Grace Capeless narrates Miller's picture book about the many ways a person can be strong. The young protagonist, a child of color with black, textured curls in Jen Hill's illustrations, doesn't have the physical strength to get to the top of the gym climbing wall. But family members point out that being strong can also mean "showing up" (for friends in need), "speaking up" (for... Read More

Gurgles, drips, and the hiss of steam combine with a musical score to accompany Janina Edwards's accomplished narration of this poem about the water cycle. "Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. / Water is water unless . . . /it heats up." Her voice lingers with relish on the internal rhymes and onomatopoeia that carry listeners from page-turn to page- turn. End rhymes announce each... Read More

Author-illustrator and narrator Mo Willems chews the scenery when his obstreperous pigeon decides to ride a roller coaster. The bird, listeners learn, is "aquiver with anticipation," a state of excitement that carries character and listeners along a familiar emotional path. The pigeon has a ticket, plans to wait with "exemplary patience," and imagines a ride so thrilling it... Read More

John Lithgow's orotund delivery brings the right notes of drollery to this tale of an alligator who becomes so attached to his prospective meal he can't eat it. Bob is lazy, hungry, and wily, traits that lead to a seemingly perfect scheme: He will turn his snout into a gourmet birdseed restaurant that will have his prey literally flying to his mouth. "Welcome to Chez Bob," he... Read More

Frankie Corzo's charismatic narration animates this contemporary retelling of "The Little Red Hen." It doesn't bother Ruby when her three brothers laugh at her idea of building something with the old boards she has found. With her spunky can-do spirit and a little help from her grandmother and mom, Ruby constructs a backyard fort on her own. But when she tells her brothers they... Read More

Fans of celebrated author/illustrator Peter Reynolds will be delighted with this imaginative audio/picture-book production of his modern-day fable. In an engaging style, Reynolds introduces young listeners to Violet, a little girl who loves spending time with her family--especially those precious moments when they are making memories together around their table. When the... Read More

Sunny Lu's youthful voice enlivens this poignant story inspired by the author's childhood memories. The narrator is a first-generation Chinese-American girl who is frustrated by her immigrant parents' embarrassing behavior, and, on this particular day, annoyed that she must collect watercress from a muddy roadside ditch. But her attitude changes once she understands the history... Read More

Noah Wall's engaging narration enhances this delightful audio and picture book production. A young kingfisher named Mel bravely decides to take her first dive out of the nest. As the tree's other residents anxiously look on--or desperately try to save her--courage prevails, Mel's fall turns to flight, and her friends' fears turn to cheers. Wall captures the playful, spontaneous... Read More

Emily Eiden, David de Vries, Lauren Ezzo, and a full cast narrate this dynamic introduction to our solar system and the hardworking star at its center. Young listeners meet the planets and explore Earth's reliance on the sun's vitally important jobs: providing warmth and light, creating the water cycle, and helping plants grow. Eiden's bright voice and engaging narrative style,... Read More

Young listeners who enjoyed Matt Braver's exuberant narration of THE VERY IMPATIENT CATERPILLAR won't want to miss the next phase in the life cycle of this very anxious insect. Mastering patience during metamorphosis was difficult, but now the little butterfly must face a greater challenge--a 200-mile migration--alone. Against a background of animated music and sound effects,... Read More

David de Vries's animated narration perfectly enhances this delightful history of a revered symbol of freedom and hope. The Statue of Liberty was a magnificent gift from the people of France in celebration of America's 100th birthday. When money to build a pedestal for Lady Liberty ran out, Joseph Pulitzer--a Jewish-Hungarian immigrant and publisher of a prominent New York... Read More

Janina Edwards is a terrific choice to narrate this inspirational audiobook for young enthusiasts of design and construction. Evocative music sets the tone as Edwards introduces the hardworking teams of people who transform the ideas and plans of the architect, engineer, artist, scientist, park designer, book author, and illustrator into concrete reality. Buzzing saws and other... Read More

Author Muon Thi Van narrates this moving story inspired by her own Vietnamese family's perilous journey as refugees. Muon's simple words, delivered in a quiet, solemn voice, are powerfully enhanced by Victo Ngai's evocative illustrations in the companion picture book. Each double-page spread depicts an emotionally charged scene and a wish for something essential: "The path... Read More

Narrator Channie Waites's expressive voice captures the joy in this delightful bedtime story for young listeners. Tucked into bed, a little boy imagines what will (most likely) happen in his world the next day. The result is a magical blend of reality's predictable possibilities and make-believe's unexpected quirks. Natural and urban soundscapes and a catchy musical score set a... Read More

In a compelling audiovisual production of their Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, the Indigenous author/narrator and illustrator team of Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade encourage young listeners to become stewards of the Earth. “Water is sacred.” An Indigenous child takes her grandmother’s words to heart as she boldly encounters the “black snake” that threatens her... Read More

Acclaimed author and illustrator Peter Reynolds narrates this delightful audio presentation of his picture book encouraging children to be "just the way you are." The book's vibrant illustrations and dynamic page layouts create a captivating stage for Reynolds's engaging narration. The inspirational text, delivered in a reassuring voice, prompts young listeners to embrace their... Read More

Weston Woods Studios has created a delightful audio production of this extraordinary picture book by author-illustrator Sophie Blackall. The story is magical in its simplicity yet remarkably grand. A child writes a letter to a visitor from outer space, describing what they will need to know about planet Earth if they come. In a clear, friendly voice and relaxed pacing, narrator... Read More

Nikki James's narration enriches this unforgettable real-life story of patience and determination. Mary Walker always believed that she would learn to read, but when? Born into slavery in 1848 Alabama, emancipated at 15, married twice, raised three children, always, always working--she didn't have time to learn how to decipher those "squiggles" in her Bible. Ultimately, with no... Read More

Children are told in no uncertain terms that they matter in this touching and beautiful picture book. Author Tami Charles fills her narration of the lyrical text with emotion. The audiobook is written to encourage Black children and their loved ones to have conversations about how to be resilient in the face of life's difficulties. Charles's narration is gentle and kind. Music... 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

Young listeners will want to get up and dance to the musical opening of this hilarious story of Potato, who is on his way to buy a pair of striped potato pants just like the ones in the window at Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store. Narrators Roberston Dean, Galen Fott, and a full cast create a host of amusing voices, including that of Tubérto, creator of the wild array of pants.... Read More

A winning combination here—Mo Willems narrates the latest installment in his Pigeon books, and a musical score enriches the experience. The plot is spot-on for children facing the prospect of starting school. Meet Pigeon who, in his own estimation, doesn’t need to go to school because he knows EVERYTHING. But when he’s peppered with questions by kid voices, he becomes contrite,... Read More

Author and narrator Carmen Agra Deedy's vivaciousness is contagious. As she shares the tale of the rooster who speaks his mind, listeners know she is smiling the whole time. The village of La Paz is full of song, but when it gets too loud for thinking, the newly elected mayor calls for peace and quiet. All is well until a "saucy gallito" arrives in town and challenges the... Read More

As the sun rises on a bevy of construction vehicles poised to undertake a new and large job, Dion Graham is just the narrator to get in on the fun. With precise diction and steady pacing, Graham lets the rhyming text carry listeners into the action-packed day. His cement mixer lets out a BLAST to summon helper trucks, who respond with enthusiastic honks. Work begins with pairs... Read More

Author and narrator Jane Yolen brings another of her dinosaur escapades to life. Young listeners may be shocked or perplexed as dinosaurs mistreat books by chewing them, tossing them, and jumping on them but then will be treated to demonstrations of proper book care and the joy of sounding out words and making sense of them. At bedtime, Yolen's spot-on characterization shines... Read More

The opening tuneful measures set the beat as author Eric Litwin narrates his second audiobook about Groovy Joe--the "song-singing, tail-wagging party of one!" But this dog is not alone for long. With each new knock at the door, Litwin's precise and enthusiastic voice welcomes guests to Joe's disco party. Each knock, knock foretells the number of guests at the door and begs for... Read More

Ushered into story time by a melodic piano piece, young listeners soon encounter narrator Nikki M. James, whose voice takes on charming, strong, and informational tones throughout the audiobook. With each page, James introduces a new historical figure, highlighting each woman's perseverance in a brief paragraph followed by a well-known quote. In addition to James's narration,... Read More

