For years Mr. McGreely has dreamed of planting a garden. When he finally takes the plunge, he finds, as so many gardeners do, that the critters in his neighborhood are delighted by his labors. In this case, he must pit his wits against those of three rabbits, and his efforts to keep them out of his veggies are increasingly over the top. William Dufris narrates this charming tale, investing his outraged Mr. McGreely with enough energy to suggest that he has his own insights into the frustrations of gardening. Children will laugh at McGreely's rising irritation when the "twitch-whiskers" and "flop-ears" manage to find a way in despite his best attempts to thwart them, and they'll enjoy all the clever and crunchy sound effects. J.C.G. 2005 ALA Notable Recording © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
Ages 4-6Pub Date: June 30, 2004
Duration: 10 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Kirby Heyborne reprises his role as Nandu, a Nepalese boy, in this sequel to WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW. The 13-year-old lives with his adoptive father, Subba-sahib, in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle in 1970s Nepal. His community is tested by earthquake, drought, a dangerous wild bull elephant, and menacing poachers. Heyborne's earnest voice captures Nandu's sincere respect and righteous anger, along with his desire to protect the animals in his care. His passionate voice contrasts with the calm, solemn authority of Subba-sahib and highlights the audiobook's powerful messages of stewardship for the earth's creatures, and kindness, empathy, and harmony among individuals of different faiths.
(Historical fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781980034773
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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