In this story of a family caught between two cultures, a dual narration illuminates the dichotomy of realities faced by half-siblings Andi and Bernardo. Jayne Entwistle captures Andi’s humor and youthful hopefulness as the story opens with a dramatic homecoming. Ramon de Ocampo gives a stellar performance as Bernardo, the long-lost brother who has grown up in the Philippines and who suffers from gigantism. The vocal contrast between Entwistle’s British accent and de Ocampo’s Filipino one adds to the polarity of the characters. Andi, the smallest in her grade, has big dreams of playing basketball, and Bernardo, at eight feet tall, is trying to find his place outside the superstitions he left behind. Like Andi’s shot, you can’t miss with this production.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2012
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307968746
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ebner’s well-paced narration will engage listeners to the very end of this excellent audiobook.
Jeff Ebner's youthful, enthusiastic voice immediately pulls listeners into this fun-filled summer adventure. Eleven-year-old Felix and his neighbor, Marigold, find a mysterious wooden box that contains a field recorder and a coded message that subsequently sends them on a fantastically sound-filled scavenger hunt. The inclusion of actual sound effects—an ice cream truck’s jingle, a barking dog, bird song, and more—throughout the audiobook enhances the listening experience. The music, the voices, and the clues as Felix and Marigold run all over town are irresistible. The story’s conclusion features an unexpected reconnection.
Ebner’s well-paced narration will engage listeners to the very end of this excellent audiobook. (Mystery. 7-11)Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217351961
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
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