Mary McScary may try to be frightening, but narrator Emily Eiden takes young listeners into her mind with just the right amount of scariness. Mary's favorite activity is bringing fright to creatures and things--a goldfish, a parent, or even a balloon--and she is successful. Her biggest desire is to scare her cousin Harry McScary. What will happen when he comes to visit? Eiden's... Read More

Narrator Crystal Taliefero's welcoming, child-friendly voice entices young listeners into a colorful undersea world. Author and illustrator Bob Barner's bright collages and simple text in this read-along are attention grabbers. Listeners will hear rhyming snippets with accompanying catchy music about deep-sea fish, ocean mammals, coral, and more. Additional information is... Read More

Johnny Heller and Chris Curry narrate this story of two turtles who find a hat--but only one hat--and the dilemma that ensues. With only one hat that looks so good on them both, who will get to wear it? Children will enjoy listening to Heller and Curry's charmingly crusty renditions of the elderly pair of turtles while looking at Klassen's illustrations. A desert soundscape... Read More

Narrator Yetide Badaki's light and gentle voice is just what one might expect from a serene princess--a water princess, no less. Badaki gently but urgently shares the story of Princess GieGie and her journey to the well for her family's water. The princess rises at six in the morning and then begins her walk through a dust-filled world. Shea nuts, music, and the company of... Read More

Who can resist the smell of freshly baked bread? Certainly not author/narrator Mo Willems, who has had the tantalizing experience of living beside a bakery in France. With enthusiasm and anguished pauses to savor the fragrance, Willems and family members Cher and Trixie detail Nanette's lucky day. This is the day that she has been granted her longstanding wish to purchase a... Read More

This delightful audiobook companion to the charming picture book will have little listeners giggling and learning a made-up bug language. Youthful voices for kid bugs, the deeper voices of older insects, uplifting and dramatic music, and forest sounds will draw listeners into the story of a sprout near a fallen tree that grows into a beautiful flower. Kids will enjoy... Read More

Each of three narrators brings distinctive touches to Rex's audiobook on school construction and the anxiety of the first day of school. Little does School know during the days it is being built of the children and activities that will be housed within its walls. Will it come to appreciate the importance of its world? Erin Bennett provides a steady and friendly voice as... Read More

Narrator Robertson Dean voices all the hurumpfs, disgruntled sighs, and exasperation of Mother Bruce. This decidedly grumpy and single-minded bear is distraught when a meal he’s planning hatches into a gaggle of goslings who instantly imprint on him as their mother. As narrator, Dean is steady and distinct, letting the story itself unfold in the listener’s mind (along with the... Read More

Actor John Lithgow evokes each animal--from the wee, squeaky bee to the formidable fox--that sees the cat. The shifts in point of view are charming. Lively accompanying music helps the listener imagine each creature as it catches a glimpse of the cat--or in the case of the flea, hitches a ride. Both the narration and the music add depth to the inventive illustrations by the... Read More

Nicol Zanzarella's narration is ever steady. She is as gentle of voice as Leo, the not-your-usual ghost, is of personality. Zanzarella's modulation is even, no matter if the occupants of the house shriek wildly about a ghost or if a police officer walks through that ghost or if Leo is chatting with the first person who talks directly to him. When Leo and friend Jane enter their... Read More

Amy Krouse Rosenthal and the young narrators who accompany her give listeners young and old a memorable shape-inspired look at the essence of friendship. The story follows a pattern. Rosenthal cheerily and clearly speaks a line of text; for example: “Friends . . . welcome others to join in.” Then, the various shapes—rectangle, square, triangle, and circle—as portrayed by the... Read More

Narrator Dion Graham depicts the scene as a tea service is being set out. Susan B. Anthony welcomes Frederick Douglass, and together they begin a conversation. Graham sounds conversational himself, gently offering details about these two famous people. Anthony is eager to learn about important subjects as boys do, teaches herself to give speeches, and prefers wearing bloomers... Read More

Narrator Walter Mayes appreciates the unusual life of Duck--who once rode a bike and now drives a tractor, sharing the fun with all the other farm animals. When Duck figures out how to turn "the shiny piece of metal," the tractor picks up passengers and heads to town. Mayes brings everything possible to his narration--speed and shrieks, drawls and sputters, squawks and... Read More

From the opening of this story, author and narrator Ame Dyckman engages young listeners. Her light, friendly voice and deliberately unhurried pace contribute to the listener's anticipation and enjoyment. How in the world can it be a wise decision for a rabbit family to take in a baby wolf? As only she can, Dyckman puts just the right tone into the friction between the adoring... Read More

Narrator Thérèse Plummer’s voice is clear and firm, and she sets a steady but leisurely pace as she shares this short poem with young listeners. Cleverly, the story starts and ends at the 1621 celebration of the first Thanksgiving. Plummer follows the series of cumulative rhymes without falling into singsong. The simple vocal approach helps the youngest listeners focus on the... Read More

With a powerful yet friendly voice, George Newbern exudes respect and pride in detailing the jobs of various trucks in the city. For example, he affects a distraught tone when a snowstorm arrives. But as the garbage truck takes on his secret, helpful mission, Newbern nearly bursts with pride. Given the book's final page--a simple illustration that obviously is not part of the... Read More

Anika Noni Rose gives voice to young Grace Campbell, who, on viewing portraits of the United States' presidents, blurts out with indignation--"Where are the girls?" Without skipping a beat, her teacher explains calmly and invites the class to hold an election for their own president. Grace declares with conviction, "I'd like to be president." Another class submits a candidate,... Read More

Eric Litwin has done it again. From the opening chords of this audiobook, young listeners will be grooving along with author, narrator, and composer Litwin as he tells the story of the new dog on the block, Joe, who is about to dig into his doggy ice cream. But wait! Is that a dinosaur on the scene? How will Joe handle the situation? Listeners will jiggle, bounce, snap their... Read More

In this biography of Helen Keller, narrator Eileen Stevens performs in a dual role. She is both a straightforward, compassionate narrator and then shifts to the point of view of Helen Keller herself, speaking through quotes from Helen's autobiography. Through alternating passages, listeners hear a specific experience and then hear Helen's response to that experience. The... Read More

Backed by a fun musical score, and read by the illustrator and two others, this audiobook explores the concept of perspective: Who's big and who's small? A snappy argument develops regarding size ("You are small. I am not small--you are big!") Eventually small vs. large gather allies, encouraging a crowd of similarly sized others, and the story descends into a chorus of... Read More

Peter Berkrot energetically narrates the story of Carl Sagan’s love affair with the stars and outer space. In 1939, a young Sagan visited the World’s Fair, an event that ignited his sense of wonder about the universe. Berkrot’s enthusiastic tones express Sagan’s boundless curiosity, a force that took him to the library, deep into science fiction, and, ultimately, to his... Read More

Narrators Nicol Zanzarella and Trevor Murphy complement each other and heighten the import of Abraham Lincoln’s life and words. This capsule biography, interlaced with Lincoln’s own words, takes him from Kentucky to Illinois and on to Washington and Gettysburg. Zanzarella tells Lincoln’s life story, and Murphy speaks the Lincoln quotations. Initially, Zanzarella’s storytelling... Read More

Matthew Glick narrates with enthusiasm and a light, humorous touch. His tempo is leisurely, allowing both words and illustrations to tell this read-along story for young listeners. Stick and Stone serendipitously become simply wonderfully friends--until Pinecone comes along and "needles" Stone and the weather takes a turn for the worse. A distraught Stone (voiced by a wailing... Read More

As a number of seeds blow in the autumn wind, one tiny seed floats behind the rest. "Will it be able to keep up with the others? And where are they all going?" Narrator Jennifer Jiles establishes both a tone of wonder and a sense of character. Throughout the book, Eric Carle's collages and story cover a lot of territory--multiple habitats, four seasons, the life cycle of seeds,... Read More

David deVries narrates the fourth Scaredy Squirrel adventure, recounting the schemes of the hero, who would rather stay awake than face nightmares with dragons, ghosts, and polka-dot monsters. DeVries's performance shifts dynamically and seamlessly where needed. In one moment he portrays the squeaky-voiced, overly dramatic squirrel who fears fairies and unicorns. Then, as the... Read More

