How do children’s audiobooks catch my attention? Sometimes it’s a visual
pop from the cover, sometimes it’s wanting to hear a narrator I love, and sometimes it’s the Earphones Award a reviewer recommends.
The cover of Junot Díaz’s ISLANDBORN immediately grabbed me, and the Earphones-worthy performance by the author sealed it. The unlikely appearance of a Swedish children’s series from the 1940s, Pelle No-Tail, is another that made me curious. Master narrator Rupert Degas is one of my favorites, and his performance of THE ADVENTURES OF PELLE NO-TAIL sealed the deal. Rupert’s performance in THE GOLDEN COMPASS is one I hold dear, and his SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT series was a marvel.
This week I noticed two titles for young listeners—both Earphones winners—narrated by Kathleen McInerney: THE HEART AND MIND OF FRANCES PAULEY and SAMANTHA SPINNER AND THE SUPER-SECRET PLANS, with co-narrator Grover Gardner. Both of these titles have the hallmarks of excellent family listening—appealing kids, a little magic, a bit of adventure, and strong storytelling. You can take either of these along on your next family excursion. And a story with a dog always has great appeal. GRANTED sounds like a winner, with the wonderful young voice of Cassandra Morris, and another Earphones Award.
The focus of the new print edition of AudioFile is on Family Listening. There are so many good listening choices to keep the back seat entertained that you may need to plan extra trips just to finish all the stories.
Don’t miss the terrific Kids & Teens Audiobooks section here on the website. Select an age group and find listening galore!
