Children’s Librarian and Programming Assistant Haley Christianson recommends Yoto players.
Did you know that the Children’s Library has Yoto players to check out! Do you know what a Yoto player even is? I know I really did not until recently.
A Yoto player is a screen-free device for children that plays audiobooks, music, podcasts, and more. They come in a full-size version and a mini version. The only difference between the two is the full-size version has a nightlight and can tell you the room’s temperature—both fun things but not needed to listen to a good audiobook.
I personally checked out the full-size version along with a few of the Yoto cards in the Library’s collection. I really enjoyed the variety of choices that we have of Yoto cards. I was able to choose a picture book (Dragon Loves Tacos), a chapter book (Holes), and a meditation activity (Meditate with Me: A Step-By-Step Mindfulness Journey).
I found the Yoto player extremely easy to use. All you need to do is put in your card of choosing and it automatically starts to play.
Once the audio is playing, the device is easy to control with two knobs; one for volume and the other for the flipping through the chapters. I can see parents and teachers finding Yoto players to be a lot easier to use compared to computers, apps, or CD players.
I also liked that, because the Yoto cards are already downloaded on the device, there was no need for Wi-Fi connection. This makes it easy to take on adventures! I personally used it to listen to Holes over the weekend while also doing a puzzle … also from the Library!
These devices are quite popular, and checking one out through the Library is a great way to try them out!