Tinkling piano music turns to a melodramatic strain on the audio, and white words flash on a black page of the accompanying book like a silent movie on the silver screen. “What luck!” Mo Willems declares with a dastardly laugh as he portrays a pseudo-gentlemanly fox who is luring a wide-eyed hen home for dinner. Cher Willems affects the naïve air of his potential victim.... Read More

Will Damron is an earnest and quiet narrator--which is just right for Hermit Crab as he sets out along the seafloor in a quest for a newer and larger shell and decorations for his new house. Month by month, Hermit Crab encounters wondrous creatures whom he graciously invites to adorn his new shell. Damron never fails to capture Hermit Crab's admiration for the hard work or... Read More

Xe Sands's voice is gentle as she straightforwardly recounts the true story of Ivan, a lowland gorilla who was taken from the Democratic Republic of Congo and put on display in a circus store in Tacoma, Washington, for 27 years. Then he was moved to Zoo Atlanta, a zoological park, for his final 17 years. Never maudlin, Sands sets a brisk pace as she describes Ivan's young life... Read More

Jonathan Banks’s narration radiates pride as he chronicles a fire engine’s day from station to fire emergency and back again. With firm confidence, he catalogs the equipment and tools housed on the truck—chocks, mauls, and Halligan tools included. His pacing is such that young listeners will thoughtfully picture each item. As the fire call comes in, Banks’s voice crescendos and... Read More

This story is told from the viewpoint of poet Robert Frost's 15-year-old daughter. In an extended flashback, young Lesley recounts her family's early years in rural Derry, New Hampshire, where her father found his greatest poetic inspiration. Narrator Ammi-Joan Paquette is suitably youthful sounding as Lesley reminisces about her idyllic childhood, suggested with birdsong and... Read More

Author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka narrates with intimate knowledge of his characters. The best friends--one a yellow seahorse and the other a blobby jellyfish--frolic "up, down, around, and through their grand ocean home" until their fun is disrupted by cantankerous Crabby. With an edge in Krosoczka's voice (and a distinct Boston accent), Crabby's taunts fly, leaving... Read More

Toe-tapping music opens this production, followed by narrator Jesse Bernstein bellowing, "HEAD LICE!" The music and sound effects provide a dramatic backdrop as the young hero explains much about lice--where they come from and how to treat them. Bernstein is animated--his voice anguished at his initial realization of his condition, Dracula-like when he mentions that lice suck... Read More

Mo Willems puts his characteristic droll twist on an old favorite. Here Goldilocks isn't trespassing on the home of bears but on dinosaurs--who may have dining plans of their own. "Poorly supervised" and possibly "succulent" Goldilocks marches cheerfully past warning signs little listeners will enjoy spotting. Though some of Willems's sarcastic humor may zip over the heads of... Read More

Bouncy rhythms set the tone for a lively correspondence between two pen pals—Elliot from America and Kailash from India. As the two boys depict their worlds, music and narration add to the similarities and differences described. Maxwell Glick’s enthusiastic voice and American accent propel listeners as Elliot describes his home and family. Vikas Adam flavors the responses of... Read More

Young Alison Cordaro’s narration is pitch-perfect as she portrays Princess Geraldine, who reigns her kingdom in a take-charge kind of way. Geraldine may prefer pink, but she’s also unafraid to skin her knees or rescue frogs, and she’s quite clear that cultivating one’s “inner sparkle” is what’s most important. Cordaro gives dimension to Geraldine’s imaginative world in a... Read More

Narrator Channie Waites celebrates hope with her narration of this moving story, which introduces listeners to a multigenerational family who participate in the Great Migration of African-Americans. Whether sounding serious, shy, or jubilant, Waites captures the feelings of the extended family in this story as they pack up and move from their beloved pine-scented South to... Read More

Listeners will share poignant moments of life from birth to old age as Alison McGhee narrates her story in a clear voice. It starts with a new mother's adoring looks at her babe and tells the child's whole life story--from bike-riding child to the moment when the mother waves goodbye to a departing young adult who wonders how a home that once loomed so large can now look so... Read More

Setting a deliberate pace with her British accent, Nicola Barber introduces the story of Annabelle, who, one cold afternoon, finds a box filled with yarn. Never-ending yarn, as it turns out, and Annabelle proceeds to yarn-bomb her snowy little town with knitted goods. Barber's understated narration complements the gentle humor of Barnett's story and the charm of Jon Klassen's... Read More

Who IS the cool friend? Father, son, penguin, or tortoise? Toni Buzzeo’s fantasy is brought to life by a dynamic trio of narrators—one as understated storyteller, one as professorial dad, and one as the ever polite and independent Elliot, the son whose mannerisms and looks are much like that of the penguin he acquires on an aquarium outing with his preoccupied father. Just as... Read More

Katherine Kellgren’s narration, along with delightful music, adds considerably to this Caldecott Honor-winning biography of primatologist Jane Goodall. Kellgren’s rhythmic delivery tracks the adventures of young Jane and her stuffed monkey, Jubliee. Kellgren’s reading is bright as Jane scurries into the garden, dragging the chimp behind her. Her tones turn pensive, the music... Read More

Narrator Jorjeana Marie invites listeners into this biography of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S., in 1849. Marie highlights the determination of the young Blackwell, who even slept on a floor “to toughen herself up.” Background music conveys the period, and the soundscape aids in depicting Blackwell’s reality—the laughing of those who... Read More

The story drops listeners in on a conversation between an exclamation point and a question mark. Disheartened Exclamation Mark knows he doesn’t work the way periods do, but what is his role? Leave it to Question Mark with her boatload of questions to present a solution. With a resounding “STOP!”—Exclamation Mark is on his way. Kudos to the narrating trio for their ability to... Read More

How the musical score enhances this audio performance! In Klassen’s Caldecott Medal-winning story, a petite fish confides the origin of the hat on his head (stolen) and takes listeners on on his getaway journey. With each page turn, the suspense heightens. Only one other creature knows the origin of the hat, but the fish is sure he won’t tell. John Keating’s intimate, steadily... Read More

”Quack, quack, quack!” The distressed calls of five ducklings are heartrending to one observer in this true story. Quick thinking on her part and on the part of the gathered crowd, as well as some firefighters, results in averted danger for the duck family on their morning walk. Tavia Gilbert’s fast-paced narration is full of urgency followed by anxiety-inducing pauses. Much... Read More

The narrating duo of Mo Willems and his 11-year-old daughter, Trixie, captivate the listener. Together, they bring humor and pizzazz to prickly Pigeon’s latest insult at the hands of irresistible Duckling. Why does Duckling have a delectable cookie, and Pigeon does not? Is it all about being polite, or is it about manipulation? As Pigeon and Duckling, Mo and Trixie spar with... Read More

Listeners will find themselves thinking about this story long after it’s over. Woodson’s book, a Coretta Scott King Honor winner, features the character Mia, a new student in school who is different and who is excluded because of it—until Miss Albert teaches a lesson about kindness. Narrator Nikki James’s haunting voice, combined with music and illustrations, makes for a... Read More

Narrator James Naughton uses his considerable skills to heighten the suspenseful mood of this story. Carrot-loving Jasper Rabbit nourishes his craving several times each day from the luscious supply in Crackenhopper Field. But the day comes when he starts to hear strange sounds behind him but sees nothing when he whirls around. Could the carrots be after him? There’s always a... Read More

Listening to the six-and-a-half stories about Amanda and her stuffed pet will make young listeners perk up their ears. Alligator is despondent when Amanda is out with her grandfather or at the library, dejected when he learns his true “value,” and incensed when Amanda arrives home with a new stuffed friend. Yet, as only youngsters can, Amanda and her alligator solve their... Read More

Actress Phylicia Rashad beautifully proves the power of the word and the voice in this short biography of Coretta Scott King. Rashad’s clear, smooth voice delivers Shange's text with little embellishment. To praise the minimalism might mislead, as the spareness of text and expression emphasizes the power and poetry of this listening experience. The program shows a mastery of... Read More

