Sunny Lu's youthful voice enlivens this poignant story inspired by the author's childhood memories. The narrator is a first-generation Chinese-American girl who is frustrated by her immigrant parents' embarrassing behavior, and, on this particular day, annoyed that she must collect watercress from a muddy roadside ditch. But her attitude changes once she understands the history behind her parents' emotional memories of this plant. Evocative music and environmental sound effects add subtle layers that enhance Lu's articulate delivery of the free-verse text. Her measured pacing allows listeners who are following along with the accompanying Caldecott-winning picture book to appreciate the illustrations. The back matter includes author and illustrator notes on the book's creation and the importance of sharing family stories with children.
(Picture book. 5-10)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2022
Duration: 10 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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