This 1981 Caldecott winner shines on audio as Mark Linn-Baker puts genuine feeling and warm humor into his reading of 20 fables by the late, great Arnold Lobel, best known for his enduring Frog and Toad books. These aren't your father's Aesopian fables but gentle, funny animal tales of mischievous kangaroos, pompous elephants, and dancing camels. Each story ends with a moral that rings true. There's nothing preachy about Linn-Baker's performance. In fact, it sounds like he's having fun. It seems as if kids have to make the same mistakes their parents make since they usually refuse to learn from well-meaning adult advice. But when the advice comes from sadder-but-wiser ducks, lions, and rhinos, kids might just accept such lessons as "all the miles of hard road are worth a moment of true happiness." Both the fables and Linn-Baker are charmers.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2009
Duration: 44 mins
DD ISBN: 9780061967030
Publisher: Harper Audio
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: July 14, 2026
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