Narrator Mike Birbiglia oozes “bearness” as he takes on the persona of a yawning, sleepy-voiced bear who visits several friends in the hope of telling a story. Unfortunately for Bear, winter is approaching, and no one has time to listen. Mouse has seeds to collect, and Duck is headed south, for example. When spring arrives and his awakening friends return, will Bear finally... Read More

Listen in as Bink and Gollie head to the state fair and wow everyone they meet in ways only they can. Can Bink execute at Whack-a-Duck to win the world’s largest doughnut? Will Golly overcome her fears in the talent show? And what might Madame Prunely reveal in the fortune-telling tent? Enthusiasm abounds throughout the narration. Bink’s buoyant personality is mirrored by a... Read More

Wendy Carter’s animated narration of the droll comments of Cloudette and her cloud buddies initially draws young listeners in, along with jaunty music and sound effects. At first, Cloudette delights in her little friends, cute monikers, and small size. But soon she finds herself in a plight that merits careful listening.The big clouds go off to do important cloud things, but... Read More

Do you hear it? “Lemon, lemon LIME, lemon LIMEADE!” Do you believe your ears? On a frigid winter day, young Pauline and brother John-John combat boredom by determinedly pursuing the building of an outdoor lemonade stand. From opening their piggy banks to purchasing supplies, discussing sales strategies, and on to debriefing, young listeners get both an engaging story and a math... Read More

The I WANT MY HAT BACK read-along and CD is a satisfying experience worthy of repeated listening. One determined bear travels through his neighborhood querying friends as to the whereabouts of his lost red hat. The original and genuine response of each creature is a credit to the multiple narrators. Tone, speed, and inflection are used to provide distinctive personalities for... Read More

The Emberley father-and-daughter duo brings a new twist to this well-known Aesop fable. On a hot day, while staggering under a sticky load from a backyard picnic, an ant hears a magical sound—music. Befriending a grasshopper and his buggy band has a magical way of making his work less burdensome. Chris Thomas King's narration is as fresh as the story. His ant voice is as heavy... Read More

In this alphabet book the characters are peas—yes, vegetables—who work at various occupations. For youngsters (and oldsters as well), the experience of poring over Baker’s illustrations becomes even richer by listening to this recording, which is enhanced by Crystal Taliefero's toe-tapping delivery and song. Each alphabet letter is presented in a call-and-response format and... Read More

The excitement of planting springtime seeds and waiting to see them sprout is delightfully captured in this Caldecott winner. Ron McLarty gently narrates, letting the experience of spring absorb the listener. He accentuates key words and dejectedly voices the refrain of "one more week." He also provides just the right amount of time for examining the details of the... Read More

When author/illustrator John Rocco interviewed people who had experienced the 2003 blackout in the Northeast, he noted a special look in their eyes and heard vivid memories. That was his inspiration for this Caldecott Honor Book. Why stay in a stuffy apartment when you could be on the roof with a star-filled sky or on the street in the midst of an instant party? Stanley Tucci's... Read More

It’s all well and good to help one's parent in the family garden but so much more exciting to imagine one's own garden. The youthful heroine in MY GARDEN does just that. And, who knows, a planted jelly bean MIGHT yield a jelly bean bush or a planted seashell a row of seashells. Cassandra Morris's youthful voice complements the story. Young listeners will be enticed to follow... Read More

An unobtrusive narrator, Forest Whitaker has a firm and evenly modulated voice that underscores the Nelson Mandela’s determination throughout his life—from his days as a student to his twenty-seven year imprisonment and then his presidency of South Africa. The only one chosen to attend school at an early age, Mandela moved to Johannesburg for his education and witnessed South... Read More

In a soft and sure voice, author Jacqueline Woodson reads her own work beautifully. Her history of her mother’s side of her family introduces the idea of the “Show Way”—a concept that has multiple incarnations of meaning in the story, starting with a quilted map used by slaves seeking freedom. Even without illustrations, the images evoked are vivid and beautiful. Woodson’s... Read More

Scaredy is anything but an ordinary squirrel. No matter how detailed his precautionary plans are for everything he sets out to do, something always seems to go awry—and finding a friend is no exception. David de Vries’s playful voice is in keeping with this eccentric character. He squeaks and shrieks, speeds and slows as Scaredy shares his fears, prepares his Make-a-Friend kit,... Read More

Author Rinker (and illustrator Lichtenheld) poetically imagines a bustling construction site at the end of the workday. Narrator Dion Graham personifies a toddler’s favorite trucks as each one finishes its job and readies for bed. Graham’s voice is full of bravado as the dump truck hauls loads BIG (loud voice) and small (tiny voice) and finishes with an exhausted plea for rest.... Read More

When a zippy red race car challenges a Sacramento-based blue freight engine to a race, an adventure-packed escapade begins. Over mountains, through the snow, and across bridges, the two speed—all the way to Chicago. Stanley Tucci’s narration is merry and whimsical. His voice is full of bravado. As the freight engine, he delights in call and response with his various train cars,... Read More

Young Marisol is perplexed. She’s planning to paint the sky for a school mural, but she sees no blue in the box of paints. What to do? On the way home from school and into the evening and night she watches the sky, pondering the problem, and then crafts her own unique solution. Sisi Aisha Johnson’s voice is gentle and light; it rises, falls, and trails off as Marisol is lost in... Read More

That incorrigible cat Splat is back, and he’s concerned about whether his behavior has been good enough to warrant a present from Santa. In a last-minute December 24th flurry, Splat sets out to do all the helpful tasks he can manage to assist his mother in holiday preparation and to anticipate, all through the night, Santa’s arrival. John Keating narrates enthusiastically as an... Read More

MacLeod Andrews’s energetic performance, enhanced by musical accompaniment, adds real zip to this story about the friendship between a fly and a boy named Buzz. Andrews’s modulations and pacing are well coordinated with the music to create a sense of motion. Diverse and animated voices created by Andrews bring out Buzz’s excitement when he first hears the fly say, “Buzz.” He... Read More

The father-and-daughter Emberley duo brings the well-loved story of the Little Red Hen to life once again. Such an eye-popping rendition of this familiar baking tale needs an accompanying ear-popping audio. Walter Mayes is just the narrator for the job. He enthusiastically slides up and down his register, giving voice to a hopeful and boisterous Little Red Hen and a... Read More

So simple, yet so profound and timely. Young Clover recounts her experiences with another girl, Annie Paul—splashing in puddles, sharing their names, comparing what their mothers say, and jumping rope—all centered on their time sitting and playing around a split rail fence. Toshi Widoff-Woodson is the perfect narrator. She has a light and airy voice yet punches out “no’s” with... Read More

It’s a known fact that dinosaurs are extinct. But Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie isn’t convinced. What abut Edwina, who lives in the neighborhood and bakes chocolate chip cookies? Cher Willems’s narration is packed with delight. She delivers punch to the characters’ names and understatement to the story’s absurdities, especially that of a dinosaur who loves to play with kids.... Read More

Friendship is a warm but, at times, prickly thing for neighbors Bink and Gollie. One loves brightly colored socks and speed (roller skating is her specialty); one loves exploring (spin the globe and point to an imaginary expedition destination) and pancake making. How they work out their friendship is one of the endearing aspects of their story, and “compromise” one of the key... Read More

Beloved Knuffle Bunny is back in a third book and setting off with Trixie and her family to visit Oma and Opa in Holland. Little do Trixie and Knuffle Bunny know that KB’s trip will be more extensive and long lasting than anyone ever imagined. What could be better than an audio narrated by the Willems family? Mom, Dad, and Trixie take on the task. With relaxed pacing and... Read More

On the day Amos McGee’s routine is disturbed, he’s not the only one put out by his absence from the zoo. The animals for whom he’s the kindest of caretakers are distraught and take matters into their own paws. David de Vries’s warm and rich voice is just right for McGee. Before McGee’s sick day, De Vries’s delivery mirrors his pace as he prepares for his workday and tends to... Read More

Spencer has too many toys! So opens David Shannon’s picture book. They’re in his room, the backyard, and the bathtub. They’re wooden, quiet toys; puzzles and games; noisy electronic toys; books to fuel his mind; and musical instruments. They come from everyone on every holiday and birthday, and they’re becoming a “household hazard.” Jerry Trainor dramatically moves from calm... Read More

