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Note: Due to scheduled inventory, orders placed March 28–April 3 will ship after April 3.

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APH/Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Audio Books

Playback Requirements

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Audio Books provided by APH are encrypted and can only be played using free playback equipment loaned to eligible individuals through the National Library Service (NLS) Talking Book program. A family will first need to register their child with NLS and receive an NLS digital playback device. Then they are set to download and playback the encrypted DPIL audio book files.

Playback Instructions

Follow the steps below to playback an APH/DPIL Audio book using an NLS Digital Talking Book Player.

  1. Connect a USB drive to your computer, such as a blank NLS digital Talking Book cartridge or a commercial flash drive.
  2. In the “Book Downloads” section on this page, browse the available books by month and activate the download link for the book title you wish to playback.
  3. Depending on your browser, you may see a dialog box that asks what you would like to do with the file. Choose “Save.” The file you are saving is a “zipped” file, meaning it contains several files inside it. Select the location to save the zipped file—either to your computer’s internal hard drive or to the external USB drive that you connected in step #1.
  4. If the downloaded zipped file did not unzip automatically, unzip it now. Windows and macOS both have the built-in ability to unzip files. The unzipped file will create a folder containing all of the files needed to play the book.
  5. If you downloaded the files to your internal hard drive, copy the unzipped folder to the external USB flash drive or NLS cartridge. Note: the book will not play unless ALL of the files are present on the flash drive or cartridge.
  6. Follow instructions provided with your NLS digital player to listen to the audio book.

Book Downloads

  • I Am a Rainbow

    I Am a Rainbow book cover.

    By Dolly Parton

    Illustrated by Heather Sheffield

    Have you ever been tickled pink? Green with envy? Or just plain blue? Well, it’s good to know that we all have a rainbow of feelings inside.

    Beloved music legend Dolly Parton provides children with a fun way to talk about their feelings in this colorful, upbeat picture book. And by understanding their own feelings, they can learn to respect the feelings of others.

    I Am a Rainbow will encourage children of all ages to acknowledge their feelings and take control.

    Download I Am a Rainbow Audio Book

    Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!

    Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! book cover.

    By Nancy Carlson

    The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can’t wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he’s not so sure he’s ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he’s not ready for is how much fun he’s going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.

    Download Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! Audio Book

    The Little Engine That Could

    The Little Engine That Could book cover.

    By Watty Piper

    The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of a little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.

    Download The Little Engine That Could Audio Book

  • Night-Night, Forest Friends

    Night-Night, Forest Friends book cover.

    By Annie Bach

    This charming board book about baby animals going to sleep is the perfect bedtime story for the youngest readers.

    As the sun sets, animals all over the forest get ready for bed. Papa rabbit tucks his babies in among the leaves, fuzzy bears settle in their den, and little foxes snuggle together under the moonlight. Up above, an owl hoots a lullaby. The gentle rhyming text and soft illustrations in this charming book will help little ones settle down for a cozy night.

    Download Night-Night, Forest Friends Audio Book

    Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa

    Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa book cover.

    By Anna Dewdney

    It’s an exciting day for Llama Llama; he’s going to visit Gram and Grandpa Llama and spend the night! His first night away from home….and from Mama. But he makes sure to pack everything he needs. And there are so many fun things to do with Gram and Grandpa. It’s not until he gets ready for bed that he realizes that he’s forgotten something important. Fuzzy Llama! Fortunately, Grandpa Llama has a wonderful solution and soon Llama Llama is having sweet dreams.

    Download Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa Audio Book

    The Snowy Day

    The Snowy Day book cover.

    By Ezra Jack Keats

    In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.

    Download The Snowy Day Audio Book

    Coat of Many Colors

    Coat of Many Colors book cover.

