Fans of Avi's Dimwood Forest titles will delight in taking a new trip, this time to New York's Central Park. Baseball, gang intrigue, and a love affair interweave as the rats move uptown and upset the equilibrium of the established animal community. Oscar Westerwit, the squirrel who has long held the mayorship, young Maud, Big Daddy Duds, and members of the local baseball teams, scheme, mince, and bumble their way into young listeners' hearts. Avi's playful references to turn-of-the-century New York will intrigue older listeners. Mark Nelson balances all the balls well--the tongue-in-cheek humor, the New York accents, the alliteration and word play, the pacing, and the myriad characters. He voices a conniving rat boss, a "sees-all" barmaid, and a "my-son-never-listens-to-me" mother. All the while, Oscar remains fresh and convincing.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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