Narrator Mutiyat Ade-Salu does this author proud. "Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa,” along with her mother and father; twin baby brothers, Double and Trouble; aunties, uncles, and grandparents. In the story Anna and her nuclear family attempt a vacation, Auntie Comfort comes from America on holiday, Grandfather helps Anna experience the difference between her life and that of the orange-selling girls, and a letter from Granny Canada brings an invitation to enjoy her first snow. Ade-Salu sets a steady pace, speeding and slowing for emphasis, and uses tonal changes to accentuate Anna’s changing moods. With her gentle African accent, Ade-Salu adds authenticity to both the modern and traditional aspects of life in the family compound. Her family members have distinct voices full of despair or joy, and she sings Anna’s snow song with gusto!
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9781470300777
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lemony Snicket, who became known for challenging listeners’ vocabularies in his Series of Unfortunate Events, chooses 13 seemingly random words and arranges them into the story of a “despondent” bird and a dog who tries to cheer his friend by visiting a “haberdashery” to buy a hat with “panache.” Michael Emerson’s intonations and phrasing allow listeners to picture characters and settings even without Maira Kalman's illustrations. He encourages listeners to savor the sounds of words as the author intended. Who wouldn’t buy a hat from a breathy sales-baby who describes “panache” as “a kind of verve or swagger”? In an amazing artistic interpretation, Snicket’s final word, “mezzo-soprano,” becomes an opera of the book, created by real-life composer Nico Muhly.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 6 mins
DD ISBN: 9781443404433
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Author and narrator Enrique Flores-Galbis is a master of duality in this nuanced story of the Cuban revolution. His writing and narration are superb. In both, his humble style of storytelling is arresting. When revolution comes to Cuba, Julian is just a boy. He doesn’t even know what a revolution is. In leaving Cuba and losing his family, Julian finds new ways in which he’s both vulnerable and strong. Flores-Galbis’s voice embodies the contradictions of Julian’s experience. We hear that vulnerability in a soft, almost hesitant, voice; underneath is a quiet confidence. The pacing ebbs and flows as naturally as the tide between Havana and Miami as Julian figures out what is right and determines to do his part to help.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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