Alissa I used the multiplication arrays and it was fantastic for teaching that 9 x 8 could be partitioned into (9 x 4) + (9X4). The kids made connections to partitioning and part-part-whole.
While these stories are not interactive, I listened to White Socks Only and it is a marvelous story which lends itself to predicting and cultural tolerances and racism. What kids don't like to have a story read to them with a different voice than their teacher's. Thanks Jan.