Twenty-seven years ago. Chris Van Allsburg published a book with 14 enigmatic illustrations. Now, 14 of the biggest names in children’s books respond to these visual prompts with short stories. These stories are unique and unconnected but linked by tones as mysterious as the original images. Much of the book is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, who creates a large cast of characters that make the stories sing. Jon Scieszka’s clueless, cliché-quoting grandmother is as memorable as Louis Sachar’s ghostly Scots sea captain. Campbell emphasizes the compelling quality of each story, stressing Jules Feiffer’s mix of chilling and humorous tones and conveying the trapped, lonely feeling of Kate DiCamillo’s character, who suffers from TB. This collection would be improved by the inclusion of the pictures that inspired them.
(Fiction. 8-13)Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2011
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455839506
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Henry's parents are kidnapped while they travel the world. Henry is confused and lost when he's sent to his aunt, uncle, and cousins in Kansas. His bewilderment increases when the plaster of his bedroom walls cracks to disclose 100 strange cupboards that are portals to odd places. Vivid descriptions of fascinating lands hold listeners' attention through the story's many unexplained facts as does the steady, solid narration by Russell Horton. Horton accurately modulates the characters' up-and-down emotions, adapting his pace quickly to the changes. Listeners are able to keep up with the rapidly introduced characters because of Horton's stand-out portrayals.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Dec. 26, 2007
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780739362778
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A cast of narrators shares these stories, each told from the point of view of a supporting character from Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. We hear from Halfborn Gunderson, Samirah al-Abbas, Alex Fierro, and more. In "So's Your Face!" narrator Sile Bermingham gives fiery einherji Mallory Keen an Irish lilt, and in "I Play with Fire," Bahni Turpin gets to pull out the stops creating voices for a meeting of immortals in Muspellheim. Riordan's signature humor is here--Thor makes a guest appearance in each story, running through the nine worlds in his leather short shorts. The characterizations might not quite match what listeners heard in earlier installments, but diehard Magnus Chase fans can still enjoy this collection.
(Fantasy. 8-14)Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2018
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525641834
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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