This is a story about simplicity at many different levels. The simple life of working at various tasks on an English farm in the 1930s and 1940s; simple joys; love and acceptance, simply given; and a boy with a simple mind. Spider Sparrow, who is mentally and developmentally slow, has been given a different gift--the ability to perfectly imitate and communicate with all the animals around him. Narrator Christian Rodska brings Spider to life--his joy and gentle ways when feeding and befriending the animals, his fear of those who make fun of him, his enthusiasm and pride when he is given a job on the farm. Rodska expertly creates the sense of life on the farm--slow, steady, dependable, cyclical. He gives the characters their own unique voices and temperaments, drawn so slowly yet vividly you're imperceptibly drawn into their lives. And his bird and animal sounds are so lifelike, you're tempted to respond.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
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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