Narrator Jasmine Guy infuses warmth into this classic children's Valentine's Day story. Mia Valentina, whose name means "my Valentine," and her mother, are decorating their worn home for their family's coming Valentine's Day party. Though Guy's sultriness may at first seem to be an odd choice for this children's book, the lush resonance in her voice radiates quiet enthusiasm as Mia and her mother do chores, prepare gumdrop garlands, and make Valentine's Day cards. Moreover, Guy's warmth carries the audiobook's message of unconditional love as demonstrated by the family and their home on this and every day. Guy's storytelling and the upbeat melody of the music may beckon listeners to play this sweet tale on loop.
(Illustrated text. 4-7)Pub Date: 2022
Duration: 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593455180
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
Listeners will enjoy the short, magical adventure of young Cala and her family during the night of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). While they all begin to gather in the cemetery to remember loved ones and friends who have passed on, it's clear that Cala is apprehensive and scared, especially now that her grandfather has died. At some point, she's separated from her family and encounters four hilarious skeleton riders who somehow put her at ease. By the end of the story, she realizes she's not afraid, is reminded of the eternal love of her grandfather, and is quite taken with this important holiday. Diana Bustelo's voices for secondary characters often whisper and are sometimes difficult to understand. This audiobook would pair nicely with the picture-book version for any small child.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668649299
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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