Surf, Hawaiian music, and song provide an immersive backdrop for Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu's spellbinding performance. The resonance and musical quality in Wong-Kalu's voice add to this dual-language retelling of the legend of Kapaemahu. This is the story of four Tahitian healers who were "mahu," that is, without male or female gender, who traveled around the islands administering their cures. Wong-Kalu's explanation of what happened to the rocks that the healers transferred their powers to is moving and uplifting. She keeps alive the Hawaiian tradition of oral storytelling with her soothing voice and introduces the concept of self-acceptance, explaining that she is a manu like the healers. This is a gracious and heartfelt presentation of themes of culture, heritage, and identity.
(Picture book. 7-12)Pub Date: June 7, 2022
Duration: 23 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593605929
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Bahni Turpin employs a Caribbean accent to take young listeners to St. Rita for this haunting combination of folklore and contemporary life. Young Kela is freshly mourning the loss of her mother when she finds a sea woman's comb in an exposed cave. Maybe that's why she can't help making a wish and why she fights so hard when things go wrong. If you're not familiar with this Golden Voice narrator, it may be hard to believe that all the character voices come from Turpin. She pulls electric energy and emotion from them all, especially the embittered sea woman, Ophidia. Turpin's tone travels effortlessly between fairy-tale sweetness and crackling action. Be prepared to hold your breath as the danger mounts.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Feb. 8, 2022
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063043466
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The second book in this hilarious fantasy series is deftly narrated by Susan Denaker, with Jorjeana Marie giving new depth to the narration by adding a voice for Winnie's chapters. Winnie is now at a boarding school for magicals and humans, where she’s enjoying adventures with her dragon, Miss Drake. But her grandfather is looking for a way to snatch Winnie from her home, and a mean girl in school is making Winnie's days interesting. Denaker has a pitch-perfect voice for the wise, old dragon who shows a bit of tenderness and heart for her young human. Marie skillfully brings a sense of eagerness and wit to Winnie. The two complement each other, making this a delightful listen for young listeners.
(Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: March 15, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521248
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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