Narrator Richard Poe injects an unhurried canine dignity into this tale of a dog who announces his independence: "I'm my own dog. I work like a dog all day . . . fetch my own slippers, curl up at my own feet, . . . and tell myself to roll over." Poe's grandfatherly tones and unhurried pace capture the story's humorous role-reversing turn: There's just one spot the dog can't reach, so a little guy scratches it for him and follows the dog home, after which the dog softens: "I got a leash," he says. "How else am I supposed to lead him around?" Despite ownership's drawbacks--"some . . . say they're not worth the trouble . . . you can't keep them from yapping . . . but I've grown attached to the little fella"--listeners of all ages will recall the joys of having a best friend.
(Picture book. 2-4)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2014
Duration: 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9781490633336
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal.
Narrator Ellie Gosage speaks to middle-grade listeners as a friend, her tone changing with each ocean-themed topic. Gosage’s conversational narration reflects the book’s plain language. Her tone ranges from amused, as in “Blubber Blunder,” about a town’s attempt to destroy an 8-ton whale carcass with a half-ton of dynamite, to impressed, as in “The (Dog’s) Nose Knows,” about one dog’s unique ability to locate floating whale poop from a half-mile away while on a boat. (The excrement is used to capture DNA information.) In a chapter about a grieving orca, Gosage’s narration is especially soulful.
Gosage delivers these scientifically-sound oceanic anecdotes with an easy-listening appeal. (10-12)Pub Date: today
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217172764
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: today
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.
Taisha Cameron voices this tale of a young fox on his first solo adventure. It’s November, and the red berries are calling out to young Mungo. With a nod of assent from his mother, the kit ventures out into the countryside. Menaces, both real and imagined, faze Mungo but do not stop him, and the reward for both fox and listeners is pure joy. Children who listen as they page through the print edition will see both in Julie Benbassat’s winsome illustrations. Burgess’ text is subtly rhythmic and powerfully sensory; Cameron nimbly navigates both aspects. Her gentle voice carries listeners along with sensitive precision.
By honoring Mungo’s earned confidence, this cozy episode boosts young listeners’ own.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 6 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063478251
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: today
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