    By Dolly Parton

    Illustrated by Brooke Boyton Hughes

    Country music legend Dolly Parton’s rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee provides the backdrop for this special picture book. Using lyrics from her classic song “Coat of Many Colors,” the book tells the story of a young girl in need of a warm winter coat. When her mother sews her a coat made of rags, the girl is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton’s trademark positivity carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love “in every stitch.” Beautiful illustrations pair with Parton’s poetic lyrics in this heartfelt picture book sure to speak to all young readers.

    Download Coat of Many Colors Audio Book

  • Llama Llama Red Pajama

    Llama Llama Red Pajama book cover.

    By Anna Dewdney

    Illustrated by Anna Dewdney

    In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.

    Download Llama Llama Red Pajama Audio Book

  • Baby Sounds

    Baby Sounds book cover.

    By Joy Allen

    Long before they can speak, babies are listening. And with this book of fourteen everyday sounds, babies and toddlers are encouraged to interact with parents, caregivers, and the noisy world around them in ways that widen their sensory awareness and expand their vocabulary. From a tweeting bird to clanging pots, a beeping phone to honking cars, the splash! of water to the sound of a kiss–mmmwah!–this book is full of the sounds that fill a baby’s day. Perfect for little hands to grasp, this is a delightful stand-alone or a lovely companion to Baby Signs.

    Download Baby Sounds Audio Book

  • I Love My Mommy Because…

    I Love My Mommy Because… book cover.

    By Laurel Porter Gaylord

    Illustrated by Ashley Wolff

    This book begins with a heartwarming scene between a human parent and child, but moves on to loving care in many animal families. ”She listens when I talk,” says a mewing kitten. “She tucks me in,” says a joey kangaroo. Children will love reading about how baby animals spend time with their moms, and mammas everywhere will love celebrating Mother’s Day—or any occassion!—with this adorable gift from their little ones.

    Download I Love My Mommy Because Audio Book

    Sleep Train

    Sleep Train book cover.

    By Jonathan London

    Illustrated by Lauren Eldridge

    A little boy climbs into bed with a book and starts counting the train cars in it, between the engine and caboose. “Ten sleepy cars going clickety-clack,” reads the refrain. But as the boy counts cars and gets sleepier and sleepier, his room looks more and more like one of the train cars from his book–the sleeping car, of course!

    Download Sleep Train Audio Book

    The Ring Bearer

    The Ring Bearer book cover.

    By Floyd Cooper

    Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

    Jackson’s mama is getting married, and he gets to be the ring bearer. But Jackson is worried . . . What if he trips? Or walks too slowly? Or drops the rings? And what about his new stepsister, Sophie? She’s supposed to be the flower girl, but Jackson’s not sure she’s taking her job as seriously as she should.

    In a celebration of blended families, this heartwarming story, stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Floyd Cooper, is a perfect gift for any child who’s nervous to walk down the aisle at a wedding, and shows kids that they can handle life’s big changes.

    Download The Ring Bearer Audio Book

  • Little Poems for Tiny Ears

    Little Poems for Tiny Ears book cover.

    By Lin Oliver

    Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

    For babies and toddlers, each moment is full of wonder and discovery. This delightful collection of original poems celebrates the everyday things that enthrall little ones, such as playing peekaboo, banging pots and pans, splashing at bath time, and cuddling at bedtime. Full of contagious rhythm and rhyme, this inviting picture book introduces young children to the sound of poetry, and beloved illustrator Tomie dePaola’s engaging children are the perfect match for Lin Oliver’s lighthearted poems. Together they’ve created a book to be treasured that captures the magic and fun of being new in the world.

    Download Little Poems for Tiny Ears Audio Book

  • The First Strawberries

    The First Strawberries book cover.

    Illustrated by Anna Vojtech

    Retold by Joseph Bruchac

    From an award-winning Native American storyteller comes this captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be.

    Long ago, the first man and woman quarrelled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife’s retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement this simple, lyrical text.

    Download The First Strawberries Audio Book

  • I Love My Daddy Because…

    I Love My Daddy Because... book cover.

