Narrator Armanda Duran's friendly style is ideal for this award-winning nonfiction gem. Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) was a bold political satirist before he created his famous CALAVERAS, humorous skeletons playing guitar, riding bikes, dancing, etc. Duran energetically tells the story of Posada's life and art, accompanied by the sounds of lively Mexican music and rousing sound effects such as bicycle bells and storms. Spanish words and their translations add further local color. In addition to recounting Posada's life story, including his participation in the Mexican Revolution, Duran explains Posada's artistic techniques and adds possible interpretations of his work. Descriptions of the Day of the Dead are presented lightheartedly so as to amuse and not frighten young children.
(Picture book/biography. 7-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9781520011417
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ken Coleman's expertise as a baseball announcer enriches this history of the Boston Red Sox since the sale of Babe Ruth to the N.Y. Yankees. He leads off with a grim account of this transaction, which started the curse that has plagued the Red Sox ever since. The sermon-like tone will amuse non-believers and comfort listeners who are certain the team is cursed. Like the ups and downs of Boston's play through the years, the narrator's voice fluctuates--exuberant and then despondent--in tone and tempo accurately reflecting the mood of any given baseball season. The narrator is very successful at conveying the emotional roller coaster ride Red Sox fans have endured as a result of the curse of the Bambino.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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