Peter Brown turns the tables as he explores the possibility of a wild animal choosing a human for a pet. Lucille Beatrice Bear brings home Squeaker, a boisterous, seemingly unattached boy. Is it any surprise that all the same parental reasons for opposing the proposition of a pet apply in this situation as well? Emily Eiden alternates smoothly between the even-voiced narrator... Read More

Stories abound in which an unsuspecting animal is duped by the full moon. Kevin Henkes’s Caldecott Medal-winning kitten is no exception. Whether in the sky or reflected in the pond, the moon looks so full and close and so like a “little bowl of milk”! How many ways can a little kitten try to have a lick? Joan Allen has a gentle, light voice that is full of compassion for a... Read More

What’s a well-dressed pumpkin head to do after spooking along a path in a dark forest? In Williams’s well-loved cumulative story, one plucky lady who has tarried past sunset while on a walk is followed home by an odd collection of clothing items. Is she afraid? Maybe. Does she have a plan? Of course! Barbara Rosenblat’s narration is rich and animated. For each clothing... Read More

When three traveling monks pondering the question of happiness enter a village, only one curious girl comes out of her home to interact with them. Eventually, curiosity about how to make soup from three stones brings more delectable items to the pot and harmony to the village. Narrator BD Wong is as mellow and rich as the soup! His resonant voice gives gentle authority to each... Read More

With fanfare, high melodrama, and enthusiasm, narrator James Naughton brings Scieszka’s zany robot, Zot, to Earth and to an exuberant exploration of this planet. Zot lands in a kitchen, where he explores cabinets, countertops, and appliances; falls in love; and faces an enormous challenge. As Zot, Naughton overflows with bold and boisterous confidence As narrator, Naughton is... Read More

Stop, look, and marvel at the world around you! This is author Scanlon’s invitation and illustrator Frazee’s gift to listeners. The book celebrates simple things—a stone, a shell, a hive, the sun—and uses them to inspire an awareness of the world and the peace, trust, and love that envelop us all. Joanne Woodward narrates gently, allowing listeners to pore over Marla Frazee’s... Read More

Mo Willems's willful pigeon is back, and this time listeners are asked to make sure he doesn’t stay up late. A litany of pigeonly protestations will sound familiar to those with their own sleep-resisting offspring: "I’m not tired”; “I wasn’t yawning, I was just stretching”; “we never get to talk anymore”; “tell me about your day . . .” This timeless subject will amuse... Read More

Naked mole rats are pretty funny to begin with, and they're even funnier as illustrated by Mo Willems, with their bubblegum-pink complexions, outsize heads, and big buckteeth. Author Willems is the reasonable voice of Wilbur while his daughter, Trixie, narrates the bulk of the book in a childlike but professional voice. The other naked mole rats are annoyed that Wilbur prefers... Read More

With her father, newly returned from the war, Lizzie heads off on her first hunting trip. Lois Lowry shares a personal memory that has universal appeal. The gentle plot revolves around the moments in which Lizzie and her dad get to know each other again as well as Lizzie’s quest to carry out the crow call. Julia Fein’s voice is gentle and pure—perfect for a girl on a special... Read More

Katie the dog just can’t get things right. She LOVES the new kittens that have arrived in the house, but her enthusiasm is too much. The kittens are frightened by Katie’s loud voice and boisterous behavior. When she sulks away to her bed for a whole day, narrator Elizabeth Himmelman mews and howls with gusto. She is imperious as Sara Ann disciplines her dog. Himmelman’s pacing... Read More

The spooky spirit of the Halloween season is evoked in a colorfully illustrated book and a fun audio rendition by Maria Conchita Alonso. Imaginations will be fired up by an evocative narration of the story, which is complemented by the images. Background sounds include yowling cats and groaning monsters, and a haunting array of Spanish words fills the story as well. Listeners... Read More

Theodore Roosevelt may have confronted many obstacles as Rough Rider, governor, and president, but he faced an even greater challenge in his daughter Alice, who “ate up the world.” When sent to Miss Spence’s Boarding School to be a proper young lady, Alice finagled a real education in her father’s library and at his table. As her father’s goodwill ambassador, she was embraced... Read More

This production is a complete package; voice, illustrations, and music complement each other and provide an upbeat, memorable listening experience. As Ed Emberly mentions in the concluding interview, he and daughter Rebecca are “addicted to fun” and are rewarded when they “pass the fun on.” The fun begins with the illustrations of Chicken Little and his ditzy companions—all... Read More

Tim Curry beautifully narrates a story that encourages each youngster to find his or her own path. Curry enhances the quiet but powerful message with his soothing and melodic narration, effectively altering his pace and cadence to heighten the story’s mood. His vocal characterizations bring the listener deeper into the tale, as when the cat’s slightly condescending and... Read More

Walter Harrison superbly narrates Henson’s wonderful story of the Pack Horse Librarians, who brought books to those living in Appalachian Kentucky during the Great Depression. Harrison reads with a subtle dialect that helps listeners understand the story’s time and place. Harrison embodies the young boy Cal, a reluctant reader whose life is transformed by the bravery of “that... Read More

Spoon—who is an actual spoon—is worried that the other utensils—Fork, Knife, and Chopsticks—lead much more exciting lives than he does. While author Amy Krouse Rosenthal reads with a measured pace and convincing kid voices, her narration doesn't quite match the cheeky cleverness of her text and Scott Magoon's illustrations. (Spoon sleeps on sugar packet pillows in a compartment... Read More

Mo Willems appears once again as an over-the-top pigeon. This time he’s apoplectic with glee over discovering AN ENTIRE HOT DOG! Just as he’s about to dig in, he’s interrupted by a duckling, played expertly by Willems’s daughter, Trixie. The duckling innocently asks what a hot dog tastes like. The resulting exchange between the dramatic pigeon and the cucumber-cool duckling is... Read More

A thirst for knowledge, a passion for creativity, and a desire to share with the world are the hallmarks of Waterhouse Hawkins, a nineteenth-century British natural history artist who specialized in dinosaurs. From his earliest models of dinosaurs, derived from the latest scientific discoveries of the time, to his later years of painting and making “iguanodons,” Waterhouse... Read More

Caminando por el campo en un día soleado, Lalo pregunta a todos los amigos si sus madres también son llamas. Lo que sigue es una aventura de aprendizaje en que los niños pequeños participarán y disfrutarán. En la gran tradición de los buenos libros infantiles, este audiolibro utiliza la repetición, la rima y los acertijos para captar la atención de los niños y enrollarles... Read More

This newest entry in Thaler's "Black Lagoon" series is entertaining, even with its now-familiar formula: A child's fear is made worse as he imagines a truly awful worst-case scenario. This time, rumor has it that the new gym teacher's nickname is Coach Kong and that he makes you run laps around the world, do fitness tests that include picking up a truck (if you don't pass,... Read More

Down on the farm, Duck's got a crazy idea—he's going to ride a bike! Walter Mayes's energetic narration of Duck's adventure captures his freewheeling exuberance, along with the other barnyard animals' reactions to Duck's ride. Offering a variety of voices, from the sheep (who sports a New England accent) to the cat (sarcastic and haughty), Mayes captures what each animal says... Read More

Fletcher is distraught as the season changes from summer to fall. There’s a tree in his life that he thinks of as “his tree,” and its leaves are turning brown. What can he do to make his tree feel better? How can the tree return to its leafy state? As Katherine Kellgren narrates, her voice projects caring and compassion for both Fletcher as he tries to comfort the leafless tree... Read More

Jane Yolen's dinosaurs are back! This time they head off to school, where they just might be outrageous—pestering friends, stealing the show-and-tell demonstrations, interrupting lessons, and wiggling precariously on chairs. The author herself narrates, reading her signature questions with clear enunciation and a leisurely pace that allow young listeners to pore over Mark... Read More

This is an outstanding example of an audio performance that far exceeds the reading of the print book by itself. As fans of author/illustrator Laurie Keller know, her pages explode well beyond the text—asides abound, as well as subplots and humorous wordplay—all in small illustrations that encircle the main ones. Her books beg to be acted out with the richness of multiple... Read More

The Willems family is back to narrate the second of Knuffle Bunny's adventures. Their animation and excitement provided an intimate look into a family memory the first time around, and with KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO the magic is back. The Willemses take turns as narrator, actor, and sound effects creator as Knuffle Bunny (pronounce the “k”) has both his first trip to pre-kindergarten... Read More

