Feature
Audiobooks on the Go:
Summer Listening for Kids & Families
by Sharon Grover
Yikes! The dreaded Summer Reading List is almost upon us. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend of a child, or a librarian, you'll be hearing about the list very soon. Teachers want to keep building their students' skills, parents want their children to excel, and so the list arrives like clockwork every June. Kids, however, wish it would just disappear. From the point of view of the average fifth through ninth grader, there is nothing worse than schoolwork during summer vacation. Yet, here's a magical solution: You can turn the summer reading assignment from persecution to pleasure by suggesting that kids choose audiobooks.
And you should know that many teachers today find listening acceptable for summer reading lists, because the latest research shows that listening improves comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency--not only in struggling readers . . . but also in those who read at or above grade level. Additionally, the research has concluded that kids can listen to and absorb literature that may be far beyond their reading ability. In other words, audiobooks provide a level "reading field" for those with varying degrees of proficiency.
The grown-ups win out also. Listening gives all of us the chance to share books with kids. And you will find that some of the best contemporary literature is aimed at the young adult market. Audiobook producers have definitely keyed into this fabulous writing. More publishers are bringing out young adult books simultaneously in print and audio. The material is up-to-date and exciting and the quality of the narrators can't be beat.
The best reason to pick up an audiobook is that listening is fun. Families can listen together. You can stop the tape or CD occasionally to talk about the book-which may lead to some new and interesting avenues for conversation. You may discover new genres of literature that all ages respond to. And listening, by its very nature, helps everyone rediscover the enchantment of a great story well told.
Here is the best of the best in children's audio--mostly new titles, but also a few older ones that have held up particularly well. There are 100 titles in all--plenty to choose from to make summer reading a breeze.
Other Times & Places
ESPERANZA RISING
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Read by Trini Alvarado (Listening Library)
14-year-old Esperanza Ortega adores her privileged life at her family's beautiful El Rancho de las Rosas but is forced to flee after her father's brutal murder. Trini Alvarado gives a sensitive reading, faithfully portraying Esperanza's transformation at a California migrant camp from a pampered, self-important rich girl to a generous and self-aware young woman. Rich in history and culture, this novel is all the more successful in the audio format. Gr. 5+
GODDESS OF YESTERDAY
Caroline Cooney
Read by Christina Moore (Recorded Books)
This exciting look at the world of ancient Troy and Greece is seen through the eyes of the fictional Anaxandra and narrated with strength and grace by Christina Moore. A thoughtful piece of literature given even greater accessibility by Moore's superb, understated reading. Gr. 5+
JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA
Eva Ibbotson
Read by Patricia Conolly (Recorded Books)
Maia is a wealthy orphan taken in by distant relatives she's never heard of in Brazil. The lush rainforest is a long way from the boarding schools of 1910 London. An old-fashioned yarn full of lovable (and detestable) characters is brought vividly to life as Patricia Conolly reinforces each character with wit and gentle irony. Gr. 4+
THE LAND
Mildred Taylor
Read by Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Listening Library)
In this prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, we meet Cassie Logan's grandfather, Paul-Edward Logan, in Georgia just after the Civil War. Ruben Santiago-Hudson crafts fluid portraits of Paul-Edward, his friend, Mitchell, and the memorable characters who surround the struggle for the precious acres of land Paul-Edward is eventually able to buy. Gr. 7+
A NORTHERN LIGHT
Jennifer Donnelly
Read by Hope Davis (Listening Library)
It's 1906, and what to do with a murder victim's letters is just one of many dilemmas left to 16-year-old Mattie in an intriguing melodrama that also examines women's rights and racism. Hope Davis's deft handling of Mattie's many emotions is guaranteed to inspire teenaged listeners to empathize with her. Gr. 9+
A SINGLE SHARD
Linda Sue Park
Read by Graeme Malcolm (Listening Library)
Listeners will be moved by the struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices of the young orphan, Tree-ear; his protector, Crane-man; and the master potter, Min. It's not easy to slow kids down to the painstaking pace of a potter's village in twelfth-century Korea, but Graeme Malcolm unforgettably transports us to this unusual time and place. Gr. 5+
TROY
Adèle Geras
Read by Miriam Margolyes (Listening Library)
In an ambitious retelling of the story of the Trojan War, Geras lets the young people of King Priam's household spin out the tale. Margolyes is an unquestionable master here. She makes it possible for listeners to follow this multilayered saga with an astute performance. Gr. 9+
Family & Community
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE
Kate DiCamillo
Read by Cherry Jones (Listening Library)
India Opal Buloni walks into the Winn-Dixie in her new hometown of Naomi, Florida, and comes out with a dog-a mangy, homeless, smiling dog. And her life changes forever. Cherry Jones's stellar audio interpretation brings the charming 10-year-old to vivid life. Gr. 4+
THE CANNING SEASON
Polly Hovarth
Read by Julie Dretzin (Recorded Books)
91-year-old twins Tilly and Penpen are nothing alike, and with two teenaged girls visiting for the summer, all of their lives are due to change. Julie Dretzin perfects each personality, including the characteristics of typical teens--sometimes cocky and aggressive, other times showing vulnerability aind lack of confidence. Gr. 8+
 GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP
Sharon Creech
Read by Donna Murphy (Harper Audio)
Creech is masterful as she weaves the parallel lives of Rosie and her grandmother into a warm kitchen fabric with all the smells, companionship, and healing powers of the cooking experience. Donna Murphy sparkles in her characterizations: Granny Torrelli exudes spunk and wisdom; Rosie personifies impetuousness and eventual understanding. Gr. 4+
HEAVEN EYES
David Almond
Read by Amanda Plummer (Listening Library)
In David Almond's extraordinary fantasy, Erin Law and her friends, January Carr and Mouse Gullane, sail away from Whitegates on a raft and meet the web-fingered Heaven Eyes on the Black Middens. Amanda Plummer's exceptional narration captures all that is surreal and fantastic, as well as the pain of loss and the joy of newfound hope. Gr. 5+
INKHEART
Cornelia Funke
Read by Lynn Redgrave (Listening Library)
12-year-old Meggie and her bookbinder father grapple with wily villains, unsettling accomplices, and characters who can jump from stories into real life and vice versa in this intriguing, fast-paced, and provocative fantasy. Both the story and Lynn Redgrave's narration underscore the idea that power comes not from fear and might but from communication and love. Gr. 5+
LOCOMOTION
Jacqueline Woodson
Read by JD Jackson (Recorded Books)
Jacqueline Woodson's novel-in-verse unfolds in the story of fifth-grader Lonnie Collins Motion (Locomotion). His teacher, Ms. Marcus, tells him he has a "poet's heart." JD Jackson creates a believable 11-year-old whose innocence is tinged with too much knowing. The terrible loss of Lonnie's parents, his deep love for his little sister, and his growing awareness of racial inequity are all enhanced by Jackson's performance. Gr. 5+
SAFFY'S ANGEL
Hilary McKay
Read by Julia Sawalha (Listening Library)
Saffy finds out she is adopted, but a mysterious angel left to her by her grandfather may yet provide her with proof of her place in the family. The marriage between McKay's charming novel and narrator Julia Sawalha is a sublime listening experience. Sawalha presents the loving and memorable family with an abundance of humor and warmth. Gr. 6+
SEEDFOLKS
Paul Fleischman
Read by Multiple Narrators (Audio Bookshelf)
Fleischman's touching novel about an abandoned inner-city lot transformed into a community garden is composed of 13 interwoven stories. One by one, strangers in the multicultural neighborhood overcome their prejudices and join in the gardening. Gr. 6+
Fantastic Worlds
 THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND
Jonathan Stroud
Read by Simon Jones (Listening Library)
Nathaniel, an 11-year-old apprentice magician, has summoned Bartimaeus, a five-thousand-year-old djinni, in order to revenge himself against a brutal magician. Simon Jones excels at projecting their personalities. An alternate London told from a fresh viewpoint that will attract any listener with a yen for intelligent and humorous fantasy. Gr. 6+
CORALINE
Neil Gaiman
Read by Neil Gaiman (Harper Audio)
When Coraline finds a mysterious corridor in her family's new flat, she must fight sinister forces determined to keep her and her family prisoner forever. Author Gaiman's soft-spoken voice lends to the overall darkness of the story, and his reading will leave teen and adult listeners alike captivated. Music from The Gothic Archies adds to an already haunting tale. Gr. 5+
FEED
M.T. Anderson
Read by David Aaron Baker, John Beach, Josh Lebowitz, Tara Sands, Anne Twomey (Listening Library)
Enter a chilling, twisted future in which one's every thought and movement is directed and regulated by the "feed," a computer chip implanted in the brain. David Aaron Baker's superb use of inflection renders the teen voices realistic, from their vapid musings to profane outbursts that substitute for conversation. This brilliant production for older teen listeners enhances Anderson's dystopic portrait of a world gone sour. Gr. 9+
THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW
C.S. Lewis
Read by Kenneth Branagh (Harper Audio)
Two children in Victorian England unwittingly take part in the (re)birth of the magical land of Narnia. Kenneth Branagh's precise and enchanting reading takes the listener from the rooftops of London to the fields of Narnia. Lewis's storytelling is magnificent, and Branagh's performance is completely and utterly engaging. Gr. 4+
SABRIEL, LIRAEL, ABHORSEN
Garth Nix
Read by Tim Curry (Listening Library)
Nix's Old Kingdom is a deeply detailed world, intricately interwoven. Entering this world involves learning about Abhorsens, necromancers who wield free magic. Tim Curry brings authority to the trilogy, grounding the fantastic elements with nuance of character and depth of emotion. Nix's allegory of war and peace will draw fans of fantasy and strong heroines. Gr. 6+
SUMMERLAND
Michael Chabon
Read by Michael Chabon (HighBridge Audio)
When he learns that he's been chosen to save the world from Coyote, the Changer, 11-year-old Ethan Feld begins a mystical journey between dimensions. Michael Chabon performs with the finesse of an accomplished actor. As he blends the idea of interchangeability between humans and animals found in American Indian, African-American, and European folklore with baseball and contemporary life, Chabon hits a grand slam with this spirited mythology for our time. Gr. 5+
Classics
ACROSS FIVE APRILS
Irene Hunt
Read by Terry Brégy
(Audio Bookshelf)
As he and his family confront the terror of the Civil War, Jethro takes on huge responsibilities and becomes a wise and compassionate young man. Terry Brégy projects a sense of wonder as he narrates the splendid text, portraying the distinctive voices and phraseology of an earlier era along with gentle humor and the reality of war. Gr. 6+
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Jack London
Read by Frank Muller (Recorded Books)
Frank Muller's rich voice brings out the harsh reality of life in the Klondike for Buck the dog, stolen from his family to work the gold rush, and his eventual return to his wild roots. Gr. 6+
