, I think this is kind of the same vibe.
   
6. Can definitely see us investing in some for car journeys, I didn't expect my son to enjoy it so much as he reads voraciously and I didn't think that he would pay attention. David O'Doherty is a magnificent narrator and I found myself checking to see if granny really was a robot and declining toast as a result of this book. Absolutely brilliant, thank you Mumsnet & Puffin Audiobooks!

[serendipity1980]

1. How old is the child who took part? 7 YO son
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose? Diary of Wimpy Kid
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook? First thing in the morning the day after we received the CD while we were still in bed.
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook? portable CD player
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it? He loved it and is listening to it for a second time - he said it was funny but also a bit scary. He also said that after listening to the audiobook, he wants to buy the book.
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience? Definitely - our son wants to have more as he really enjoyed this experience.

[serendipity1980]

1. How old is the child who took part? 7 YO son
   
2. Which audiobook did your DC choose? Diary of Wimpy Kid
   
3. What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook? First thing in the morning the day after we received the CD while we were still in bed.
   
4. On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook? portable CD player
   
5. What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it? He loved it and is listening to it for a second time - he said it was funny but also a bit scary. He also said that after listening to the audiobook, he wants to buy the book.
   
6. Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience? Definitely - our son wants to have more as he really enjoyed this experience. Thanks Mumsnet for choosing us!

[Minisoksmakehardwork]

How old is the child who took part?
7, 5 and 3
2) Which audiobook did your DC choose?
The older dc chose The Twits.
3) What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
We listened to the CD after lunch in the car and also at bedtime in the dc's room.
4) On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
Car stereo and CD player.
5) What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
Overall the dc really enjoyed it. They said it made a change from listening to mummy and daddy's music. Our eldest also listened to the cd of an evening, and read with her book. She said the different voices really helped her understand which character was speaking.
6) Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
We have sought out other roald Dahl audiobooks already and am definitely looking to expand our collection with other authors.

[MTBMummy]

1) How old is the child who took part?
DD 5 years old

2) Which audiobook did your DC choose?
The Twits

3) What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
Midday in the car

4) On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
In Car CD player

5) What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it?
She loved it! the story was funny and Richard Ayoade's style was perfectly suited to her. She loved the story and the evil tricks they playe don each other - although worryingly she was very concerned that the Twits never got their bird pie

6) Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
Definitely, she loved this and it's prompted us to already purchase a few more (partially because we've already had to listen to it a dozen times)

[iwantavuvezela]

1. My daughter aged 8
   

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
   

1. As school holidays, when we were out and about during the day in car. So different times of day.
   

1. Car cd
   

1. Really engaged by story, also that we were both listening to it, laughing at the same jokes.
   

1. Absolutely. Will definately look at getting a few more. My daughter laws complains of car sickness, as this could be a perfect alternative. It certainly made our trios out more enjoyable. I would also like to try this on a longer car journey.
   

Thank you for choosing us as a tester

[panchii]

) How old is the child who took part?
8
2) Which audiobook did your DC choose?
Dog Days
3) What time of day and where did your child listen to the audiobook?
1st time Child listened alone during the day.2nd time I put it on while my child was tantruming-this had a calming effect
3rd occasion he asked to listen to it at bedtime
4) On what device did your DC listen to the audiobook?
Cd player
5) What was your child’s overall impression of the experience? What did they like about it
He really enjoyed it and said he 'liked the voices'
6) Do you think you’d buy or look for more audiobooks in the future as a result of this experience?
Definitely we already have several