How Can Blind People Read Books? (Hint: Audio Books)

Why a blind child ought to miss the Harry Potter books? Why can't he enjoy like millions of children all over the world the Harry Potter magic? Well, he can enjoy it. Indeed, he can not read the books or watch the movies but he can listen to the audio books, which is also a great experience.

Audio books may be useful for many populations - Elder people could go on "reading" audio books when they are not capable of reading books any more, busy career people can listen to business journals and magazines via audio books, children can listen to audio books of a higher level than they are able to read etc.

However, it seems that one of the populations that may gain the most out of audio books is not using them yet.
There are approximately 10 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States alone. Audio books can enhance their life personally and professionally.

First, audio books can help blind people enjoy the experience of reading books. Years ago, people predicted that the end of the paper books is near due to new technologies. However, the popularity of books keeps increasing. They provide a special experience no other gadget can compete with. Audio books can supply a similar experience for the blind population.

Secondly, audio books can take blind people's education one step forward. Learning foreign languages, poetry, literature, English grammar etc. could be optimized using audio books. Did you know that there are approximately 93,600 visually impaired or blind students in the United States?

Thirdly, blind people can develop habits and hobbies using audio books. One could find audio books about every subject from fishing to knitting guides.
And finally, unfortunately blind people are often treated as outsiders and develop inferiority emotions. There are a lot of self creation, self confidence and awareness audio book guides which can help them.
Whether you belong to the blind and visually impaired people or not, we strongly advise you to join the audio book experience now. Have fun.

Harry Potter Gift Ideas - Wands, Brooms, Books, and More

If you've got a young Harry Potter fanatic in the family, then Christmas and Birthday shopping just got a little easier. Thanks to the popularity of the stories and movies, there are many book sets, themed gifts, and even tasty candies for fans. Let's take a look at what's out there to give you some ideas:

Books and Book Sets

If the kids you're shopping for are already fans, they probably have all the books on their shelves, but if you're trying to get new readers interested in the series, giving them the books is a great way. You can start out with Book 1 (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, also called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the US) or you might also get one of the nice gift sets that includes all seven novels.

A box set costs about $60 for the series in paperback or about $120 for hardbacks.

If you're trying to fill gaps in a partial collection, here is a list of all the books in the correct reading order:

Book Reading Order

Harry Potter and the...

1. Philosopher's Stone/Sorcerer's Stone
2. Chamber of Secrets
3. Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Goblet of Fire
5. Order of the Phoenix
6. Half-Blood Prince
7. Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter Wands, Brooms, and Other Toys and Gifts

If your young reader already has the books, then you may try other Harry Potter items as gifts. Just look online, and you can find all sorts of children's toys based on items from the series. Some of these are mass-produced gifts available at Amazon, Walmart, and the like, while others are lovingly crafted one-of-a-kinds (look for these on sites such as Etsy, which feature only handmade items).

Here are some ideas:

Harry's Wand
"Magic" Broom (replicas of the Nimbus 2000)
Sorting Hats
Movies on DVD
T-shirts and Caps
Stationary and Envelopes
Action Figures
Legos (The Durmstrang Ship is cool!)
Board Games (original games as well as JK Rowling versions of classics)
Pillows and Bedding
Robes and Halloween Costumes

Edible Harry Potter Gifts

While toys are always fun, it's hard to go wrong with gifts that kids can eat. In this category, you can find everything from Bertie Botts Every Flavor Jelly Beans (ketchup and pepper, anyone?) to custom cakes from the bakery (you'll have to order ahead of time, but many bakeries can do themed goodies).

If you fancy yourself a bit of a chef, you can also find recipes online that are inspired by the books. Try a Google search for "Harry Pottery recipes" if you long to make Cauldron Cakes, Jelly Slugs, or Pumpkin Juice.

There you have it: plenty of gift ideas for the young fantasy fans in your family. Christmas and birthday shopping should be a piece of cake this year!