If you’re in the mood to be charmed, delighted, and thoroughly engaged--in short, if you want to be happy--then race out and get the newest Daniel Pinkwater children’s book, which is intended for children aged 6 to 106. In his inimitable sort-of-New Jersey accent, Pinkwater shares the story of Nick, a boy who has moved with his inattentive family to Hoboken. There his bike is stolen and he listens to pirate radio, meets cool friends who love Classic Comics as much as he does, and uncovers the secret of Arthur Bobowicz and his 266-pound chicken. What more does one want in a plot? It’s clever; it’s funny; it’s oddly moving. Pinkwater reads with abandoned perfection, and, like the best comedians, he always waits for the laugh.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Harper 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: yesterday
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure.
Narrator Gary Tiedemann creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Queso, who, after making a wish to see his deceased dad one more time, travels back in time to 1985. He meets his dad, Pancho (also 12 years old), whose easygoing voice matches his friendly personality, and they become fast friends. As Queso learns more about his dad's childhood, he becomes determined to help him with school to alleviate some of the struggles Pancho will face later in life. Then Queso must make the difficult decision to leave his father behind and return to his own time—if that’s even possible.
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure. (Science fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063092273
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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