New Reviews: Children

Narrator Elizabeth Pan's unique voice and authentic pronunciation are a perfect fit for this lively introduction to Chinese New Year traditions. The story's young protagonist, Alex, joyfully shares her enthusiasm for this important holiday with her friend, Ethan, whom she invites to participate in the New Year festivities. As the children eagerly join the family's preparations,... Read More

Quincy Surasmith narrates this middle reader work of nonfiction, which depicts, in graphic detail, the harrowing rescue of a youth soccer team and their coach, who were stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. The narrative swings from emotional tension when the author focuses on the boys or their parents to tactical precision when she explains the inner workings of the cave... Read More

Narrator Imani Parks brings vibrancy to her narration of this outstanding fantasy audiobook. Amari is worried. Her older brother, Quinton, is missing, and it feels like her world is falling apart. Then she receives a mysterious package and discovers that Quinton is an MIA special agent in a supernatural world. Parks's youthful voice is best at bringing the curious and defensive... Read More

Kenny Ramos and DeLanna Studi narrate with warmth as they bring a memorable intertribal powwow to life for listeners. Sixteen Indigenous authors weave together diverse stories in celebration of coming together as a community while also highlighting the young protagonists' many different personalities and experiences. Ramos narrates the boys' stories in a lively and youthful... Read More

Narrator Gildart Jackson brings M.T. Anderson's world of elves and goblins to life from the perspective of one character, an elf. Through his illustrations, artist and coauthor Eugene Yelchin tells a totally different story from the perspective of a different character, a goblin. In order to fully grasp what is going on, listeners must have access to the bonus PDF. Jackson's... Read More

Gary Furlong's British accent evokes the English countryside although the tale is set in the American South. But his spirited portrayal of various animal species in a Southern dialect does bring to life the Louisiana swamp setting of this audiobook. When Tubs the frog and his cousin, Lila, notice that the inhabitants of their swamp are getting sick, they are determined to find... Read More

British narrator Barnaby Edwards provides a well-modulated voice for Ebenezer Tweezer, a man who has stayed beautiful for five centuries by serving up meals to a Beast in exchange for a magic elixir. Edwards conveys Ebenezer's horror when the Beast decides his newest meal will be a plump, juicy child. Edwards captures Ebenezer's conflicted emotions as he gets to know Bethany, a... Read More

Playful music and Emma Lysy's cheerful narration animate this brief but thoroughly enchanting audiobook for young listeners. The whimsical story unfolds as Little Star can't resist slipping out of bed every night to nibble on the delicious mooncake that her mother baked and hung in the sky to cool. In a story reminiscent of trickster folklore, Little Star's mischievous nibbling... Read More

This teen fantasy audiobook is a top-notch swashbuckler with a complex plot featuring a fight for the throne of Carthya. Narrator Charlie McWade has a marvelous time portraying colorful characters and delivering witty dialogue. He changes accents and cadences as he performs so that characters are recognizable to listeners. He gives the three young men, Jaron the king and his... Read More

Ramsey Faragallah narrates the touching story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man who is dedicated to rescuing his city's abandoned cats amid Syria's civil war. A classic Arabic musical arrangement sets the mood for a story about kindheartedness born out of suffering. Listeners are then transported to both past and present Aleppo. The sounds of lively marketplaces mix with the... Read More

Narrator Simon Vance establishes a gruff voice for Dirk Dilly, a dragon who owns and operates an old-school detective business in London. Usually he is able to keep himself at some distance from his clients so as to not reveal his dragon identity, but this all changes when 11-year-old Holly calls to report her missing cat, Willow. What seems like an easy case turns out to be a... Read More

Haunting music begins and ends this account of Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator Uri Shulevitz's childhood. His story is fittingly narrated with unhurried restraint by Fred Berman. Four-year-old Shulevitz and his family fled Warsaw for the Soviet Union when it became clear that Poland was no longer safe for Jews. Thus began a harrowing childhood spent running from... Read More

Listeners will delight in being back with their friends from NEW KID and hearing about the ups and downs of eighth grade from multiple points of view. Jordan is excited but nervous to be back in school, and Jesus Del Orden's bright voice matches Jordan's sweet and observant personality. Drew, compellingly portrayed by Nile Bullock, has an easy time connecting with Jordan, but... Read More

The magic of music enchants in this audio biography of world-renowned pianist Teresa Carreño's childhood. Almarie Guerra's gentle, reassuring narration transports the listener to Teresa's idyllic days playing the piano in Venezuela, followed by her flight from a revolution and arrival in New York City during the Civil War. Guerra beautifully voices Margarita Engle's lyrical... Read More

