Looking for a screen-free, interactive way to get kids reading, focusing, and loving books – even in the car on long road trips? Try immersive reading: a powerful, multi-sensory learning tool made up of audiobooks and picture books designed for a magical, memory-boosting effect.

At Rockford’s Rock Opera, we’ve introduced immersive reading to children through our award-winning musical audiobook Lost on Infinity and its fully illustrated companion book, creating the perfect read-and-listen adventure for kids.

What is Immersive Reading?

Immersion reading (or immersive reading) is reading a printed book and listening to an audiobook — often with music and sound effects. The “see and hear” method stirs two senses at the same time and enhances comprehension, remembering, and motivation.

Having proved especially effective in:

  • Emerging readers

  • Children who are neurodivergent like children with ADHD and dyslexia

  • Reluctant readers

  • Children learning to speak and write English

  • And families looking for screen-free, learning-oriented entertainment

The Science Behind It: Why It Works

Studies show that immersive reading engages multiple areas of the brain, making it easier to understand and remember stories. This technique is grounded in “dual coding theory” — when words are processed both visually and aurally, memory is stronger.

What the research has to say:

  • Enhanced comprehension: Students read better when reading and listening in unison than reading on their own.

  • Improved retention: Information from tales lasts longer when experienced through more senses.

  • Enhanced focus: Especially in children with ADHD, reading with listening helps in sustaining focus.

  • Reading assistance: Listening to words being read aids in the decoding process in dyslexics and enhances fluency.

Why it’s a Lifesaver on Long Car Trips

Let’s face it, car trips are rough on families, especially if there’s a rambunctious back-seat crowd. Travel is even more challenging for some younger children – restlessness, over-stimulation, and boredom all escalate.

Immersive reading transforms long journeys into storytelling adventures. With expressive narration, vibrant visuals, and layered sound effects, kids stay engaged, focused, and relaxed — turning restlessness into curiosity. Best of all, it’s an experience the whole family can share.

Helps ADHD and Dyslexic Children

Children with ADHD or dyslexia can feel left out in some lessons when reading is undertaken in silence or at a fast pace. Others may fall behind or feel anxious reading aloud.

Immersive reading changes the dynamic:

  • Audiobook improves confidence. Children don’t have to rely solely on decoding text – the narration carries them through, helping them follow along and enjoy the story.

  • All read and listen together. This creates a level playing field. Instead of highlighting reading difficulties, immersive reading makes the experience shared, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.

  • Images help provide clarification on meaning. The colourful illustrations with narration give added background and help in comprehension.

  • No one is singled out. Neurodivergent learners don’t need separate resources. Immersive reading works for the whole class – quietly supporting those who need it most, while enriching the experience for everyone.

In short, immersive reading helps all children feel capable, curious, and involved — no matter their reading level.

Introducing Lost on Infinity. An Immersive Reading Eco-Adventure

Lost on Infinity is a full-length musical environmental story that has been downloaded over a million times, in schools, and in homes all over the world. Our brand-new 180-page full-colour book is the perfect companion to the original composition. Every chapter, word, and song aligns for a seamless, immersive reading experience.

What’s it about?

Far away in the Sea of Tranquillity is the Island of Infinity, home to the world’s extinct creatures. Infinity has a secret for the world, but Moog, a boy from Battersea in London, and Rockford, his dog, are the only ones who can deliver its message. Travelling to Infinity, Moog and Rockford are drawn into a truly world-changing adventure.

Packed with unforgettable characters, humour, music, and thought-provoking themes of extinction, biodiversity, and biomimicry, this is a story that entertains deeply—and stays with you long after the final page.

So, what Parents Are Saying?

“This is the BEST children’s interactive story out there, seriously the coolest my kid and I have come across. My kid and I love love love this story, it’s totally so beautiful and genius!” Jenna Kenney

“We bought our copy and we absolutely adore it! The illustrations are stunning and the tale is captivating. My child enjoys the audiobook and then reading the book together has been a delight. Perfect story time at bedtime!”
Cindy Craig-Pendergrass

Five Reasons Why You Should Try Immersive Reading With Lost on Infinity

  1. Stress-Free, Screen-Free: No device needed. A book, headphones, and imagination.

  2. Thoughtfully designed to support children with dyslexia and ADHD: Based on guidance from educational charities and the lived experience of families and teachers.

  3. Family Time: Gasp, laugh, and learn together. Best for siblings, parents, and grandparents.

  4. Educational yet Not Feeling as Though You Are: Science through storytelling and songs making learning fun.

  5. Classroom-Ready: We have many free KS2 teaching packs, activities, and podcasts available on our website in Educational Resources that go along with our Lost on Infinity adventure stories.

Rapid Immersive Strategies for Teachers & Families

  • Lights-Out Theatre: Dim the lights and listen together with a torch — magical!

  • Soundtrack Drawing: Let children draw the scene they hear before checking the book’s illustration.

  • Pause & Predict: Stop mid-chapter and ask, “What do you think happens next?”

  • Biomimicry Challenge: Can your child find a real animal that inspired a story invention?

Where to Start

Listen for Free: Start the adventure from the first chapters of Lost on Infinity at no cost and with no logins and tablets required.

Order the Book: Now available on RockfordsRockOpera.com and Amazon for purchase.

Use in class: Free KS2 (ages 5 to 9) resources to download.

Tune In: Learn about our nature podcast Stories, Science & Secrets for curious minds.

Lost on Infinity is a new way to enjoy books. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for today’s learners. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just love stories, this is something special.

Would you like help using this in your school or classroom? Get in touch at Rockford@sweetapple.co.uk

🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃🌼🌿🍃

✨ The fully illustrated book of Lost on Infinity is OUT NOW! ✨

Available to buy in our shop and on Amazon. It includes free QR Code links to our award-winning audiobook, songs, and sound effects, so you can listen and read-along together.

Tune In and Explore More with Rockford’s Rock Opera

Looking for stories and songs that bring the natural world to life? Join us on the “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast where we explore amazing examples of biomimicry and nature’s clever solutions to big problems.

Plus, download FREE lesson plans and slides on extinction, biomimicry, and more — perfect for families and educators who want to turn nature walks into learning adventures.