Brian Nishii narrates this uniquely thoughtful audiobook, translated from a 1937 Japanese classic. It is surprisingly relevant today. Fifteen-year-old Copper’s experiences with school friends and bullies alternate with conversations with his beloved uncle, who also writes essays. As Uncle, Nishii speaks with the slow quiet of an elder accustomed to receiving respect. Uncle shares ideas with Copper on his problems, offering timeless perspectives that seamlessly encompass concepts of science, consumerism, history, and more. His teachings are philosophical, rather than didactic. Nishii creates a heartfelt Copper, respectful and pleasant in both manner and voice, yet we hear painful remorse and shame when he deserts his own lofty ideals. A showdown with school bullies is particularly tense. Nishii’s slight Japanese accent reminds the listener of the book’s universality.
(Fiction. 10-adult)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2022
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705056882
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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