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
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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