This story of Abraham Lincoln's friendship with Frederick Douglass will make budding historians want to learn more. Poet Nikki Giovanni's prose is lyrical and lilting at times and more straightforward at others. Danny Glover's voice is deep and friendly, and his narration is backed up by subtle sound effects—murmuring crowds, shushing waves. The music is particularly stunning,... Read More

"The Math Curse" is a curse every child can identify with—one through which life becomes one big math problem—getting dressed, going to school, eating lunch—you name it. Nancy Wu creates an appealing and inquisitive portrayal of the unnamed female protagonist and voices other characters skillfully as well. Wu's narration also complements the humor in the writing, further... Read More

Elle Fanning's quiet voice and relaxed pace set the perfect tone for poring over Laura Vaccaro Seeger's story of transformations. Amid gentle music and subtle sound effects, the egg becomes a chicken; the tadpole grows into a ribbeting frog. As the pattern is established, Fanning adds a questioning rise to her narration—seed? caterpillar? paint?—inviting the listener to... Read More

"This is going to be a day I will never forget!" exclaims Stanley Birdbaum as his mother helps him prepare for Crazy Hair Day. With Halloween hair spray and styling gel how can he go wrong? Arriving in the classroom, Stanley is greeted by his classmates' laughter. But why? Dejected and alone in the boys bathroom, Stanley is befriended by Larry Finchfeather, the class... Read More

This whimsical picture book charges young listeners with carrying out the title task, despite being confronted by a pigeon who will do anything to get the wheel of the bus in his wingtips. Author-illustrator Mo Willems’s narration makes one imagine a very fun publicity tour. As narrator, Willems offers listeners a pigeon who's urbane and gritty, blue-collared and husky voiced.... Read More

Todo que se puede esperar de un audiolibro para niños se encuentra en este libro! Hay una historia encantadora, una banda sonora musical y efectos de sonido que reflejan la acción del cuento y una narración en turnos por Jorge Pupo e Ivette Gonsales que enrolla directamente a los lectores. Este audiocuento lee como una memoria muy recontada y querida. La pequeña Trixie termina... Read More

When a picture book wins a Caldecott Honor Medal, it takes a skilled narrator to capture the story’s words AND its illustrations. Jerry Dixon’s gentle, intimate presentation welcomes the listener to Henry "Box" Brown's life. One can only be impressed by Henry’s character as he experiences the gruesome existence of a slave during the mid-1800s. Nothing can ameliorate his pain as... Read More

How important is the narrator's pacing in this Caldecott Medal-winning recording! BD Wong provides time to pore over Allen Say's breathtaking illustrations and to reflect on his poignant thoughts. Wong's gentle voice settles into the background, letting the family portraits and landscapes speak to the push and pull of life in Japan and America and to the similarities between... Read More

In a pleasantly inviting voice, narrator James Naughton engages children with a series of questions and answers about the amazing things animals can do with various parts of their bodies. Turning the pages of this attractive picture book (which has beautiful, realistic paper cuts by illustrator Jenkins), children will learn about a variety of noses, ears, tails, eyes, feet, and... Read More

Chato es un gato chulísimo que invita a sus vecinos, una familia de ratoncitos, a su casa para cenar. Los ratoncitos ingenuos preparan su comida preferida, unas quesadillas, para traer a la casa de Chato sin saber que ellos son el plato principal de la cena! Este audiolibro en español, presentado en un juego bonito de libro y CD y producido por Weston Woods Studios es bien... Read More

An organ-grinder and his monkey play music outside little Frances's window just before Christmas. Frances stays up one night and discovers that the two sleep on the street. Jane Curtin's insightful narration of this gentle, poignant tale is expressive yet elegant. Her assured voice— sometimes amused, sometimes compassionate— illuminates the story's fullest meaning. Whether... Read More

Leo es un tigre joven que no sabe hacer nada bien. El pobre está triste y quiere crecer ya, pero sus padres le aconsejan que deba tener paciencia. Este cuento de niños es tan lindo en el español que en el inglés. El libro mismo contiene unas ilustraciones de José Aruego las cuales son brillantes, llenos de colores vivos y dibujos agradables. La lectura de Blanca Camacho es... Read More

A little boy who loves to draw, Art, shares his art. Author/illustrator McDonnell creates a short story that takes flight with the innovations of Bobby McFerrin's narration. Listeners don't get just one narration—there are three—and, true to McFerrin's celebrated style, each has different trills, vocal jazz, and improv. Two versions follow the usual read-along pattern—one with... Read More

Vashti no sabe qué dibujar en su clase de arte. Da un golpe de frustración con su lápiz en el papel, y el punto dibujado inicia un viaje personal de descubrimiento artístico. Este cuento notable es un ganador de varios premios que ha sido presentado como un audiolibro en español por Weston Woods Studios de una manera magistral. El paquete que incluye el disco compacto y el... Read More

Si no recuerdan este clásico de su niñez, vale la pena conocerlo con sus hijos. HARRY, EL PERRITO SUCIO sigue siendo un libro memorable y agradable. Este conjunto de libro y CD, producido por Weston Woods Studios, deleita los lectores/oyentes no sólo con los dibujos encantadores de Margaret Bloy Graham y el texto escrito por Gene Zion, sino también de la lectura de Jorge Pupo... Read More

The narrator of one of Lane Smith's picture books has a vital role in the book's success as an audiobook. Enunciation of the text requires precision, and well-placed pauses allow the listener to pore over the detailed illustrations. This production presents a child-friendly explanation of the presidential office. Anna Chiodo takes Smith's humor to heart and exaggerates his... Read More

Farris shares intimate details of her brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and narrator Lynn Whitfield brings an immediate connection to the memoir. Her gentle voice speaks directly and firmly as she deepens our understanding of the person behind the name and the headlines. Her emotion is palpable as she describes the moment King looked out from his hotel room at the... Read More

El mayor deseo de la niña Alicia es viajar por todo el mundo y volver a vivir a orillas del mar como su abuelo. Pero, el abuelo le dice que también debe ayudar a embellecer el mundo. Siendo mujercita, Alicia se propone a cumplir con las tres cosas que le prometió a su abuelo. Ahora la llaman, “señorita Runfio.” Así empieza este cuento que seguramente será una experiencia... Read More

A Ramón le encanta dibujar y lo hace a cualquier hora y en cualquier lugar. Un día su hermano León se burla de una de sus creaciones y Ramón empieza a obsesionarse con dibujar todo de una manera exacta. Como se puede imaginar, Ramón rápidamente se encuentra frustrado con la búsqueda de la perfección. Así empieza el cuento de este audiolibro llamado CASI. El cuento es apropiado... Read More

With a digger in back and a bucket up front, there’s not a task this backhoe doesn't find "as easy as (mud) pie." Following a celebrated line of McMullan hard-working vehicles (a tugboat and a garbage truck), this dude is ready for duty—whether scooping up, dumping in, pulling out, or cleaning up. Steve Buscemi narrates with gusto, delighting in the escapades of this vehicle.... Read More

Hennessy retells this classic tale of the shepherd boy who finds his sheep-watching responsibility too tedious. In this modern version the boy despairs over "boring" days—without excitement and without friends. Young listeners will simply enjoy the story. Older ones who are familiar with the original will wonder what the outcome will be as the shepherd boy masterminds a new... Read More

Simple and friendly descriptions of common bugs are paired with a print book that provides additional facts and drawings that show actual sizes. The text is set to a jaunty tune with vocals that capture the energy of the book’s vibrant, multitextured collage illustrations. The “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!” song is catchy and well enunciated, making it easy for listeners to sing along.... Read More

Abigail Breslin (of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE fame) reads this enjoyable follow-up to the bestselling diaries of a worm and a spider, who make appearances in this book as well. Breslin's expressive, youthful voice is perfectly suited to that of “fly girl,” and she handles the gently humorous yet informative story line well. We learn a fly's average flight speed (4.5 mph) and how... Read More

Author Laurie Keller thought for a long time about writing a book on the topic of treating each other with kindness. The result is a production that celebrates the Golden Rule as it features playful otters, their rabbit neighbors, and Keller's enlightening, humorous asides. Jack Sundrud opens the recording with his catchy “Doo-Dee-Doo Song” and moves into the action of the... Read More

