Newbery award winner Cynthia Kadohata's story begins as the American Special Forces ask Y'Tin's father to help with one last mission in the jungles of South Vietnam. Keith Nobbs tells this affecting story of the cost of war on the civilians left behind through the experiences of Y'Tin. Thirteen years old, Y'Tin is on his way to becoming the youngest elephant handler in his village when the American withdrawal changes everything. Nobbs has a calm delivery that holds the listener rapt as he describes the North Vietnamese invasion of Y'Tin's village and the horrors of war and occupation experienced by civilians young and old. His depiction of Y'Tin's journey to maturity celebrates the human ability to hope and survive in spite of unbelievable odds.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2010
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: tomorrow
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, whose heritage includes Blackfeet, narrates Sibert honoree Nelson‘s (Hunkpapa Lakota–Standing Rock Sioux) picture-book presentation of Lakota principles as embodied in the natural world. The name of each animal, from buffalo to frog to horse and more, is presented in both English and Lakota, followed by a sentence or two of description and explanation of how their behaviors inform the Lakota way of life. Taylor-Corbett’s light, earnest voice is a good tonal match with the text, and he smoothly incorporates the Lakota vocabulary into his delivery. His pacing is measured, granting the animals the respect they’re due and allowing little listeners following along with the print book to linger on each page to take in the details of Nelson’s illustrations, which are inspired by traditional Lakota artwork.
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898850357
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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