Narrator Ramon de Ocampo reveals the inner lives of two "tree children," Alder and Oak. The sixth graders become neighbors to each other and to a mysterious house that is frequented by Mort, an oversized taxidermied opossum that has come back to life. Both children are emotionally awkward and unhappy, and de Ocampo makes their concerns and sensitivities clear in a voice differentiated from his straightforward narration. He makes it just as clear how the two children find commonality in the kittens they adopt from the same litter. This nurtures a friendship that grows as they explore their connections and the mysteries of traveling to another dimension. The story's plot is filled with fantastical twists and coincidences that may not work for every listener.
(Fiction. 10-13)Pub Date: March 30, 2021
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063064393
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Edwards gives a soulful performance.
Young Juniper visits her grandmother's house, where Grandma tells her about their ancestors from Africa and their practice of hoodoo. Together, Juniper and Grandma tend to the garden, go for walks in the woods, attend church, create herb-filled mojo bags, and visit the cemetery to place offerings for their ancestors, whom Grandma says are always with them. Narrator Janina Edwards conveys Grandma’s wisdom with an earthy and relaxed narration, expressing a clear connection with the natural world, a refuge for both of them. Edwards also handily portrays Juniper's sense of wonder as she navigates this spiritual connection, inspiring listeners to pay attention to the world around them.
Edwards gives a soulful performance. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349168703
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: June 6, 2026
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