Three young rabbits, who are each having a bad day, take a trip to the Bunny Planet, where Queen Janet, listens to them and helps them see a better day—"the day that should have been." Maggie Gyllenhaal reads this book beautifully. Her soothing, nurturing voice mirrors the reassuring text, and her intonation helps the listener feel the characters' emotions. The reading is crisp... Read More

Convincing one's audience that the well-loved version of a folktale is not to be believed is no easy task. Scieszka re-plots THE THREE LITTLE PIGS with gusto, and Paul Giamatti brings the definitive narration to persuade even the most doubting listener of its veracity. Giamatti's quiet, authoritative voice makes one immediately intimate with Mr. Wolf and eager to hear his... Read More

What a wonderful collaboration for the senses! Kadir Nelson combines colors—rich and vibrant or soft and warm—and striking images for a book that celebrates community at all levels. Add to that Crystal Taliefero's sympathetic arrangements and singing, and this is truly a work—or several works—of art. Taliefero's voice weaves and climbs, changing rhythm to match each verse and... Read More

This work by the award-winning Cronin begs for music and gets it—and more. Music, voice, and soundscape blend into a magnificent story symphony. Randy Travis narrates with a drawl that fits the wacky farm where the animals are musical. Sheep baa “Home on the Range‚” cows moo “Twinkle, Twinkle,” and Duck, always the star of the barn, does a rendition of “Born to be Wild” that... Read More

This handsomely illustrated account of Rosa Parks’s refusal to give up her seat chronicles Parks’s journey from unassuming bus rider to Civil Rights leader. In Giovanni’s account, Rosa has had a “good day,” and her choice to stay seated is prompted by courage rather than exhaustion. Giovanni’s calm, strong narration lends dignity (and occasionally quiet outrage) to Parks’s... Read More

There are few things more pleasurable for children than listening to a story and having the opportunity to pore over intriguing illustrations. T.R. Knight provides just that. As Max regards his brothers' collections of stamps and coins, he is perplexed about what he himself might collect. Then he’s inspired, and he’s off collecting words—cut-out printed words, words with... Read More

What a timely listening experience! Senator Kennedy provides a child-friendly look at Washington and the workings of our government—from area landmarks to a glimpse into a senator's day to the mechanics of passing an education bill—all seen through the eyes of Senator Kennedy's Portuguese water dog, Splash. The tagteam narration with Senator Kennedy as himself and David de... Read More

This read-aloud Halloween picture book offers appealing illustrations by Harry Bliss, fun facts about witches (did you know that most are afraid of humans?), and a fun encounter between a little witch and a little human that tests the courage of both. The youthful Elle Fanning (sister of actress Dakota) does a truly fine job narrating this small story. She doesn't rush, is... Read More

Wallace's life as an uptight urban mouse is ruled by the lists he makes for everything. He can't even greet his carefree new neighbor, Albert, until "Say hello" is on the list. Zach Braff brings life to these two opposite characters as they slowly form a friendship more important to Wallace than the safety provided by his lists. The story is enhanced throughout by sound effects... Read More

That a document as important and storied as the Declaration of Independence could be so erratically cared for is most remarkable. From its unanimous ratification in 1776 to the present day, the Declaration of Independence has had many guardians, many adventures, and many locales. Imagine a wagon ride from Philadelphia to Baltimore, secret trips to New Jersey and on to the new... Read More

This tale of prehistoric table manners is enhanced by the author's narration. Jane Yolen, a poet who enjoys language, lingers just the right amount over the rhymes and rhythms that make her words so pleasing to young listeners' ear. "Does he fuss, does he fidget or squirm in his chair? Does he flip his spaghetti high into the air?" She paces the questions so that youngsters can... Read More

This handsomely illustrated tongue-in-cheek biography will make listeners laugh. The book presents a unique version of the five Founding Fathers' youthful personalities. (Tom Jefferson isn’t mentioned in the title because he's so independent he's hardly ever around.) The story explains how their natures prepared them for their roles in history. James Earl Jones's deep voice... Read More

Leonardo is terrible at being a monster—he’s not scary at all. So he decides to be something else instead. This book, by the author/illustrator of DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, is also narrated by him. Willems pulls out all the stops to entertain young listeners. His characterizations range from that of the grand ringmaster, who presents the different monsters, to failed... Read More

Another installment in the popular Teacher from the Black Lagoon series elaborates on the rumors about the strict school librarian. Mrs. Beamster is called “The Laminator." You get laminated for talking in the library. You're not allowed to breathe in there, and the books are bolted onto the shelves to keep them in order and . . . you get the idea. Alexander Gould is once again... Read More

What is the “something” by the pond? With hesitation and trepidation, six mice individually approach the creature and report findings back to the group over the course of a week. Yes, it is “sturdy,” “supple,” “wide,” “sharp,” “breezy,” and “stringy,” depending on which way one approaches it. But what creature possesses all these attributes? It takes the wise seventh mouse to... Read More

What strikes fear into a spider's heart? Who is a spider's best friend? What does a spider do all day? After a peek into Spider's diary, the sometimes maligned creature will be better appreciated. Listeners will join Spider for Grandparents’ Day and Safety Day at school, be part of a run-in with Daddy Longlegs, and be a "fly on the wall" for other after-school antics. Angus T.... Read More

Ravenous is the word to describe Bear as he awakes from his winter hibernation. Neither the strawberries nor the clover can satiate his appetite. By the time Bear arrives back at his den for a wake-up surprise party, he has a bit of difficulty attending the event. (Think of Pooh at Rabbit’s house.) Karma Wilson brings personality to her characters in just the way she conceived... Read More

Travel back sixty-five million years to hear about dinosaurs and dinosaur bones. Bob Barner packs much dinosaur food for thought into his book. Not only can one simultaneously listen to and read the text, but one can also enjoy the bold illustrations and accompanying factual information. Barner's rhymes will appeal to young audiences, especially as read by Jerry Dixon. This... Read More

What can be measured in inches? A robin’s tail? A flamingo’s neck? A toucan’s beak? A nightingale’s song? The endearing inchworm of Lionni’s classic scrunches himself up and down just fine as he measures the body parts of his acquaintances—until he encounters a bird more interested in a meal than a numerical reading. A fun example of quick thinking will delight young audiences.... Read More

As she walks down the sidewalk with her dad past the park and school and into the Laundromat where they load the family's dirty clothes into the machine, Trixie doesn't miss a thing. Her father does, and therein comes the fun. Audio doesn’t get more authentic than having the real-life characters themselves narrate their own story. Just as her character does in the book, toddler... Read More

"I can do that!" exclaims Esther Morris many times throughout her life, beginning with daily chores at home and ultimately challenging the men-only political world of the United States in the 1800s. Ironically, it is her own sons who remind her of her capability when it comes to filling a judgeship and, simultaneously, being Wyoming’s first woman to hold public office. Esther... Read More

This laugh-out-loud production is great nonfiction for young listeners and a clever way to teach kids about their teeth--and how to take care of them--with plenty of silliness. OPEN WIDE is the kind of picture book that’s perfect for a full cast of readers because they can bring to life all of the hilarious asides in Laurie Keller’s fabulous illustrations. So we get Michael... Read More

Diana Canova brings alive Rosemary Wells’s popular counting book, pulling out all the stops. She sings, does a great imitation of teenaged big sister Eloise’s superior voice, and puts a lot of energy and imagination into the miscellaneous characters we meet along the way, from teacher Miss Cribbage and neighbor Mr. Huffington to relatives and friends alike. Some may wish that... Read More

This amiable wisp of a tale offers quiet contrasts between the action-packed day of Hondo the dog (who goes out for adventures in the car and on the beach) and that of Fabian the cat (who stays home and plays with the baby). Reader Jeff Brooks makes the most of this minimalist narrative. He reads with enthusiasm and differentiates the personalities of the two animals, but... Read More

Popular children’s illustrator Marshall gently brings this old favorite to life once more with his simple pictures. Given their cartoon style and humor, there’s never any doubt about this story’s happy ending, even when Cinderella is forced to labor by her mean-spirited stepsisters. Stephanie J. Block narrates the tale in a gentle, steady voice that easily creates a variety of... Read More