Natalie Naudus narrates with a welcoming warmth that suits this sweet and affirming audiobook, which is enhanced with gentle music. A Taiwanese girl worries that her eyes are different from the big, round eyes of her classmates. But then she sees that her eyes mirror her mother's, her Amah's, and Mei Mei's and that they all have eyes that "kiss in the corners and glow like warm... Read More

With a Southern accent and a deep, dramatic voice, narrator LaQuita James brings to life the inspiring story of Booker T. Washington, an emancipated slave with a dream of earning a college degree. From Washington's uneducated childhood to his determination to teach himself to read and his five-hundred-mile journey on foot from West Virginia to Hampton Institute in Virginia,... Read More

A full cast re-creates the horrific 1889 flood that killed 2,209 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, residents. Listeners meet the townsfolk, including young people like Taylor Meskimen's thoughtful and spunky Gertrude Quinn, whose diary has supplied first-person information about this event. William James's poetry writing comes alive through Christopher Gebauer's skilled delivery. The... Read More

Narrators JD Jackson and Cassandra Morris make the most of this audiobook's format of letters and emails between Vivy, an 11-year-old girl, and VJ Capello, her major league baseball pitching idol. Vivy is determined to play baseball and use her knuckleball pitch in a real game, not just while practicing with her brother. But her mother has concerns about her being the only girl... Read More

In this middle-grade fantasy audiobook narrated by Emily Wheaton, 13-year-old Grace longs to go on missions to protect the citizens of Moreland, just like her older brother and their mother. When the opportunity unexpectedly presents itself, Grace jumps at the chance--unbeknownst to her family. Both the production itself and the story's chapters begin with the same light, airy... Read More

From "Hansel and Gretel" and "Rumpelstiltskin" to "Snow White" and "The Brave Little Tailor," narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds brings charm and zest to 12 of the Grimm brothers' most popular stories, making these old classics feel new and fresh. Her breathy voice projects a sense of wonder at the magical elements. And with artful delivery, she laughs along with the humorous... Read More

Rebecca K. Reynolds's enthusiastic narration ably differentiates the many characters in this complex tale and highlights its whimsical language. Henry, an artist who is much more imaginative than his classmates, draws a chalk dragon on his bedroom door. When it escapes, Henry finds himself on a quest to catch it in order to save his entire elementary school. Reynolds emphasizes... Read More

Cassandra Campbell narrates this biography of Alcott's formative years. Campbell's performance suggests the cultured speech of the educated elite in nineteenth-century Massachusetts. Most of Alcott's large family were prolific writers, and the audiobook includes quotes from letters and diaries. Bound only by her family's extreme but genteel poverty and their transcendentalist... Read More

Narrator Leah Horowitz allows listeners to bask in the rhythms of Schmidt's writing and be moved by the story of two vulnerable teens. Meryl Lee is grieving the death of her best friend after his sudden accident. Horowitz embodies the lonely-lost feelings Meryl Lee labels "The Blank" so clearly that listeners feel her deeper hurt when her parents send her away to a school where... Read More

Four narrators create a striking collection of voices that explore and celebrate little-known poems of Black women from the Harlem Renaissance. In this collection, poet Nikki Grimes alternates a Harlem Renaissance poem with an original poem based on the work, using the golden shovel composition form. In a lively, youthful voice, Bahni Turpin narrates Grimes's works, as well as... Read More

Narrator Robbie Daymond immerses himself in the characters of this audiobook. Frederick Frederickson is trying to change how people see him when he begins the new school year. However, things don't go as planned and only get worse. An incident leaves him washed ashore at a disciplinary camp, where he is mistaken for an especially troubled kid named Dash. Daymond credibly... Read More

Narrator Helen Lloyd tells the story of Little Fox as he dreams about his life, recalling the joy of some of his first memories with his parents and siblings, along with some of the challenges of growing up. Lloyd's soothing voice complements the story's overall pleasant tone, though it becomes small and fearful when Little Fox finds himself in a difficult situation. The... Read More

Lameece Issaq's youthful narration captures the first in a series featuring sixth grader Nadia. She returns from Egypt to reunite with her "Nerd Crew" of like-minded, culturally diverse friends who join forces to put together a museum project. At the story's center are Nadia's changing emotions--her incomprehension of a classmate's bullying, the comfort she finds from friends,... Read More