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE TWO TOWERS, THE RETURN OF THE KING
J.R.R. Tolkien
Read by Rob Inglis (Recorded Books)
Tolkien fashioned landscape and language for one of the most compelling fantasy creations of all time. Inglis skillfully traverses this magical world, bringing hobbits, dwarves, elves, and other enchanted creatures to life and plunging the listener into the great battle of good against evil. The LORD OF THE RINGS movies have sparked renewed interest in these titles. Gr. 6+
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
E. Nesbit
Read by Virginia Leishman (Recorded Books)
Three children move from their stately London home to a poor cottage in the country when their father is suddenly taken away. Virginia Leishman's reading of this wonderful novel about the innocence and adventure of childhood is in top form. Her gentle, genuine voice draws in listeners of all ages. This classic is an absolute listening pleasure. Gr. 5+
Sharon Grover is the Youth Services Collection Specialist for Arlington County (VA) Public Library and Co-Editor of Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children, an annual list of recommended titles for children from birth through high school, including audiobook selections.
Illustration by Debra Spina Dixon/Getty Images, Inc.
[To read more about children and audiobooks, see the April/Mayissue of AudioFile. Subscribe Now! ]
April/May 2004
(c)2004 AudioFile Publications, Inc.
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• Audiobooks on the Go Summer List as a PDF file
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Audiography
Other Times and Places
THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE
Read by Nicolle Littrell, Unabridged
Audio Bookshelf
Read Review
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DEAR EMMA
Read by Barbara McCulloh, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Abraham Lincoln
Read by George Guidall, Tom Stechshulte, Sisi Johnson, Unabridged
Live Oak Media
Read Review
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DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Thomas Jefferson
Read by George Guidall, Victor Slezaic, Erin Cardillo, Unabridged
Live Oak Media
Read Review
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DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Read by George Guidall, George Wilson, Bonnie Kelly-Young, Unabridged
Live Oak Media
Read Review
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THE EDGE ON THE SWORD
Read by Emily Gray, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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ESPERANZA RISING
Read by Trini Alvarado, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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FEVER 1793
Read by Emily Bergl, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
|
GODDESS OF YESTERDAY
Read by Christina Moore, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA
Read by Patricia Conolly, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
|
THE LAND
Read by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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LORD OF THE NUTCRACKER MEN
Read by Steven Crossley, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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A NORTHERN LIGHT
Read by Hope Davis, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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RED SCARF GIRL: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution
Read by Christina Moore, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS
Read by Lynne Thigpen, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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A SINGLE SHARD
Read by Graeme Malcolm, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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TROY
Read by Miriam Margolyes, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO
Read by Norm Lee, Jenny Ikeda, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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Family and Community
BAD BOY
Read by Joe Morton, Unabridged
Harper Audio
Read Review
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BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE
Read by Cherry Jones, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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BIG MOUTH & UGLY GIRL
Read by Hilary Swank, Chad Lowe, Unabridged
Harper Audio
Read Review
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THE BREADWINNER
Read by Rita Wolf, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE CANNING SEASON
Read by Julie Dretzin, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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THE CIRCUIT
Read by Adrian Vargas, Unabridged
Audio Bookshelf
Read Review
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THE COLOR OF MY WORDS
Read by Lisa Vidal, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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DUNK
Read by Matt Golden, Craig Middleton, et al., Unabridged
Full Cast Audio
Read Review
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FORGED BY FIRE
Read by Thomas Penny, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP
Read by Donna Murphy, Unabridged
Harper Audio
Read Review
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HEAVEN EYES
Read by Amanda Plummer, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HOOT
Read by Chad Lowe, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
|
INKHEART
Read by Lynn Redgrave, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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KEEPER OF THE NIGHT
Read by Vivian McLaughlin, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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LOCOMOTION
Read by JD Jackson, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI
Read by Marcella Russo, Unabridged
Bolinda Audio
Read Review
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LOVE, RUBY LAVENDER