Young's Caldecott winner is set in China. When a wolf gains admittance to the home while Mother is away, two youngsters with a clever older sister mastermind the wolf's downfall and deliver almost more suspense than the listener can bear. BD Wong's narration brings richness to the tale. As the wolf, his low and wispy voice, which may be due to a cold, oozes frigidity. Wong is... Read More

How will two family pets adjust when "that new animal" is welcomed into the household? More poignantly, how might those two dogs tell the story themselves? Emily Jenkins chronicles a baby's settling into the family--from its initial arrival to the protective moments during grandfather's visit to that eventual time when the new animal smells more familiar than strange. Jenkins... Read More

This lively book brings history to children by shedding light on one of our nation’s Founding Fathers, who turns out to be quite a character. Listeners will enjoy learning about the slightly narcissistic Hancock, who wants everybody to like and admire him. Fritz has done a great job capturing Hancock’s humanity, and narrator Jeff Brooks does everything to get this quirky... Read More

If ever there were an author whose work begs to be fully voiced, it is Laurie Keller’s. There is no better way to follow the story line and the myriad of related scenes that adorn each page than by hearing differentiated voices. Michael McKean is superb at giving voice to Arnie and to each supporting character. His presentation gives the story its due while underscoring the... Read More

Given the happy beat and welcome return of this tree-climbing crew, it won’t be long before the entire listening cohort is chanting along to this recording. This time it is the numbers--all the way to 99--who head up the apple tree as their endearing attributes are described. They survive the predictable tumble and climb boldly back. Crystal Taliefero cheerfully sets the pace... Read More

"It hasn't always been this way/ Ellington was not a street." To the backdrop of Ellington's "Mood Indigo," with all the static of a record on a record player, the listener is treated to the poetry of visitors through the author's house. Rashad's voice is gentle, yet firm. Her drawn-out pauses heighten the mysteriousness and import of each guest. Now, open the book and listen... Read More

In a delightful and needed story for young children, Yolen's newest dinosaur book combines children's fascination with dinosaurs with the discomfort, even fear, that often comes with being sick, going to the doctor, and taking medicine. As narrator, she adds the perfect voice--soothing and calm tones, with just the right inflection in the questions and a touch of humor. In... Read More

The image of a bear hibernating through a long and snowy winter is a cozy one. The arrival of non-hibernating animals seeking refuge is highly plausible, as is the depth of the bear's sleep. Let the fun begin! A few tasty treats shared among a few friends make for merry festivities. The author allows young listeners to appreciate the rhyme and beat of the story, to soak in the... Read More

McCloskey's timeless story of the seasons on Maine islands evokes and awakens each of the senses. From the early rain and yellow fog of spring through the sparkling blues and racing schooners of summer to the darkening, tingling suspense of a hurricane’s fury--listeners experience the times of wonder. James Naughton personalizes the moments with a subtle emphasis on the "you"... Read More

"When I grow up, I’m going to turn into something else." The caterpillar eagerly spreads her secret around the pond. Could the polliwog also do this? The fish, wise from school, report that it is so--polliwog will change also. Days later, when the butterfly emerges, another change has taken place, as well. Halley Feiffer brings crisp narration to this well-loved story. Through... Read More

Who could make such delicate and exquisite shoes? Who is responsible for bringing the shoemaker and his wife from rags to riches? Listening to the Grimm Brothers’ favorite tale, one’s delight in discovering the little elves and imagining their nighttime cobbling never grows old. The dignified voice of Patrick Stewart befits a timeless story. In harmony with the jaunty musical... Read More

“Think like a detective!” So suggests the heroine’s mother at the loss of a prized stuffed animal. Neither her father nor her sister has the patience for the search. As the frustration point nears, something has to be done, and Jules Feiffer comes through with signature originality. Given the humor and exaggeration in Feiffer’s illustrations, this book demands a narrator who... Read More

For years the little red lighthouse has been mistress of the waters at the mouth of the Hudson River. Vessels of all sizes, from small canoes to large ships, have had kind words as they passed. The keeper has tended the light with great care. But when the bustle of bridge construction gives the lighthouse consternation, she loses her belief in her importance. Then one dark and... Read More

Petunia does not appreciate the moniker “Silly Goose.” And she knows that Mr. Pumpkin has said, “He who owns books and loves them is wise.” So when Petunia finds a book in the meadow, she knows it’s for her. But does just carrying a book make Petunia wise? As she shares her opinions around the barnyard, the other animals come to question Petunia’s wisdom. Diana Canova narrates... Read More

Katie Casey walks, talks, and dreams baseball in a time when girls don’t play baseball. But when the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is formed, Katie gets her chance at bat. Inspired by the same real-life events that informed the movie A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, Shana Corey’s (YOU FORGOT YOUR SKIRT, AMELIA BLOOMER) celebration of pioneering women is a girl-power... Read More

When Duck gets fed up with his chores on the farm (he takes out the trash, mows the lawn, and grinds coffee beans), he decides he can run the place better than Farmer Brown and devises a farm election. His landslide win is quickly followed by the realization that running a farm is hard work--so Duck runs for governor and then president. Doreen Cronin (CLICK, CLACK, MOO) devises... Read More

Have you ever wondered what a dog might think about the sweater or coat that an owner puts on a pet? Let Harry (of HARRY THE DIRTY DOG fame) tell you. When Grandma sends Harry a birthday sweater knitted with roses, Harry is not pleased. Could he possibly lose the sweater and still be in Grandma’s good graces when she comes for a visit? Bruce Johnson paces the story to pack its... Read More

Imagine the sounds of a kindergarten classroom! This audiobook is replete with chattering children, a warm but stern teacher, music behind the narration, and page-turning sound effects. So it’s pretty close to the real thing, an energetic tumble of happy confusion and learning. Narrator David de Vries sounds genuine as Jim, who is looking for a friend on the first day of... Read More

The feeling of inadequacy one feels when asked to perform a seemingly impossible task resonates with all of us. For young Vashti, it happens when the art teacher asks her to complete a difficult assignment. Happily, her teacher provides just the right support to bolster new confidence. As one painting leads to another, the creative spirit triumphs. Reynolds’s spare... Read More

It’s a fine night for the garbage truck. It makes its rounds, collecting curbside trash throughout the city and delivering it to the garbage scow. Heard this before? Not the way Kate and Jim McMullan have created it and Andy Richter presents it. For the young trash truck aficionado, this is the definitive recording. As the anatomy of the truck is exposed and its mechanisms... Read More

Weston Woods has created a total and satisfying listening package yet again. A playful poem and accompanying text depict the work of potter Juan Quezada in Mata Ortiz, Mexico. The story is illuminated by the spectacular illustrations of David Diaz and the original music of Otmaro Ruiz. In sum, the biographical journey is as artful as Quezada's pottery. Alfred Molina's... Read More

Randolph Caldecott first illustrated this old rhyme, and now Caldecott Medal winner Simms Taback shares his own detailed, humorous version. The listening experience alone is delightful. The combination of sound effects, klezmer-like music, repetition of the text, and Mandy Patinkin’s interpretation is engaging. Patinkin gives personality to each character--a somber,... Read More

George just does not seem to be able to learn to bark like a proper dog. Any animal’s sound, except for a dog’s, comes from his mouth. As his mother teaches him to the utmost of her ability and admonishes him with each mistake, the listener will begin to chuckle. When the exasperated mother dog takes George to the veterinarian, the listener will laugh out loud as the... Read More

When his best friend does not share his exuberance for celebrations, Chato, the barrio’s favorite cat, takes matters into his own paws. “Everybody needs a birthday party,” says Chato. He and his friends decorate and cook, plan music, and party outrageously in honor of Novio Boy. But where’s the guest of honor? Kidnapped? Lost? As the friends reminisce, Novio Boy’s fine... Read More

Take one traditional song, exuberant illustrations, and a spirited musician/ narrator--and a listening treasure awaits you! Chris Thomas King has taken the favorite “bones song,” engagingly illustrated by Bob Barner, and added music, as well as his own expanded text. Did you know that the shoulder bone is the most frequently broken bone of children? Or how many bones are in the... Read More