Ho’s charming portrayal of this family and their unique Halloween party is sure to get listeners into the autumnal...
Narrator Rebecca Ho creates a youthful voice for Lilly as she describes her grandpa’s love of Halloween. Since moving to America from China, Lao Ye has embraced all holidays, but he finds Halloween to be the “kindest,” and this year he plans to make it extra special by having a pancake party. Ho captures this joy as she describes kids getting to dress up however they like, neighbors giving out candy to one another, and a general sense of togetherness. Musical interludes and background noises of kids having fun add to the listening experience, and Lao Ye’s pancake recipe is even included.
Ho’s charming portrayal of this family and their unique Halloween party is sure to get listeners into the autumnal spirit. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250441669
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 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
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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