Read by Judith Ivey, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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LOVE THAT DOG
Read by Scott Wolf, Unabridged
Harper Children's Audio
Read Review
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MAKE LEMONADE
Read by Heather Alicia Simms, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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MIRACLE'S BOYS
Read by Dulé Hill, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS
Read by Hope Davis, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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SAFFY’S ANGEL
Read by Julia Sawalha, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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SAHARA SPECIAL
Read by Phylicia Rashad, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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SEEDFOLKS
Read by Multiple Narrators, Unabridged
Audio Bookshelf
Read Review
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THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS
Read by Angela Goethals, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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A STEP FROM HEAVEN
Read by Jina Oh, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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TADPOLE
Read by Kate Forbes, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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TANGERINE
Read by Ramon de Ocampo, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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THE THIEF LORD
Read by Simon Jones, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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A WEEK IN THE WOODS
Read by Ron Livingston, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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WHALE TALK
Read by Brian Corrigan, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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Fantastic Worlds
ALANNA
Read by Trini Alvarado, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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IN THE HAND OF THE GODDESS
Read by Trini Alvarado, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE WOMAN WHO RIDES LIKE A MAN
Read by Trini Alvarado, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND
Read by Simon Jones, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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CORALINE
Read by Neil Gaiman, Unabridged
Harper Audio
Read Review
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THE DARK SIDE OF NOWHERE
Read by Jason Harris, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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ENDER’S GAME
Read by Stefan Rudnicki and a Full Cast, Unabridged
Audio Literature/ Fantastic Audio
Read Review
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SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD
Read by David Birney, Scott Brick, Gabrielle De Cuir, Amanda Karr, Lisa Nemacheck, John Rubinstein, Stefan Rudnicki, Don Schlossman, Unabridged
Fantastic Audio
Read Review
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ENDER’S SHADOW
Read by Michael Gross, Abridged
Audio Literature/ Fantastic Audio
Read Review
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SHADOW OF THE HEGEMON
Read by David Birney, Scott Brick, Gabrielle De Cuir, Unabridged
Audio Literature/ Fantastic Audio
Read Review
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FEED
Read by David Aaron Baker, John Beach, Josh Lebowitz, Tara Sands, Anne Twomey, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Read by A Full Cast, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE SUBTLE KNIFE
Read by a Full Cast, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE AMBER SPYGLASS
Read by a Full Cast, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
Read by Jim Dale, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
Read by Jim Dale, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Read by Jim Dale, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
Read by Jim Dale, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Read by Jim Dale, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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KEYS TO THE KINGDOM #1
Read by Allan Corduner, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW
Read by Kenneth Branagh, Unabridged
Harper Audio
Read Review
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SABRIEL
Read by Tim Curry, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
|
LIRAEL
Read by Tim Curry, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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ABHORSEN
Read by Tim Curry, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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TIME STOPS FOR NO MOUSE
Read by Campbell Scott, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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THE SANDS OF TIME
Read by Campbell Scott, Unabridged
Listening Library
Read Review
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SUMMERLAND
Read by Michael Chabon, Unabridged
HighBridge Audio
Read Review
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THE TWO PRINCESSES OF BAMARRE
Read by Lynn Redgrave, Unabridged
Harper Children's Audio
Read Review
|
Classics
ACROSS FIVE APRILS
Read by Terry Brégy, Unabridged
Audio Bookshelf
Read Review
|
THE HOBBIT
Read by Rob Inglis, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
|
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
Read by Rob Inglis, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
|
THE TWO TOWERS
Read by Rob Inglis, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
|
THE RETURN OF THE KING
Read by Rob Inglis, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
Read by Virginia Leishman, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
|
WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS
Read by Frank Muller, Unabridged
Recorded Books
Read Review
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