A thirst for knowledge, a passion for creativity, and a desire to share with the world are the hallmarks of Waterhouse Hawkins, a nineteenth-century British natural history artist who specialized in dinosaurs. From his earliest models of dinosaurs, derived from the latest scientific discoveries of the time, to his later years of painting and making “iguanodons,” Waterhouse worked tirelessly to share his creatures with a wide audience, ranging from fellow scientists to strollers in the Crystal Palace Gardens in London. Jonathan Pryce narrates with vigor. He takes Brian Selznick’s illustration cues to heart as he portrays characters with great flair. As listeners pore over Selznick’s rich paintings, Pryce breathes life into the dinosaurs and the extraordinary characters—including the pompous and conniving scientist William “Boss” Tweed. Interviews with the author and illustrator sharing their exploration of Hawkins and his dinosaurs conclude the production.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 20 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nic Davey-Greene delivers this environmental adventure. Listeners meet gamer and fast-food lover Finn and shy genius Milo, called "Prof," who are reluctantly participating in an Alpine class trip. They'd rather be home doing their own thing. Soon they find a 65-million-year-old egg that hatches. Vivid descriptions of Finn's connection to newly hatched, squawking Arty segues into horror as mercenaries attempt to kidnap him. Close behind them is Agent Lara from the British Natural History Museum, whose survival skills often save them. Davey-Greene captures Finn's hilarious expletives and his changing attitude as he nurtures Arty and comes to appreciate Prof's nonstop lectures. The riveting listen includes subtle lessons about nature, ecology, and kindness as we hear Finn and Prof change from couch potatoes to outdoor champions.
(Adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: April 11, 2024
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781038670502
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sophie Dahl narrates her short adventure story featuring Mabel, a girl living in her parents' Mermaid Hotel, and Madame Badobedah (rhymes with "ooh-la-la"), the hotel's quirkiest resident. Madame Badobedah's indeterminate accent suits her mysterious background and eccentricity. Did she really steal a priceless emerald from a museum? Mabel speaks with Dahl's English accent and some well-placed wry skepticism. The two are an unlikely pair of adventurers. Whimsical sound effects and a musical refrain accompany them as they go larking on the Thames and sneak through a magic cupboard to visit London's Natural History Museum after closing. Dahl's narration is lighthearted and freewheeling, much like Madame Badobedah herself. An interview with Dahl follows the story, the second in a series.
(Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: March 1, 2024
Duration: 31 mins
DD ISBN: 9781038667090
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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