Guy Lockard delivers an outstanding performance of Woodson’s brief, eloquent story of 12-year-old ZJ Johnson, Jr., whose father, a former pro football player, is suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The story is set in the early 2000s, when little was known about the dangers of repeated head injuries. Lockard makes effective use of pitch and pacing as he gives voice to the exhilarating before time with its happy series of football games and fun with an extended community of friends. Compellingly shifting tone and tempo as ZJ’s dad succumbs to the agonizing effects of this terrible condition, Lockard brings listeners into the ever after of pain and dementia that overwhelm ZJ and his family. Woodson’s spare, lyrical text is beautifully enhanced by Lockard’s emotionally connected narration.
(Historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593341216
Publisher: Listening Library
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
An audiobook that’s sure to spark chuckles of recognition in children and adults alike.
The incomparable Sedaris is always a pleasure to listen to. In a departure from his usual humorous writing for adults, here he narrates his children’s picture book about a selfish sister who claims everything—from the stove to her granddad to her brother’s kidney—for herself. Sedaris’s narration is dramatic and fun, and he adds a slight quaver to his voice for effect. With its rhymes and cadence, the writing is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’. There are both tantrums and pathos, and the ending invites listeners to consider the consequences of the sister's greediness.
An audiobook that’s sure to spark chuckles of recognition in children and adults alike. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898852559
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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