Slayton's book, full of old-fashioned storytelling at its best, is further enlivened by Peter Berkrot's narration. Set in 1940s West Virginia and inspired by family stories passed down to the author, this tale offers listeners glimpses of a long-ago world in which little towns thrived, connected by the continual thrumming of trains in the background. Berkrot's voice slips gently into Southern rhythms to capture the life and times of Rowlesburg, with its Halloween pranks, teen friendships, and close family bonds. His narration is both thoughtful and lively, and his characterizations compelling. Whether giving voice to teenaged Jimmy, the town's police officer, the school football coach, or Jimmy's father, Berkrot's depictions are adept and insightful—and he doesn't miss any opportunities to highlight the material's humor.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2010
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781441826718
Publisher: Brilliance 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
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: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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