This audiobook is a fun adventure, as well as an educational introduction to space exploration. Bouncy music and "spacey" sound effects create the atmosphere, and a full cast delivers the lively narrative and the character voices of the planets in our solar system. Young listeners meet Mars, who is lonely and bored. In a delightfully engaging voice, he asks his father, the Sun,... Read More

Narrator Adjoa Andoh introduces Mary Seacole, who was born in 1805 to a Jamaican mother and a Scottish father; she married a British officer. While growing up, Mary observed her mother making medicines, and she later traveled to war-torn areas to help out. Andoh's Seacole is irrepressible despite fighting racism and prejudice--even that exhibited by Florence Nightingale. Andoh... Read More

Narrator Dion Graham conveys the dreamy quality of Milo's imaginings, along with a weighty message, in his captivating delivery of this thoughtful children's story. Milo imagines and sketches the stories of the passengers on the subway. When a well-dressed boy disembarks at the same stop that he does, Milo realizes that his imaginings about him are incorrect and that the... Read More

Narration Rachael Hilton introduces the lively world of Mr. Pushkin, a Russian Blue cat with blue fur and golden eyes. He and his owner, Klem, live in London. While Klem tries to meet the demands of Ruth, his bossy secretary, his cat has thrilling adventures and enjoys luscious meals of salmon and milk. Hilton's verbs, such as "growled" or "groaned," are reflected in her... Read More

Narrator Everette Plen sets the tone of brotherly concern and suspicion that underpins this unusual take on fantasy. For six terrifying days Lucas's parents and the police searched for his older brother, who disappeared from their home without a trace. More mysterious is his reappearance in the attic, still in his pajamas, with a blue leaf in his hair. Aidan says he visited a... Read More

Narrator Lori-Felipe Barkin's clear, bright voice enhances this fast-paced urban fantasy. The mystery revolves around Maria, a neglected 11-year-old who is forced to work as part of her pseudo-psychic mother's scam conning elderly widows. But Maria has a secret. She really can communicate with a spirit, and that spirit is giving her clues to find a special treasure. There are... Read More

Author Bruce Coville narrates several of the nine stories in this varied collection. Others are delivered by featured narrators and/or members of the Full Cast Family. Two light horror stories are particularly good. "The Japanese Mirror" crackles with tension. Listeners hear narrator Jesse Navagh's portrayal of annoyance, rage, and terror as the protagonist's life becomes... Read More

Shaun Taylor-Corbett narrates this historical novel featuring a 12-year-old Iroquois boy. Okwaho overcomes his anger at his best friend's kidnapping when he hears stories of the Peacemaker, told by a visitor to his village. By listening to these tales, he learns about the formation of the peaceful Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy. Taylor-Corbett, who is himself of Native... Read More

Narrator Nicholas Richardson introduces 13-year-old Satoshi Matsumato, who lived in Atlanta while his dad worked there. Now they're back in Japan, and Satoshi has a difficult time resettling. He uses baseball as a way to reconnect with his classmates. Richardson portrays Satoshi as a kind, independent kid who puts family first and ignores taunts from a teacher and classmates.... Read More

Stina Nielsen's skillful narration elevates an oddly paced story that attempts to accomplish too much in too little time. Nat is used to making a new best friend each year. That's because the paparazzi's relentless pursuit of her famous father, Xan Gallagher, has ensured that they are never comfortable in any one city for very long. Now Nat hopes to be best friends with Harry,... Read More

This concise audio biography is a special tribute to acclaimed writer, poet, and Civil Rights activist Maya Angelou. Narrator Cherise Boothe's beautiful, clear voice evokes Angelou's spirit and embodies the power of the spoken word. Boothe's tone and pacing are genuinely engaging, creating natural pauses that encourage listeners to reflect on the significance of the author's... Read More

Martie Miles's high-spirited narration reveals the joys and disappointment in the not-so-easy life of a 10-year-old. After Roosevelt Banks wrecks his bike in a science experiment gone awry, his parents refuse to replace it--unless he can stay out of trouble for two weeks. With a blend of comedy and drama, Miles's perfectly pitched intonations highlight the humor and... Read More

Narrator Kimberly Woods's soft voice draws out the roiling emotions in an audiobook about recovery, loss, and hope. Maisie is a 12-year-old Makah and Piscataway girl whose identity has revolved around ballet for years, but now she's injured and facing an uncertain future. Woods's youthful voice embodies Maisie, whose anger and anxieties are beginning to overwhelm her despite... Read More

