[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY.]--In the series of books about Miss Nelson, Allard and Marshall have taken the good guy vs. bad guy routine and turned it into a teacher vs. substitute situation, with predictable yet somehow surprising and enjoyable twists. Diana Canova reads both of these stories slowly and surely, creating distinct voices for Miss Nelson, Viola Swamp, and Mr. Blandsworth. The beauty of audiobooks shines through here, with a solid combination of all the important elements: background mood music, realistic kids' voices, great sound effects, solid narration, and a dramatic (if predictable) plot with a satisfying ending. MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY comes across as livelier and, as the last story in the series, enjoys the more unexpected ending. But both audiobooks will be surefire hits, as the books have been for years.
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 11 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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