Narrator Jenna Lamia brings warmth and a strong sense of place to this charming and funny story of itinerant bakers who land in Halleluia, Mississippi. Eleven-year-old Emma has moved more times than she can count and is hesitant about making a new friend just to leave her again, but she thinks there might be something special about this town. Her five younger brothers acclimate quickly, but Emma has a rocky start with pushy Ruby Lavender, who is "an acquired taste." Eventually, Ruby Lavender and the quirky residents of Halleluia teach Emma about lasting friendship. Lamia manages distinct voices for the entire Cake clan, but Ruby Lavender steals the show with her Southern drawl and irrepressible energy.
(Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2018
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984838667
Publisher: Listening Library
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: today
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: tomorrow
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