    By Laurel Porter Gaylord

    Illustrated by Ashley Wolff

    This book begins with a heartwarming scene between a human parent and child, but moves on to loving care in many animal families. “He sings me songs,” says a gray wolf cub. “He keeps me safe and warm,” says a young penguin. Children will love reading about how baby animals spend time with their dads, and daddies everywhere will love celebrating Father’s Day—or any occassion!—with this adorable gift from their little ones.

    Download I Love My Daddy Because… Audio Book

  • One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me!

    One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! book cover.

    By John Micklos Jr.

    Illustrated by Clive McFarland

    Count your way through the seasons! In spring, the tree’s leaves appear, one by one. By summer, there’s a glorious canopy. And when autumn winds blow, leaves fly from the tree, one after another, leading us into winter. There’s a world of activity to spy in and around this beautiful tree as the wild creatures, and one little boy, celebrate the cycles of nature. As little ones count leaves, look for animals, and enjoy the changing seasonal landscape, bouncy rhymes and bold illustrations make learning to count easy—corresponding numerals reinforcing the learning fun.

    Download One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! Audio Book

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit

    The Tale of Peter Rabbit book cover.

    By Beatrix Potter

    “Now run along, and don’t get into mischief,” Mrs.. Rabbit tells her bunnies.  But frisky Peter runs straight to Mr.. McGregor’s tasty garden and sneaks under the gate!

    Download The Tale of Peter Rabbit Audio Book

  • The Pudgy Where Is Your Nose? Book

    The Pudgy Where Is Your Nose? Book book cover

    By Grosset & Dunlap

    Illustrated by Laura Rader

    Where is your nose… your eyes… your ears? Young children can play along with the simple, interactive text, pointing to different parts of their bodies as they turn the pages of this fun and sturdy book.

    Download The Pudgy Where Is Your Nose? Book Audio Book

    Daniel Finds a Poem

    Daniel Finds a Poem book cover.

    By Micha Archer

    Illustrated by Micha Archer

    What is poetry? Is it glistening morning dew? Spider thinks so. Is it crisp leaves crunching? That’s what Squirrel says. Could it be a cool pond, sun-warmed sand, or moonlight on the grass? Maybe poetry is all of these things, as it is something special for everyone—you just have to take the time to really look and listen. The magical thing is that poetry is in everyone, and Daniel is on his way to discovering a poem of his own after spending time with his animal friends. What is poetry? If you look and listen, it’s all around you!

    Download Daniel Finds a Poem Audio Book

  • I Am a Rainbow

    I Am a Rainbow book cover.

    By Dolly Parton

    Illustrated by Heather Sheffield

    Have you ever been tickled pink? Green with envy? Or just plain blue? Well, it’s good to know that we all have a rainbow of feelings inside.

    Beloved music legend Dolly Parton provides children with a fun way to talk about their feelings in this colorful, upbeat picture book. And by understanding their own feelings, they can learn to respect the feelings of others.

    I Am a Rainbow will encourage children of all ages to acknowledge their feelings and take control.

    Download I Am a Rainbow Audio Book

    Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come

    Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come book cover.

    By Nancy Carlson

    The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can’t wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he’s not so sure he’s ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he’s not ready for is how much fun he’s going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.

    Download Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come Audio Book

    The Little Engine That Could

    The Little Engine That Could book cover.

    By Watty Piper

    The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of a little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.

    Download The Little Engine That Could Audio Book

    Last Stop on Market Street

    Last Stop on Market Street book cover.

    By Matt de la Peña

    Illustrated by Christian Robinson

    Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

    Download Last Stop on Market Street Audio Book

    Good Morning, Farm Friends

    Good Morning, Farm Friends book cover.

    By Annie Bach

    As the sun rises, the animals on a bustling farm get ready for the day. Pigs roll around in the mud, cows wait at the milking stall, and horses run through pastures. But is everyone awake? The rooster will make sure of it! The fun rhyming text and colorful illustrations in this delightful book will help little ones start their day off just right.

    Download Good Morning, Farm Friends Audio Book