Four narrators and a musical score re-create the engaging quality of this picture book. The audio draws listeners in immediately as Robin Miles's narration plays off the music. As Miles describes the Bunny family's discovery of a "bundle outside their door," melodramatic piano riffs add an ominous tone reminiscent of silent films. This delightful interplay between words and music continues throughout. The character of young Dot steals the show in the book and also does so in the audio with the narration of Molly Cavett. Cavett dynamically expresses Dot's reactions to her foster wolf-brother. Dot registers doubt, fear, and, finally, sarcasm as she gives up on changing the attitudes of her smitten parents, portrayed by Wendy and Ken Cavett. Their doting tones strengthen the humor in Dot's rejoinders.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 5 mins
Publisher: VOX Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears.
Joshua Quinn narrates this short book featuring Waffles, a friendly dog who wants a hug, and his haughty housemate, Julius the cat. Quinn gives each a fitting voice—eager and goofy for Waffles, slow and somewhat disdainful for Julius. The two interact in typical cat and dog fashion. Classic cartoon-style sound effects accompany Waffles' attempts to hug his friend. Boings, zings, cymbal crashes, howling, meowing, and more punctuate the music and narration. Julius is not interested in hugs. After a day of trying, Waffles finally settles down for a nap to the sound of a music box lullaby. A tired Julius snuggles in beside him.
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250443540
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in.
Caitlin Kelly narrates the start of a new children’s fantasy animal series from a powerhouse author. After losing their home to a mysterious fire, cat sisters Willow and Luna stumble upon secretive animals with the ability to communicate with them despite being different species. This means that the sisters are “attuned” and have magical abilities. Luna can control fire, but Willow struggles to realize her own gift. Kelly easily differentiates a wide cast of animal characters. And as Willow and Luna witness their new world clash with human witches, Kelly adds emotional intensity that matches the highly dramatic situations the animals find themselves in.
Kelly’s kaleidoscopic voice draws listeners in. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063449558
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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