J.R. Young splendidly narrates his dystopian novelette in rhyme, which has been compared to a blend of Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton. The town of Nottingswood built a wall to shut out the world and its unwanted influences. Young splendidly conveys the warm relationship of the town's guards, "humdumly" Sister and "huhumly" Brother, who are otherwise nameless. Things change when they hear the plaintive cries of a baby on the other side of the wall and want to help it. Listeners will cheer as Brother and Sister embrace the outside world when they leave to find lilyfruit to feed the child. The audio format is ideal for the brisk wordplay, and Young keeps the rhythm flowing smoothly. Clever verbal sound effects signify the crumbling of the wall as Nottingswood's residents finally gain their freedom.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
Publisher: J.R. Young
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lemony Snicket, who became known for challenging listeners’ vocabularies in his Series of Unfortunate Events, chooses 13 seemingly random words and arranges them into the story of a “despondent” bird and a dog who tries to cheer his friend by visiting a “haberdashery” to buy a hat with “panache.” Michael Emerson’s intonations and phrasing allow listeners to picture characters and settings even without Maira Kalman's illustrations. He encourages listeners to savor the sounds of words as the author intended. Who wouldn’t buy a hat from a breathy sales-baby who describes “panache” as “a kind of verve or swagger”? In an amazing artistic interpretation, Snicket’s final word, “mezzo-soprano,” becomes an opera of the book, created by real-life composer Nico Muhly.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 6 mins
DD ISBN: 9781443404433
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Author and narrator Enrique Flores-Galbis is a master of duality in this nuanced story of the Cuban revolution. His writing and narration are superb. In both, his humble style of storytelling is arresting. When revolution comes to Cuba, Julian is just a boy. He doesn’t even know what a revolution is. In leaving Cuba and losing his family, Julian finds new ways in which he’s both vulnerable and strong. Flores-Galbis’s voice embodies the contradictions of Julian’s experience. We hear that vulnerability in a soft, almost hesitant, voice; underneath is a quiet confidence. The pacing ebbs and flows as naturally as the tide between Havana and Miami as Julian figures out what is right and determines to do his part to help.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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