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
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 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: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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