When a children’s book has a reputation for being a classic, a narrator can be overshadowed by the material. Yet in this case, Gwyneth Paltrow narrates with a confidence and clarity that let the auditory clues and trademark animal collages take center stage. Her voice is steady and pauses regularly for contemplation of the story’s menagerie: a hissing snake, a bellowing walrus, and a whistling zookeeper who is followed by a bevy of costumed children. Listeners will surely want to join in with her animal voices. Background sound effects bring depth to the action, and children will love poring over the rich illustrations.
Ages 4-6Pub Date: June 22, 2010
Duration: 30 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart.
Warga’s novel introduces listeners to the real, valuable work being done in zoos and in the wild to support endangered species. Early chapters alternate between Chase, an orphaned cheetah, and Finnegan, a dog, who each tell their own stories. Michael Crouch’s well-paced, emotional performance will have listeners rooting for both to thrive. His delivery is heartbreaking as he expresses Chase’s confusion, grief, and fear after the loss of her mother, and Finnegan’s guilt over his past and his eagerness for acceptance are clear. Chase and Finnegan become friends thanks to Basma, who works at the zoo, and her partner, Ryan. Crouch’s narration emphasizes the human characters’ love and patience.
A life-affirming story filled with empathy and heart. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250432315
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Ladji’s appealing performance gives an extra spark as both girl and horse rise from those mythical ashes.
Emma Ladji brings empathy and authenticity to this tale of a kid whose life blows up when her dad cheats with her best friend’s mom. Harper and her mom move to a new town and into a teeny house next to a barn. Although Harper has no particular interest in horses, that changes when a kill truck dumps a neglected, almost-dead horse in her yard. As Harper finds a new purpose in saving her horse—whom she names Phoenix, of course—she connects with her barn neighbors. Ladji has fun creating voices for the quirky and diverse group—fiery little Emma, Puerto Rican Dante, and Night, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns.
Ladji’s appealing performance gives an extra spark as both girl and horse rise from those mythical ashes. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280902
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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