Jenna Lamia’s performance conveys the mystery and beauty in this tale about a girl who must balance her family secret with trying to discover the monster that lives in her small town. Lamia’s portrayal of Twig is spot-on, with high tones that capture the 12-year-old’s curiosity and a softened voice and deliberate pacing that convey her ability to temper her open-mindedness with logic. Other characters are also effectively represented as Lamia’s stirring range of voices highlights their personalities and relationships with one another—especially the heartfelt bonds between Twig, her brother, and her mother. Lamia’s narration brings out the haunting qualities of the story without becoming frightening, making this a suitable and engaging listening experience for older children.
(Magical realism. 9-12)Pub Date: March 10, 2015
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780553552249
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Sorcha Groundsell brings to life 11-year-old Gwen MacKinnon, who is sent to spend several weeks with her Great-Uncle Matthew, sparing her a stay with her inattentive dad. There, she's delighted to make friends with his dog, Pumpkin, who accompanies her to the town library. Groundsell's tone imbues this story with intrigue, also fostering listener interest with her well-timed delivery. Her American accents are a bit exaggerated in contrast to the accents of the Scottish characters in the story. Scottish elements include a thoughtfully rendered girl who is leaving her small town in Scotland for Massachusetts in 1866, Clan MacKinnon, and the Lahdukan, small magical winged creatures in the library whom Gwen can see.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593915691
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Elena Rey ably voices a bustling cast of humans and monsters in this sequel to THE SCHOOL FOR INVISIBLE BOYS. Here, 12-year-old Kairos agent Sam Osborne takes center stage when he's assigned to find the papers of a deceased operative. Embedding in Seattle with his family, Sam assumes the identity of a Texas cousin, a device that allows Rey to slip nimbly between accents. She's particularly adept with her characterizations of children, especially Sam's target's earnest grandson, his word-loving best friend, and the teenage son of the family next door--none of whom are what they seem. Author Hutchinson opens his aperture considerably in this second series outing, but he provides enough backstory to orient new listeners as Rey confidently carries them forward.
(Supernatural. 9-12)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217015627
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
