[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with MINNIE AND MOO SAVE THE EARTH, MINNIE AND MOO GO TO THE MOON, and MINNIE AND MOO GO TO PARIS.]--Minnie and Moo are two of the most entertaining and charmingly wacky bovine buddies ever to hit the printed page, and Barbara Caruso brings them refreshingly to life on audio. Caruso reads slowly and clearly, enunciating her words and allowing beginning readers time to follow the words, enjoy the illustrations, and appreciate the humor of Minnie and Moo's misunderstandings and adventures. In MINNIE AND MOO GO DANCING, Moo decides that people can go dancing "because they have thumbs," so Minnie gets them all dressed up, and they head out to dance the night away. In MINNIE AND MOO GO TO THE MOON, Moo decides that all they need to drive the farmer's tractor is his boots, hat, and angry words, and off they go. In MINNIE AND MOO SAVE THE EARTH, which sounds like an environmental tale, Minnie and Moo are busily exterminating "space invaders," and in MINNIE AND MOO GO TO PARIS, the pair manage to travel "around the world" in a progression of mistakes and misunderstandings sure to delight most 6-year-olds. The background music and sound effects combine to enhance the stories, and add just the right touch and mood. A winning combination!
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 16 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Kirby Heyborne reprises his role as Nandu, a Nepalese boy, in this sequel to WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW. The 13-year-old lives with his adoptive father, Subba-sahib, in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle in 1970s Nepal. His community is tested by earthquake, drought, a dangerous wild bull elephant, and menacing poachers. Heyborne's earnest voice captures Nandu's sincere respect and righteous anger, along with his desire to protect the animals in his care. His passionate voice contrasts with the calm, solemn authority of Subba-sahib and highlights the audiobook's powerful messages of stewardship for the earth's creatures, and kindness, empathy, and harmony among individuals of different faiths.
(Historical fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781980034773
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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