If a beloved golden retriever had a voice, he would probably sound like P.J. Ochlan as he narrates this delightful story about Cosmo the dog and 10-year-old Max. Aware that Max is worried about his parents' frequent arguments, Cosmo is determined to fulfill Max's dream of competing in a canine-human dance competition. The story is told from Cosmo's point of view, and Ochlan infuses Cosmo's perspective with determination, as well as golden retriever glee, especially as the two dance to music from their favorite movie, GREASE. Ochlan's portrayal of Max's reassuring Uncle Reggie provides an anchor as the family members navigate the changes they face. Enjoyable for adults as well as young listeners, this story addresses some difficult subjects--divorce, an aging pet--without being heavy-handed.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 20, 2021
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666119428
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal.
Narrator Ellie Gosage speaks to middle-grade listeners as a friend, her tone changing with each ocean-themed topic. Gosage’s conversational narration reflects the book’s plain language. Her tone ranges from amused, as in “Blubber Blunder,” about a town’s attempt to destroy an 8-ton whale carcass with a half-ton of dynamite, to impressed, as in “The (Dog’s) Nose Knows,” about one dog’s unique ability to locate floating whale poop from a half-mile away while on a boat. (The excrement is used to capture DNA information.) In a chapter about a grieving orca, Gosage’s narration is especially soulful.
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal. (10-12)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217172764
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.
Taisha Cameron voices this tale of a young fox on his first solo adventure. It’s November, and the red berries are calling out to young Mungo. With a nod of assent from his mother, the kit ventures out into the countryside. Menaces, both real and imagined, faze Mungo but do not stop him, and the reward for both fox and listeners is pure joy. Children who listen as they page through the print edition will see both in Julie Benbassat’s winsome illustrations. Burgess’ text is subtly rhythmic and powerfully sensory; Cameron nimbly navigates both aspects. Her gentle voice carries listeners along with sensitive precision.
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 6 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063478251
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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