SIMPLE GIFTS, whose title echoes the most recorded melody of the Shakers, reminds us that we may differ in our beliefs, as well as in our appearance. In a crystalline voice, Elza Muller-Roemer provides two renditions of the song, the first a slow and reverent interpretation of the printed text, the second a lively and energetic rendition.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 15 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Quincy Surasmith narrates this middle reader work of nonfiction, which depicts, in graphic detail, the harrowing rescue of a youth soccer team and their coach, who were stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. The narrative swings from emotional tension when the author focuses on the boys or their parents to tactical precision when she explains the inner workings of the cave system. Surasmith navigates these changes expertly in his narration. The technical aspects of the audiobook sound like they are delivered by a serious geography teacher. When the action of the rescue ratchets up, Surasmith narrates with an exasperation that makes listeners feel like they too are trapped in the cave. This informative, engaging yet pithy audiobook is suitable for all audiences.
(Nonfiction. 10-15)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781713547792
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Author/narrator Sigal Samuel's audiobook features the first female rabbi, Osnat Barzani, who was born in 1590 in Mosul, Iraq. Listeners learn some Hebrew words as Osnat persuades her father, Rabbi Samuel Barzani, to allow her to study the Torah. When her dove is shot by a hunter, Osnat takes it into her room, and later it miraculously flies outside. As rumors about Osnat's power spreads, people plead for her help and advice. Samuel beautifully describes Osnat's marriage to Jacob, who succeeds her father at the yeshiva, then successfully leads the academy after Jacob's death. The author's note reveals that Samuel took some liberties with this story, using legends in addition to her own ideas. The exquisite narration and sound effects make for an edifying listening experience.
(Picture book/biography. 9-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 15 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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