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 mayhem occurs, and Kian has to come up with some creative replacements that start with "S." Listeners will appreciate hearing Khorram pronounce Farsi words, and sound effects help to fill in the scenes for listeners who aren't seeing the book's illustrations. An author's note at the end explains more about Nowruz traditions. This is a sweet and inclusive family listen.
(Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Feb. 16, 2021
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593342589
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
While holiday books for children abound, there seem to be too few that have an audio component. The seven-day festival of Kwanzaa, celebrated in December, lends itself to the read-along format with the Pinkneys' appealing picture book. Alfre Woodard introduces the African-American holiday and reads the story by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Clearly enunciating the African words for the foods, gifts and elements of the celebration, Woodard projects a welcoming tone that any listener can share. Traditional African music accompanies the tape--one side with page-turn signals, one without--but remains appropriately in the background. The vivid colors and contrasts of the illustrations make the picture book a standout, but the recording is nicely effective alone.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ho’s charming portrayal of this family and their unique Halloween party is sure to get listeners into the autumnal...
Narrator Rebecca Ho creates a youthful voice for Lilly as she describes her grandpa’s love of Halloween. Since moving to America from China, Lao Ye has embraced all holidays, but he finds Halloween to be the “kindest,” and this year he plans to make it extra special by having a pancake party. Ho captures this joy as she describes kids getting to dress up however they like, neighbors giving out candy to one another, and a general sense of togetherness. Musical interludes and background noises of kids having fun add to the listening experience, and Lao Ye’s pancake recipe is even included.
Ho’s charming portrayal of this family and their unique Halloween party is sure to get listeners into the autumnal spirit. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250441669
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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