The story drops listeners in on a conversation between an exclamation point and a question mark. Disheartened Exclamation Mark knows he doesn’t work the way periods do, but what is his role? Leave it to Question Mark with her boatload of questions to present a solution. With a resounding “STOP!”—Exclamation Mark is on his way. Kudos to the narrating trio for their ability to bring the drama of this story to life. Their varying voices enable listeners to discern the conversation between the two punctuation marks by enlisting drawn-out monotones, soft-voiced hesitancy, and changes in inflection and pace. Listeners will especially enjoy it when Exclamation Mark tries out his new power.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 5 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Author Drew Daywalt serves as primary narrator of this first book in a new Crayon series. Daywalt describes Duncan's surprise when he learns his errant crayons have left again. They all send back letters that recount their adventures and discoveries, and the new friends they've met. A large cast, including narration luminaries like Michael Crouch and Tara Sands, portray the 10 crayons. Music, sound effects, and the accents and attitudes of many different voices individualize the crayons, starting with Red, who extinguishes fires and makes the acquaintance of his toy fire truck, and ending with Brown, who falls in love with a stick. At the end, Daywalt gathers all the crayons together, and against a loud party background, the crayons speak up with final words.
(Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 3, 2025
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217169573
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This love letter to Hawaiian culture, performed by Barrie Kealoha, follows a girl raised with hula and ancestral pride. The reprises of "what hula taught her" add structure to an otherwise thin plot. Kealoha fluidly delivers the vocabulary of her culture that are peppered throughout the English rhymes. Her soothing voice adds a lullaby quality that is perfect for young children. Slight pauses alert the listener when she reaches the end of each page, making this production a perfect companion for the listener who has the book in hand. Experiencing this audiobook without looking at the vibrant pictures would yield only half the experience for the audience.
(Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2025
Duration: 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666688696
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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