Trini Alvarado is the consummate narrator for these delightful first-person vignettes that take listeners on a spirited visit to 1940s Cuba. Included are selections from three of Ada's autobiographical books, which encompass family life; Cuba's history, culture, and legend; and social commentary. While Alvarado's standout creation is Alma herself, she also lovingly portrays Ada’s blind grandmother. In "Leprosy," Uncle Manalo movingly reveals his inspiring dedication to the horrific illness. "Street Vendor Voices" and "Circus Days" explore the vibrant outdoor life of a small village. "Lightning," "Storm!" and "Under the Royal Palms" are so vividly created that they virtually come to life. Every character is appealingly conveyed, and gorgeous descriptions create audio word pictures. It’s clear that hearing ISLAND TREASURES is the perfect way to appreciate Ada's fine writing.
(Memoir. 9-12)Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2016
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909245
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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