A sound-making monster named Foley and her sidekick, a microphone named Mikee, host a vibrant podcast for fans of "Sesame Street." Narrator Lindsey Briggs energetically creates Foley, a dynamic monster who specializes in making super and silly sounds. As host, Briggs creates a welcoming connection with other "Sesame Street" personalities. Each 20-minute podcast focuses on a... Read More

Author Adib Khorram gives a gentle and friendly narration of his picture book celebrating Nowruz, the Persian new year. Young Kian wonders whether he can add anything else to his family's haft-seen, the table set with seven special items starting with the letter "S" that will bring happiness in the new year. But when he tries to add their cat Sonny to the haft-seen, predictable... Read More

Narrator Kyla Garcia manages to differentiate two sets of diverse twins in this story of escalating horseplay. When Ingrid and Winnie Lopez, the outgoing first daughters of the administration, decide to play a prank on their incoming counterparts, Skylar and Zora Williams, in a White House tradition, they never expect to set off a war of escalating tricks that spirals out of... Read More

Janina Edwards's steady and friendly narration suits this children's biography about the life and activism of Claudette Colvin, who helped launch the Montgomery bus boycotts when she was 15 years old. She refused to give up her seat to a white passenger--nine months before Rosa Parks. Young listeners will be inspired by the teenage Colvin's determination to be recognized as a... Read More

Narrator Chloe Dolandis presents an intriguing story about a primary school's robot-building competition. Listeners will meet bright AZ, who lacks confidence and enlists talented, sarcastic 10 and sweet, artistic Li to join her team. It's thrilling to hear about girls who are not hesitant to challenge their male classmates, including bully Dalk, or to learn about the... Read More

Narrator Vico Ortiz's angelic voice brings a magical quality to this sweet story about a courageous rabbit. Shy Willow lives in an abandoned mailbox. When a little boy deposits a letter for the moon, Shy Willow decides to deliver it. This precious story provides a delightful and absorbing experience for children as they accompany the shy rabbit on her journey. Ortiz captures... Read More

Vanessa Johansson narrates this middle-grade fantasy influenced by Greek mythology. Clo's father sends her on a journey halfway across the ocean to a dreary, gray place where she cannot understand what anyone is saying. After befriending the only other person her age, she discovers that both of their stories are woven into the tapestry of life. Johansson's talent is apparent,... Read More

Tina Packer's enthusiastic performances of her own Shakespeare adaptations are lively and listener-friendly. While the audiobook lacks the oft-praised illustrations present in the original text, Packer does a fine job on her own, bringing color and shape to each of the 10 plays with just her voice and her energy. For the most part, each play--from the tragedy of HAMLET to the... Read More

The author, Civil Rights activist Ruby Bridges, narrates her inspirational letter to "the young peacemakers of America" in this brief but powerful audiobook. Bridges shares the extraordinary story of how, at the age of 6, she was one of the first Black children to integrate the all-white school system of New Orleans. Speaking in a low, expressive voice, Bridges recalls that... Read More

Anika Noni Rose's narration gives life to Shuri, the tech-savvy princess of Wakanda, who is the Black Panther's sister. Shuri is trying to complete phase one of her training when her best friend, M'Karah, uncovers the mysterious disappearance of scientifically brilliant girls from all over the world. Rose's gift with accents allows even listeners who are new to the story of the... Read More

Anyone who struggles with how hard it is to be patient will relate to this comical audiobook about an anxious caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly. Narrator Matt Braver's animated characterization might sound over the top, but it perfectly captures the frantic energy needed to match the picture book's explosive illustrations. The caterpillar's relentless questions and... Read More

Mistress Badger, Mrs. Mole, Miss Ratty, and Lady Toad. This beloved 1908 children's classic receives a gentle feminine-voiced makeover and doesn't miss a beat. The superb cast of A-list English actresses led by Cush Jumbo (THE GOOD FIGHT) are completely comfortable with the author's original plush prose and elegant descriptions. And the dialogue sounds like a soothing tea-time... Read More

Narrator Beata Pozniak establishes a youthful voice for Zima, a gray wolf pup who trades her body with that of the forest witch, Baba Yaga, in exchange for a spell to save her younger brother. She wants nothing more than to be a wolf again, but in the meantime she learns to live as Baba Yaga, helping a young girl, Nadya, who reaches out to her. Pozniak creates unique voices for... Read More

Narrator Channie Waites continues her narration of the Zora and Me trilogy, inspired by the early life of Zora Neale Hurston. Listeners return to Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated all-Black city in the U.S., as a white vigilante group terrorizes the town by lynching a Black man within its borders. Throughout changing family dynamics and personal relationships,... Read More